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
O'Brien
July 9th, 2010
7:40 pm
I hope Al can continue to grow into our leadership position.
Spurs have resigned Matt Bonner, and have reached a deal with Tiago Splitter. So you can cross them off Shaq’s list.
ryan
July 9th, 2010
7:41 pm
Hey Cunningham any news on the Shaq front it has been reported that the have an offer for 5.5 mill for 2 years is any movement.
Rondo
July 9th, 2010
7:41 pm
second
Najeh Davenpoop
July 9th, 2010
7:45 pm
Grandad posted this on the previous blog, but it’s worth a repost. The best take I’ve seen on the LeBron situation so far.
Tony from Stone Mountain
July 9th, 2010
7:47 pm
Enter your comments here
I Heart Atlanta
July 9th, 2010
7:57 pm
I jus renewed my season tickets and won a signed jersey in the process, i picked al Horford one…. So i hope he gets an extension… and not just because im getting his jersey lol
BrittishAnger
July 9th, 2010
8:00 pm
“(a Jason Collins return is a possibility if he gets in better shape).”
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA……
That being said, great to get Al’s perspective…Horford will get his chance to be Captain of this team…one day….
MaxxHawk
July 9th, 2010
8:11 pm
Hopefully we can sign Al to an extension early. After seeing a myriad of teams lose their best player this offseason, I would think teams would want to take some precautions so as to not end up like Toronto or Cleveland. One question MC- I know Al Jefferson is on the trading block, any interest from the Hawks? Maybe a trade involving Marvin Childress and draft picks?
MaxxHawk
July 9th, 2010
8:13 pm
*Marvin, Childress, and draft picks?
Show me state
July 9th, 2010
8:14 pm
I was reading a report on yahoo that the hawks were interested in udonis haslem….is it true? We can sure use him as well…….http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/rumors/post/Mike-Miller-joining-Heat?urn=nba,254822
MaxxHawk
July 9th, 2010
8:15 pm
Also, what about possibly signing FA Center DJ Mbenga for a big body?
JJ
July 9th, 2010
8:16 pm
MC ~
How exactly does Sund justify getting better by keeping the “core” together and adding FAs when all the top notch FAs are gone? Who’s left that will REALLY help this team? I’m MORE than willing to give Sund the benefit of the doubt when you indicated that they plan to upgrade the team. But seems to me the best way to do that is via trade and now that’s not happening??
The status quo is simply NOT acceptable if he’s going to claim that the Hawks are getting better.
Reginald
July 9th, 2010
8:18 pm
MC
Is Marvn Williams part of that core group? Is it true that the Hawks have interested in Udonis Haslem? Also what are they going to do as far as adding a perimeter defender?
rainman34
July 9th, 2010
8:35 pm
I hope to god we dont go after haslem.
JeJe
July 9th, 2010
8:37 pm
WHY IS THIS TEAM SO LETHARGIC WITH PLAYER MOVEMENT?
HOW IS IT TAKING SO LONG TO SIGN SHAQ? PAY EXTRA IF U HAVE TO. MY GOD. IT TAKES 2 MONTHS TO SIGN JASON COLLINS. IT’LL TAKE 6 MONTHS TO SIGN SHAQ IF HE IS AVAILABLE.
MAKE MOVES AND STOP BEING SUCH A PATHETIC HO-HUM FRONT OFFICE.
THE EAST IS THERE FOR THE TAKING. WE HAVE PERSONNEL. WE HAVE A GOOD COACH. WE HAVE CHEMISTRY. ADD A POINT GUARD AND A CENTER AND SOME VETS. IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE
OR MAYBE IT IS FOR THIS PATHETIC FRONT OFFICE
darrell starks
July 9th, 2010
8:37 pm
RAYMOND FELTON SIGN THE KNICKS.
That open the door for the hawks 2 go after PAUL, PARKER, MONTA.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!
JeJe
July 9th, 2010
8:38 pm
LOL @ PEOPLE WANTING MBENGA
THE GUY IS A JOKE.
HE IS NOT AN NBA CALIBER PLAYER. DO NOT SIGN THIS SCRUB
darrell starks
July 9th, 2010
8:38 pm
JJ I COSIGN
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
JeJe
July 9th, 2010
8:42 pm
CLEVELAND SCREWED UP BIG BY NOT TRADING HICKSON FOR AMARE. HICKSON DID NOTHING IN THE PLAYOFFS. MAKE THAT TRADE FOR AMARE AND LEBRON STAYS.
IDIOTS
AND LEBRON WILL NEVER BE BETTER THAN JORDAN OR KOBE
OR WADE
SteveW
July 9th, 2010
8:49 pm
Josh turns 25, Al and Marvin turn 24, and Teague turns 22 – that is how the Hawks will get better with the core they have. And if ZaZa would improve – he’s only 26.
Mike is back
July 9th, 2010
8:50 pm
MC, really GREAT STUFF…the timely blogs are awesome …are very much appreciated…your on fire right now…OCHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Al and Josh are the corner stones of the team…they feed off each other…you gotta build around them.
On Collins Return, I know AJ will come up with some haymakers on Collins…but if he comes back in better shape…I would welcome him back. He displayed a high IQ of the game the few times he was on the floor…he can do some that Kurt Thomas type stuff.
We need to get somebody…Because Zaza is not going to get it done…we need a Reggie Evan type Big on the bench…someone that likes to mix it up and want back down.
Luke Cage
July 9th, 2010
8:56 pm
MBENGA is a scrub, why would anyone want that stiff?
JeJe
July 9th, 2010
8:58 pm
Sund said you don’t trade for superstars- you draft them.
LOL!!!!!!!!
JeJe
July 9th, 2010
9:01 pm
WE WILL NOT TRADE FOR MELO OR CP3, EVERYONE.
LISTEN TO OUR GM. WE DRAFT SUPERSTARS, AND WE DON’T TRADE FOR THEM. THIS IS VERY APPARENT IN LEBRON AND BOSH’S MOVES TO MIAMI. THEY ARE APPARENTLY NOT SUPERSTARS.
NOW HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO SIGN A PLAYER (ANYONE?) AUGUST 14?
WHAT A JOKE
MOST LETHARGIC OWNERSHIP IN SPORTS.
IT’S SAD BECAUSE THIS ROSTER ACTUALLY HAS POTENTIAL ONCE BIBBY IS GONE
Najeh Davenpoop
July 9th, 2010
9:06 pm
“Sund said you don’t trade for superstars- you draft them.”
Actually he’s right, for the overwhelming majority of superstars. In the last 30 years, other than Shaq and now LeBron, there are almost zero examples of superstar caliber players changing teams via trade or free agency while still being superstar caliber. The few times when it has occurred, it has usually involved players like KG on the downside of their careers or players like Nash who were not thought of as superstars at the time they were traded. Jordan, Kobe, Olajuwon, Duncan, Magic, Bird, etc. all had their best years with the team that drafted them.
The problem for the Hawks, though, is that they blew their chance to draft a superstar by passing up on CP3 and Deron Williams in 2005. Because of that, if they want to acquire another star to pair with Joe, they have no choice but to make a trade.
Prison Mike
July 9th, 2010
9:14 pm
26 my ass, lil z is still the same player he was in milwaukee. Big Z is the center that atlanta will go after.
ROFLMBO!
July 9th, 2010
9:19 pm
Keep marvin, but MO AND BIBBY MUST GO!!!! DID YOU HER ME RICK SUND???? MO AND BIBBY MUST GO!!!!!
ROFLMBO!
July 9th, 2010
9:20 pm
Whooo! Mo Williams Better be ready to bend over next season hah! All that swag is no more! No more stupid dancing either! I’m gonna enjoy every beatdown at the hands of my Hawks hehehe!!!!
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2010/07/mo_williams_reacts_on_twitter.html
P.S Trade Bibby & Mo Evans. NO ONE ELSE!
ROFLMBO!
July 9th, 2010
9:24 pm
Get shaq and there is a guy I like in summer league. A real beat for Boston (Artisom Parakhouski) We should put him at the end of our bench.,
Jody
July 9th, 2010
9:25 pm
Wow. Nobody’s played a game yet and their already having a party.
Bama
July 9th, 2010
9:27 pm
Josh Childress should be signed and if need be trade Marvin Williams. Josh C. can play and defend pg,sg, and sf. He also block shots and finishes well on the fast break. Josh C. is one of the best defenders around,quick, smart and a leader. His defense and smart decision making is needed on the Atlanta Hawks team. SIGN HIM NOW HAWKS.
Bama
JeJe
July 9th, 2010
9:27 pm
MELO AND CP3 ARE RIGHT THERE FOR THE TAKING. THERE’S A REASON MELO HASN’T TAKEN THE EXTENSION YET. HE WANTS TO SEE IF THERE’S A ETTER PLACE TO BE.
THE HAWKS ARE ON THE CUSP OF A CHAMPIONSHIP. WHY IS THIS OWNERSHIP SO LETHARGIC
FIRE SUND
Grandad
July 9th, 2010
9:37 pm
There are still alot of pieces available,
however, time’s a wastin’. Our roster could
be filled out nicely & surpass Miami.
The problem…Sund and his plodding style.
Orlando is still the team to beat.
Atl. could very easily move into the 2 spot.
the way I see it Chicago should be right there
depending on how they fill out their roster.
I’ll not coronate Miami just yet.
-NOW-
I’m gonna play devil’s advocate against my own argument.
-Shaq-
*He could give the Hawks an infusion of confidence.
*being redundant – add Swagger.
*Add some toughness.
*Give the team some national credibility [Stern/officials/etc]
*I think he would do more for Al than Joe.
[national recognition] e g promoting Al *”____ ____ ________”
*insert nickname
adrain
July 9th, 2010
9:54 pm
Do we Know how josh Smith is working on his game this summer
Billy Knight
July 9th, 2010
10:09 pm
If Sund is such a better judge of talent than me, why does he keep re-signing my draft picks and trades for big money?
northcyde
July 9th, 2010
10:15 pm
Shaq has 4 options:
- Play for the Hawks with a MLE contract ( 2 yrs – 12 million ) . . make the final year a player option
- Play in Miami for the vet minimum, and join the “SuperFriends” . . seeing that he is the original “Superman”, and see if he can piggyback with them to win a Ring.
- Play for the Nets, with an inflated contract, ( 2 yrs – 20 million ) and sell ticks for the Russian and Jay-Z in Newark . . before they move to Brooklyn
- Retire
*************
It is too much to ask to get a big man that can actually play on BOTH ENDS of the court? Is it too much to ask to acquire the type of big man that scores via making a low post move or grabbing an offensive rebounf and scoring? Can we at least add that option to our scoring attack?
Haslem is a good consolation prize. Much better than what Joe Smith was. But he scores via shooting jumpers and is more of the same of what we already have . . . ( a smallish big man that is asked to play bigger than he is )
I personally want this Shaq stuff to be over and done with by this time next week. Either make an offer to him, and tell him that we need an answer by Wednesday . . . or come out and PUBLICALLY announce that we are no longer interested in Shaq, to kill all speculation.
The same goes for the Childress situation. Just get that ish over and done with. Either get something for him, or let him walk. There’s nothing in the GM rulebook that says that you can’t let a marginal contract player walk, and take his cap number off of your books.
Just make your move by next week Sund. Don’t (( bleep )p around,and let what happened last year, and let a guy like Joe Smith leave you in limbo . . or be so desperate, that a guy like Jason Collins is the only dude left.
**********
MC . . whenever you read this, do me a favor man. Look up Shaq’s point per possession stats on Synergy and post what they are . . please sir?
CJ
July 9th, 2010
10:16 pm
The best thing in the world just happened for the hawks. that was Lebrin giong to Miami. Shaq strength is also his weakness at times, thats his pride. when he left the lakers for miami he came in the best of his career. there would be nothing greater for him to lead a team that everyone is saying dosen’t a chance to beat a team that we can clearly call an evil empire. think he will come in and give it all he’s got. With him tutoring Josh, Al, and Zsa-Zsa they’re only going to get better. his leadership will help the team. I think this put over the top
terrell
July 9th, 2010
10:17 pm
Felton to NY.
O'Brien
July 9th, 2010
10:20 pm
Grandad,
For what its worth, Sund signed Mo Evans the end of July 2008, and signed Flip Murray middle of August 2008.
Last summer, he traded for Jamal in June 2009. So he has moved swiftly, and he has taken his time.
northcyde,
Agreed. Hawks need to be proactive. Figure out whats going on with Chills, and then make an offer to Shaq, especially since Spurs are probably out of the running (they signed Tiago), and Dallas might not be trading Dampier after all.
Michael Cunningham
July 9th, 2010
10:22 pm
@ryan: there is no Shaq offer yet
JeJe
July 9th, 2010
10:23 pm
This team is a joke.
Every good player linked to this team — we just wait and wait until they are snatched away. The Shaq rumor started 5 nights ago. SIGN THE GUY. ANY EXTRA MONEY U SPEND WILL BE NEGATED THROUGH EXTRA TICKET REVENUE.
SIGN SHAQ
Michael Cunningham
July 9th, 2010
10:23 pm
@MaxxHawk: the feeling i get is Hawks aren’t really looking at trades right now. free agents are the preference.
Michael Cunningham
July 9th, 2010
10:26 pm
@Reginald: not sure about Haslem. i don’t see where he would fit. do the Hawks need another 4? all i’ve heard with the Hawks is they are looking for bigs. Haslem would be great for the locker room, though.
Michael Cunningham
July 9th, 2010
10:27 pm
@SteveW: “Josh turns 25, Al and Marvin turn 24, and Teague turns 22 – that is how the Hawks will get better with the core they have. And if ZaZa would improve – he’s only 26.”
that’s the way Sund sees it.
Jody
July 9th, 2010
10:28 pm
Doesn’t look like the Hawks will be changing much from last season.
Grandad
July 9th, 2010
10:29 pm
A good [hypothetical] S&T.
Childress to Toronto
-Hawks get-
Reggie Evans
I wonder if Sund ever sits around & actually has an “Idea”?
-OR-
Sometimes things just fall in his lap.
-& or-
After the fact, he goes:
Wish I would’a thought o’ that???
O'Brien
July 9th, 2010
10:34 pm
Grandad,
Toronto made an offer to Kleiza. I dont think they would want him AND Childress.
@MC,
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.
Michael Cunningham
July 9th, 2010
10:35 pm
@northcyde: “MC . . whenever you read this, do me a favor man. Look up Shaq’s point per possession stats on Synergy and post what they are . . please sir?”
offense: .95 overall 795 possessions (161st), post-ups .85 505 possessions (92nd)
defense: .85 overall 312 possessions (80th), post-ups .92 95 possessions (187th)
Grandad
July 9th, 2010
10:36 pm
O’Brien
You’re right;
I’m somewhat impatient, on occasion.
Now I’ve got the patience of Job compared to Mrs. Grandad.
She wants thangs done the day before yesterday.
UGA
July 9th, 2010
10:41 pm
MC,
What good BIGS are left that would be a good fit aside from Shaq and Brad Miller?
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
OK
July 10th, 2010
7:59 am
I can’t BELEIVE Mo Evans thought his contract was UNDERVALUED. I’m sick of his constant pouting on the bench for playing time. Maybe if he actually learned as skill like dribbling or how to make a layup I wouldn’t mind his over-inflated ego. But that is not the case. He has one of the funkyest jumpers side from josh childress.
Luke Jackson and Pape Sy are bigger, can shoot better and can dribble/make plays for others. Bye Bye Mo “I’m selfish and overrated” Evans
He didn’t opt out because no one, I repeat NO ONE would want him if he did.
Just look at that fool Richard Jefferson. Opted out of his final year worth 15mill thinking he was gonna get some of that Free Agent Frenzy chash lol. Without Joshon Kidd he’s no better that Marvin lol. Heck, AT LEAST Marvin can shoot a little! Teams arent even willing to give jefferson more than the MLE. Even the sorry teams like NY wih cap space lol!
Players and their ego’s man, SMH.
OK
July 10th, 2010
7:59 am
Are some of you really calling for Matt Barnes? LOL! Dude is not better than Luke Jackson, just give that kid a shot. You will be impressed.
OK
July 10th, 2010
8:02 am
*Jason Kidd
OK
July 10th, 2010
8:13 am
Matt Barnes has had the luxury of playing for very good teams like Mo Evans but anyone with a good basketball eye can see that they are of the same class. Which isn’t saying much. Barnes is just a little bigger and a little older. but he can’t dribble or make layups either. He can shoot if he’s OPEN like Mo SOMETIMES. People PLEASE…
Did you guy’s not see what’s happeneing in Miami? I the words of TLC “NO MORE SCRUBS!”
OK
July 10th, 2010
8:15 am
^Trade Mike Bibby. For a pretzel and a soft drink.
I forgot to add that at the end. My bad.
N-Trigue
July 10th, 2010
8:34 am
MC
Do you think the Hawks are interested in Luis Scola? Oh and Papa Sy is the truth don’t be surprized to see him make the team and take Bibbys mins he’s ready right now remember I said it!
JeJe
July 10th, 2010
9:31 am
This team doesn’t need a defensive perimeter wing…It needs a Jerk…An @$$hole like Matt Banes or Raja Bell.. Mo Evans could be that guy but he’s soft. We need a jerk on this team like an Artest
JoJo the Godfather
July 10th, 2010
9:54 am
A few more offseason ideas:
- Trade of Mike Bibby & Mo Evans to Charlotte for Boris Diaw. Use Diaw as a ball handler, passer & defender at the 3 & 4 off the bench. Charlotte balances out their roster by adding a couple guards on cheaper contracts.
- Free agent signing of Ian Mahinmi (23-yr old C that played in San Antonio last year). Injury & foul prone but extremely athletic. 12th or 13th roster spot could pay off big down the road though.
OK
July 10th, 2010
9:57 am
Boris Diaw! Ahhhhhhh! Nightmares lol. I would rather re-sign Childress than have either Matt Barnes or Diaw on this roster. Ian Mahinmi seems interesting though. I like his motor.
Nate ArchiBALL
July 10th, 2010
10:00 am
Sign Shaq and/or Kwame Brown. Then flip a coin between Jason Collins and Randolph Morris. Kwame fits the athletic mold of this team. Kwame’s stats are very similar to ZaZa’s plus his salary is much lower.
One thing to consider, the offense will change when Shaq is playing with the starters The team becomes less athletic and some what out of synch (slowing the team down from time to time may not be a bad thing)
Hawks also need to take a real long look at Shaun Livingston as a backup PG.
OK
July 10th, 2010
10:01 am
Now Josh Childress can play Defense! 1-3 positions as well. Why don’t we just try to make amends with the guy? Based on what Miami is doing, we could use all the help we can get.
O'Brien
July 10th, 2010
10:01 am
According to hoopshype.com, After signing Kyle korver (3 years, $15 mil), bulls signed JJ redick to a 3 years $19 mil (front loaded) offer sheet. I wonder if Orlando will match.
Another Guy I like (Anthony morrow from GS) has signed a 3 years $12 mil offer with the nets. He played at GT, went undrafted, and we didn’t see what GS did. Will golden state match?
With the high price for free agent shooters, maybe gladyr can be our shooter.
OK
July 10th, 2010
10:08 am
O’Brien, Agreed.
I didn’t realize how bad Gerald Green sucked until I watched him play in summerleague for LA yeasterday. But that kid Devin Ebanks can ball. Dude showed out!
JoJo the Godfather
July 10th, 2010
10:08 am
Diaw in the “Mo Evans” role is a huge upgrade especially in a ball-motion offense. He’s a solid defender at multiple positions, handles the ball like a PG, and averages over 4 assists and 5 rebs a game…The biggest plus to this trade would be balancing out our roster. We move Bibby & Evans, which allows for a defensive-minded or starting PG to be added, in exchange for a solid 3/4 guy off the bench.
Big Ray
July 10th, 2010
10:11 am
Glad to see Al has confidence in himself in the center position. He just has to play tougher, is all.
Now if we can just add Shaq or some credible center type to play. I’d take Shaq, but who knows if this will really happen.
JoJo the Godfather
July 10th, 2010
10:12 am
OK…signing Childress adds significant salary. Trading for a guy to fill that role and adding salary at other positions might make more sense. I like Childress too, but its looking more and more like the Hawks will let him walk or try to trade him for cheaper parts/picks.
Big Ray
July 10th, 2010
10:16 am
Diaw could actually play, and was very versatile. He just hated playing for Woody and has self esteem issues.
Pape Sy is in the Diaw mold (can handle the ball and make passes), but early reports suggest he’s more aggressive.
Big Ray
July 10th, 2010
10:16 am
JoJo ,
I’m hoping for a trade. I hate to see him walk… again .
Big Ray
July 10th, 2010
10:18 am
Bulls are building things up. I don’t think we’ll be able to walk all over them like we did last year.
JeJe
July 10th, 2010
10:29 am
Miami is gonna go after these guys:
Other veteran free agents who could be on the Heat’s radar: Raja Bell, Yakhouba Diawara, Keyon Dooling, Devean George, Mike James, Jarvis Hayes, Eddie House, Jawan Howard, Larry Hughes, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Flip Murray, Chris Quinn, Brian Skinner, Etan Thomas, Ben Wallace and Jason Williams.
Pretty solid list. Still think we could get Damien Wilkins for nothing
Android
July 10th, 2010
10:30 am
Quite simple if one thinks about it, to strengthen this club, four things take place.
1.Deal to Minnesota:
Marvin Williams
Mike Bibby
Acquire from Minn:Al Jefferson.
re-sign J.Childress
sign U.Haslem.
and Matt Barnes.
OK
July 10th, 2010
10:32 am
JoJo/Ray, After reading your explanation, it makes more sense. Diaw left me with bad vibes after his stint in Atlanta and he didn’t play too well in the playoffs last season, but It seems like a win/win trade. Self-esteem issues seemed to have been the main theme in Woodsons tenure with the Hawks. Thank God that clown is outta here!
I’d hate to see Chills leave for nothing, but at this point, draft picks may be the way to go.
Android
July 10th, 2010
10:33 am
or replace Barnes, with J Farmar
Android
July 10th, 2010
10:34 am
My line-up
Teague
Johnson
Smoove
Jefferson
Horford!
JoJo the Godfather
July 10th, 2010
10:40 am
Diaw’s playoff series really upset the Charlotte fans with his 1 for 9 from 3 and 3 turnovers a game…If you look past that though, he also avgd 7.5pts, 5 rebs & 4 assts per game on 50% shooting from the floor…Compare that to what Marvin Williams did for us against that same Orlando team: 6.3 pts, 4.5 rebs, 0.3 assts on 30% shoting from the floor (0 for 1 from 3 with no turnovers).
Big Ray
July 10th, 2010
10:41 am
OK ,
I think the rap on Woody was that he wasn’t a confidence builder, and guys who could go either way struggled under him. He allowed a lot, but he didn’t proactively help player development. Nobody will come right out and say that, as they want to be respectful and polite, but the hints have been there.
Big Ray
July 10th, 2010
10:41 am
JoJo the Godfather
Exactly…
JoJo the Godfather
July 10th, 2010
10:43 am
Android…my only problem with that line up is that only 1 guy in your starting 5 can consistently hit a shot from over 15 ft…A big front line would give us fits still.
KevinM
July 10th, 2010
10:46 am
I agree with looking at Minnesota and clear up their logjam.
I also agree with looking and inquiring about Kwame, but really, how much did he help either the Lakers or Detroit? Do you really think he is starting to ‘get it’? I think it is far too late for him to change his habits.
Al Jefferson is intriguing especially in a 1/2 court offense. I know he doesn’t play defense and he has a big contract. But if you can get him in place with Marvin and Bibby, doesn’t that make it less of a risk? Or a straight up Smoove for Al move?
Teague / Joe / Jefferson / Marvin / Horford
That gives Marvin one more shot at proving himself in the offense and gives him another shot at being our defensive presence on the outside. He truly needs to be able to limit the superstars.
Al talks like things are really going forward, but truthfully, we have taken a step back with an unproven coach and just extended a king’s ransom to our #1, who truly is a #2 or 3.
So things aren’t on the uptick IMO until we make a couple of moves.
Ken Strickland
July 10th, 2010
10:51 am
Have you noticed how certain Hawk fans automatically categorize certain players they know nothing about as scrubs, especially if they prefer another player? These are some of the same mentalities that most likely said the same things about Ben Wallace, before Joe Dumars traded for him.
In fact, MBenga is offensive limited, just like Big Ben, he’s very strong and athletic, just like Big Ben, he’s shown the potential to be a good shot blocker and rebounder, just like Big Ben, he’s a legitimate 7′ 255lbs, unlike Big Ben(6′9″ 240lbs), he sat at the end of the bench and got few mins and opportunities, just like Big Ben, he runs the floor very well, just like Big Ben, and we can get him cheaply(he made less than $1M), just like Big Ben.
Of course, one must be able to look beyond his/her personal issues and/or desires and think rationally in order to see or accept his acquisition as a positive. While I can see positives in us acquiring Shaq, his injury history and limited stamina issues would require that he have a backup. In LDrew’s version of a motion OFF, JChildress would be ideal. He’d give us an excellent ball hander, penetrator, passer, defender, rebounder, and a very efficient 3pt shooter and scorer, as well as provide tremendous versatility.
He’d be the glue that holds everything together.
KevinM
July 10th, 2010
11:00 am
But seriously, does anyone seeing Sund making the offer to acquire a big man without touching our ‘core’? I don’t think it is possible, and any move to improve is worth pursuing.
Sounds like we are going to wait out the Shaq opportunity and see if he falls in our lap.
Android
July 10th, 2010
11:02 am
How bout an additional deal that sends Smoove/ Evans to the Nets for Brook Lopez?
PG: Teague
SG:Joe
SF:Jefferson
C:Lopez
PF:Horford
Android
July 10th, 2010
11:05 am
Or just keep Smoove, and scratch the Jefferson deal, and trade Bibby, Childress, and Marvin to the Nest for Lopez?
Teague
Joe
Smoove
Lopez
Horf.
Android
July 10th, 2010
11:05 am
add Mbenga
and Barnes
Back to square 1
July 10th, 2010
11:05 am
Give me a break!
July 10th, 2010
11:01 am
They have to do that to keep Horford’s image up. The rest of the players like Smoove, JJ, Crawford have enough talent to command attention. Horford is average is most categories, less than average in some, and above average in none.
Yea, me too. Id like to hear from the other players and this does seem a bit one side.
Keep your chin up.
Android
July 10th, 2010
11:07 am
Best bet is
sign;
Mbenga
Farmar
Haslem.
Trade:
Smoove for Lopez:
and keep the rest of the core together.
OK
July 10th, 2010
11:07 am
JoJo, I just lost some more respect for marvin after looking at those stats.
Ray, I’m not gonna bash old Pottato head anymore since he’s FINALLY gone. But if I was in Hawks Management, I wouldn’t pull any punches I’d come right out and say it. He needed to be called out. He had to be the most stubborn coach in Hawks history.
KevinM, we ALL know that’s exactly whats going to happen. SMH.
LOL
July 10th, 2010
11:08 am
Worship Horford.
KevinM
July 10th, 2010
11:09 am
Moving Chills should benefit us more than keeping him…realistically, is there a slot for him behind Marvin, Mo and Jamal/Joe? I don’t see him getting more than 10 min/game. And who’s to say he hasn’t regressed over in Greece? Are we talking about someone who may have improved overseas or are we thinking that Chills is as good a player as he left 2 years ago. Plain and simple, he is not as much a need for us as he is an asset to acquire a need. If you bring Chills back, Mo and Jamal probably need to be moved.
That’s one piece that might make sense for us to take a chance on a bloated contract. Minnesota or Washington could use him and give him a bigger opportunity. They have pieces of interest that can improve our playoff performances. LIke an Artest, who didnt do much until the playoffs, we bring in 2 vets who can supply a punch.
Android
July 10th, 2010
11:10 am
or supplant Horf for Smoove in the Nets deal, keep the jefferson deal in place and look like this.
Teague
Joe
Smoove
Lopez
Jefferson.
OK
July 10th, 2010
11:11 am
KenS, Yeah he’d be a legit anchor for that 2nd unit. His play just holds things together. HE does all the little things. I’ve come to really miss that since he’s left, even though we’ve been succesful without him.
Oh yeah, and trade Bibby. That is all.
Mo Too.
Android
July 10th, 2010
11:13 am
Keep our Team as is, and deal Horf, and Chillz to the Nets for Lopez.
Marvin and Evans to Minn for Jefferson.
sign Haslem
Mbenga
Farmar
Android
July 10th, 2010
11:15 am
front line of Smoove, Lopez,Jefferson.
or line of Smoove, Horf, Marvin?
I prefer the first.
Big Ray
July 10th, 2010
11:16 am
Hah! I knew Truth Serum wouldn’t be able to take it. A post on Al Horford (much less a positive one), and he goes bananas, ROFLMBAO!!
“Back to square 1″ , “Give me a break!”, “LOL”….
Same old story. Make a post under a phony name, then make two more under different phony names, agreeing with the first post. Transparent, redundant, and mildly entertaining every once in a while.
Now where’s Grandad to go out and defend his dear little “Hatter”?
Big Ray
July 10th, 2010
11:18 am
Android ,
That’s wishful thinking, my friend. Ain’t gonna happen. Jefferson? Doable, but I heard he’s headed for Cleveland if they can get the deal done (just rumor, but the T-Wolves want that massive Trade Exception the Cavs got from a S&T of Lebron to the Heat).
Lopez? Not gonna happen. You don’t trade away a traditionally sized center that you drafted, and who figures to make the all-star team for several years if he continues to improve.
Big Ray
July 10th, 2010
11:19 am
KevinM ,
Agreed…
JeJe
July 10th, 2010
11:19 am
LOL @ Give Me a Break
Right on.. MC ignores certain questions like what SPECIFIC players we are going after, why he didn’t ask Joe if he considered taking less money. Every single blog is about Horford or about how much money we have to spend, with MC using all this sophisticated salary cap BS that half of us don’t understand.
WHAT ARE MARVIN SMOOVE AND BIBBY DOING THIS SUMMER TO IMPROVE THEIR GAMES?
Android
July 10th, 2010
11:22 am
Big Ray, I know man spot on with ain’t hapning, one b/c Sund is as slow as a damn snail, and two Management just ain’t that aggressive.
ILL-logical
July 10th, 2010
11:23 am
@archiBALL:The idea of signing Kwame is growing on me; maybe he is finally “getting it”.
The biggest change that Coach Drew can/should bring is the emphasis on playoff performance rather than the regular season record. While there is a rational relationship between the two-seeding- the best teamss use the regular season to prepare for the playoffs. And that doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice many wins it means that you establish who and what will be most effective in the three week season called the playoffs where adjustments are required and not optional as under the the previous head coach.
Android
July 10th, 2010
11:24 am
But Shaq, and his hoverround dang sure ain’t an answer.
Chillz for McGee
Jamal, and Bibby for M.Gasol might be an option, but i doubt it.
JeJe
July 10th, 2010
11:24 am
ENOUGH OF THE BLOGS ABOUT OUR CAP SITUATION
WHAT PLAYERS IS THIS TEAM GOING AFTER?
WHY HAS THERE BEEN NO OFFER TO SHAQ? ARE OTHER TEAMS INTERESTED IN HIM?
Anyone else notice MC’s comment before about how he doesn’t care about how this team does, that he just reports the news?
Good to hear
LOL
OK
July 10th, 2010
11:24 am
Bibby! Hah! *throws up in mouth*
Yeah, next we want MC to do an article on what Mo Evans is doing also!!! LMBO!!
Seriously People!
Android
July 10th, 2010
11:27 am
What about Tyson Chandler?
OK
July 10th, 2010
11:28 am
They’re eating Hamburgers with RandMo and Jason Collins. That’s what they’re doing. SMH
TRADE THEM FOOLS!
OK
July 10th, 2010
11:29 am
Androind, I think Tyson is about to re-up with the Bobcats. I read it somewhere.
JeJe
July 10th, 2010
11:29 am
“Gery Woelfel: Shaq to Spurs rumor heating up. Would fit in nicely with their system. Twitter”
THIS IS GREAT TO HEAR. WTF IS ASG DOING. IS GEARON IN EUROPE AGAIN? IS SUND IN SEATTLE RECRUITING PLAYERS FROM THE SONICS EVEN THOUGH THEY MOVED 3 YEARS AGO?
!@#$.GET SOMETHING DONE ALREADY.
SteveW
July 10th, 2010
11:30 am
I think Gladyr, Sy, Jordan are all being looked at by management as possible replacements for Jamal Crawford, who is a FA next year, and Mo’ Evans. I think it is impossible for ASG to re-sign Jamal and Horford, and they have come to the proper conclusion that keeping Horford is the best solution. Al should jump on his 5 yr. 83m deal – has too by Oct. 31st if offered – if not, have you ever heard of a knee injury? Come on, don’t play the fans or yourself by holding out for another few mil. His agent is Arn Tellum – same as JJ – so look for ATL to get rooked.
For bigs – need guys better than Joe Smith, Collins and RandMo. Z may take the minimum. Shaq and Miller would be quality. Mbenga is a gamble, but may be worth it. RandMo – may be something someday, we’ll see. Ben Wallace played tough last year also. Spend the draft day 3mil like you said you would! Upgrade this team – we’re close….
Android
July 10th, 2010
11:30 am
or Hasheem Thabeet?
Section 303
July 10th, 2010
11:34 am
Since our power went out last night, I’m a little late to this blog party.
But, I’ve read people ripping on Jason Collins. I think that guy is a good player. He showed himself well, during the few opportunities he was allowed to play last season. He can hit the mid-range jumper and he is not afraid to mix it up down low. Plus, if the refs will get off his back, he can bang with Dwight Howard. He did a solid job on Howard during the playoffs last year. The officials just refused to give him a call. I still say game 2 of that series goes to the Hawks, had the refs not screwed Collins. Howard would have had foul trouble, had to sit, and things could have been different.
Anyways, while I agree Collins should catch sh#t for not staying on top of his weight, I think some of you are underestimating him as a player. I think he can contribute. He has skills to offer–jump shot, willingness to fight down low. I hope he drops the lbs and is brought back by the Hawks.
Also, if you have not read the book “07 Seconds or Less, by Jack McCullum, you should. He follows the Suns through the ‘06-’07 season. In the book, the Suns see Jason Collins as a tough guy, who gives “cheap shots”. I think we all agree the Hawks need some tough guys. Collins could fill that role.
Android
July 10th, 2010
11:34 am
Sung and the All $hit Group aren’t gonna move quickly, gotta go down to Piedmont Park and troll for pennies first!
OK
July 10th, 2010
11:35 am
JeJe, Yup I heard a rumor that Rick is negotiating a contract with Danny Fortson as we speak! SMH
Hoops
July 10th, 2010
11:37 am
Android,
You remind me of Brett Favre. You can’t make your mind up on what trade you want! LOL
LOL
July 10th, 2010
11:37 am
I have to agree, This is not a hawks blog site but a Horford fan club site. Its it possible to hear about and from other team memebers. Ive lost count of the Horford articles…didnt you just do another one last week? & the week before? I dont recall ANY Josh Smith interviews or articles which is foolish because he is an atlanta native.
As for as truth serum I never met the man but if he is tired of the AL Horford slant to the blog then I can see his point.
Give me a break!
July 10th, 2010
11:39 am
Ditto LOL. Lets hear from the other players.
OK
July 10th, 2010
11:40 am
U wanna see Josh Smith? Just go to freaking Marietta. He’s not bashful. I know he’s there at home ’cause he’s certainly not in suwanee with Mark Price like he should be. Gas must be too much for him.
Give me a break!
July 10th, 2010
11:41 am
Thanks for the support.
Back to square 1
July 10th, 2010
11:05 am
Give me a break!
July 10th, 2010
11:01 am
They have to do that to keep Horford’s image up. The rest of the players like Smoove, JJ, Crawford have enough talent to command attention. Horford is average is most categories, less than average in some, and above average in none.
Yea, me too. Id like to hear from the other players and this does seem a bit one side.
Exposed!
July 10th, 2010
11:42 am
Android = big ray
OK
July 10th, 2010
11:43 am
Maybe instead of a draft party this time, Josh can host a Free Agency Party! This time bring LeBoob, CB4, Cryabay Wade and the rest of their Groupies! Nice way to pass he summer. No jump shots involved SMH.
Exposed!
July 10th, 2010
11:43 am
Android is rays plant baby.
JeJe
July 10th, 2010
11:45 am
LOL!
Can we GET AN UPDATE BLOG ON MATT FREIJE? I HEARD HE WAS ON OUR TEAM 4 YEARS AGO AND I’D LOVE AN UPDATE ON HIM OVER MARVIN OR BIBBY.
CAN WE GET AN UPDATE ON ZAZA’S RESTAURANT?
CAN WE GET AN UPDATE ON SMOOVE’S FAN SITE?
CAN WE GET AN UPDATE ON JOSH CHILDRESS’ SHOES COLLECTION?
CAN WE GET AN UPDATE ON HORFORD’S FLUENCY IN SPANISH?
CAN WE GET AN UPDATE ON JAMAL AND NATE’S FRIENDSHIP?
CAN WE GET AN UPDATE ON MICHAEL GEARON JR’S RECENT TRIP TO EUROPE?
CAN WE PLEASE NOT GET AN UPDATE ON SMOOVE’S WORK ETHIC, MARVIN’S SUMMER WITH SEAN MAY AT UNC AND HIS AFRICAN STUDIES DEGREE, OR BIBBY’S WORKOUT ROUTINE THIS SUMMER? OBVIOUSLY NONE OF US CARE ABOUT THAT STUFF
Back to square 1
July 10th, 2010
11:46 am
If you would just fall down and worship horford it will go well for you on this site and Ray will leave you alone, but If you dont act as if horfords 12 points and 9 rebounds is earth shattering then you will be barred.
Next week we will publish the 12 article this year on horford. Make sure you read it or else.
JeJe
July 10th, 2010
11:46 am
SO DOES ANYONE ELSE THINK THAT THE LAPDOG WILL BE THE ID CHECKER AT THE MIAMI PARTIES THIS WEEKEND?
Van
July 10th, 2010
11:46 am
If the Hawks wants to get to the next level and compete for NBA TITLE signed Shaq.
OK
July 10th, 2010
11:47 am
We can all Marvel at an article about how Marvin is training in North Carolina against Fierce competiton that includes Sean May, another member of the hamburger club.
OK
July 10th, 2010
11:48 am
LOL @ JeJe
Android
July 10th, 2010
11:49 am
I think that Android, is not Big Ray, in fact I have the opinion that Ray is probably an ethnic brother of color from a different Mother.
have a keen idea that Ray is significantly different from me.
Just two people on board, with these Hawks taking a step forward.
JeJe
July 10th, 2010
11:49 am
why would U NOT RESIGN JAMAL? HE IS THE EASIEST SCORER ON THIS TEAM. HE’S A VET. HE CAN SCORE. HE CAN OUTSHINE OTHER SUPERSTARS. RESIGN HIM FOR 8 MILL A YR. HE HAS NOT REGRESSED
JeJe
July 10th, 2010
11:50 am
NO, OK. YOU ARE WRONG MY HOMIE
MARVIN TRAINS WITH SEAN MAY, NOT AGAINST HIM. THEY PLAYED AT UNC.
MARVIN HAS 4 MORE GUARANTEED YEARS LEFT ON CONTRACT. NOT EVEN A TEAM OPTION. LOL WHY WOULD HE OPT OUT OF A PLAYER OPTION IN YR 5
cdog
July 10th, 2010
11:52 am
EVERY TEAM THAT IS IN CONTENTION AND SOME THAT ARE NOT,ARE TRYING TO IMPROVE TO PUSH FOR THE NBA TITLE EXCEPT RICK SUND.HE’S GETTING PAID FOR DOING NOTHING BUT SOME IDIOTIC PEOPLE ARE STILL BLAMING BILLY KNIGHT.SUND IS DESTROYING THE HAWKS BY JUST SITTING ON HIS BUTT.HE HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING TO HELP THE TEAM SINCE HE HAS BEEN HERE. SUND IS THE MAIN PROBLEM.AS LONG AS HE IS GM, THE HAWKS WON’T GET ANY BETTER.TALKING ABOUT NEEDING A NEW VOICE, WE NEED A NEW GM, THEN YOU WILL SEE THE HAWKS START TO GET TO THE NEXT LEVEL.SUND SHOULD EITHER GET OFF HIS BUTT NOW, GET THE CELL PHONE FROM STUCK IN HIS EAR,STOP TRYING TO FOOL THE FANS AND EITHER EARN HIS PAYCHECK OR HIT THE ROAD.
OK
July 10th, 2010
11:53 am
JeJe lol, I know this.
Wether he trains with or against Sean “cheeseburger” May it’s not a good look.
wordsmithtom
July 10th, 2010
12:01 pm
As Hawks summer camp ensues this weekend, I’m getting anxious to see the young birds fly next week. See who wants to win a job…see the new coach’s system….see if Teague is ready to step up…see if RandMo can grow a set. I’m especially interested in this Sy kid. I though he was a forward, but they’re playing him at point???!!! The footage on him is he is long, lean, and slashes to finish at the rim. He’s already an upgrade over Mario since he can shoot a 3.
Big men. K Brown might be worth a shot here. If he has developed an attitude adjustment, a return “home” might just be what the doctor orders. Often times, it takes big men longer to get with the NBA program. Brown was a victim of too much success too young. He’s no longer “too young”. I’d rather take a chance there, than waste money on Father Time…er. Shaq.
moderate Dezz Nutzz
July 10th, 2010
12:05 pm
Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael CunninghamAtlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again,
Caught up with Al Horford again, Atlanta Hawks: Catching up (again) with Al Horford
7:31 pm July 9, 2010, by Michael Cunningham
Caught up with Al Horford again,
moderate Dezz Nutzz
July 10th, 2010
12:05 pm
So, How is horford doing?
Lou Dobbs
July 10th, 2010
12:10 pm
Horford really isn’t that bad. He was an All-Star las season. Remeber? Did u see his dunkt over Tim Duncan? That was sweet!
Hello Wetback Comunity!
WORSHIP HORFORD
July 10th, 2010
12:11 pm
WORSHIP HORFORD OR ELSE
Geemack
July 10th, 2010
12:11 pm
Wow you guys act like Chills is the 2nd coming of Scottie Pippen.
Anyone that doesn’t think this team needs upgrading is delusional.
Remember this the same teams thats quit 2 year in a row in the playoffs, and the teams they lost to didn’t even get to the NBA finals.
JJ needs help. The Eastern Conference is better, and to come back with the same team would be insanity.
The Hawks needs a leader that’s extemely competative, and won’t concede to teams that are better on paper.
We have attractive pecies that would work well in trades (Josh Smith, Jamal Crawfords contract, Bibby’s contract, Chills exception, & Mo Evans Contract).
Ken Strickland has mention Okurford more than once and has outline how it’s possible. This will give the Hawks some of the elements it’s been missing the last 2 season, defensive toughness and rebounding.
Another player I thinks can be had is Gilbert Arenas. I would love to see that back court with Josh or Horford on the front line Okurford.
We can not come back with same team, and expect better results.
Frank
July 10th, 2010
12:14 pm
The NBA game is all about matchups. JJ guards Lebron, Al on Bosh; Marvin/Evans/Childress?/Barnes? on Wade (give him fits with length-has that occasionally worked?) with Smoove helping out lurking to clean up the mess when they drive and Crawford/Teague/Crawford/Bibby occasionally doubling from the top to dig steals out.
I like the idea of taking away Barnes to weaken Orlando and toughen us up. Hopefully Reddick will go join the Dukies. Orlando has some aging stars(Carter, Lewis) but still is tough. And I still think the Hawks will matchup to Boston well.
The real X-factors will be the play of Teague and the new Crawford. Still liking the Youtube of Jordan Crawford slamming over Lebron last summer-kid has no fear! Can you imagine a rotation that goes legitimately 10-deep consistently? and moves the ball! And runs plays? And changes up the defense?
I think Shaq will join the Super Friends or take the money in NJ. I’d like to see what he’d do for the Hawks though.
BTW, while they’re at it, maybe the Heat should get the Lopez twins(or the Collins twins!) for their roster-Wonder twin powers-activate! The Heat better get a few shooters to spot up other than Miller, and some grunt rebounders!
WORSHIP HORFORD
July 10th, 2010
12:14 pm
BOW DOWN AND TALK ABOUT HORFORD, DONT MAKE ME BLOCK YOU!
northcyde
July 10th, 2010
12:21 pm
Rick is probably working hard behind the scenes. But if he wants specific players ( or a specific player ), he’s going to have to overpay for them a bit. It seems as if everyone is getting overpaid in this free agent market. You don’t significantly overpay for them ( see Tyrus Thomas @ 8 mill a year ). But you may have to use the full MLE on somebody to get them.
northcyde
July 10th, 2010
12:23 pm
By the way . . . this is a good free agent list to look at. It not only lists all of the restricted and unrestricted free agents, it tells you what they signed for when they do sign a deal. This is a very good site to keep up with who is available.
2010 Free Agents
OK
July 10th, 2010
12:39 pm
Mario West is an RFA??? Release his rights now Rick!
Big Ray
July 10th, 2010
12:40 pm
Android ,
You’re correct, bruh.
northcyde
July 10th, 2010
12:41 pm
I will say this about Matt Barnes. His Defensive PER at the SF position is 13.3 with an eFG% given up of 44.6% . . which is damn near outstanding.
That has to be near the top of the league at SF.
Just a quick scan of names of SF’s and their Defensive PER at SF
Artest: 12.9 ( 46.7% Defensive eFG% )
Lebron: 15.6 ( 50.3% )
Pierce: 15.7 ( 48.9% )
Marvin: 15.7 ( 51.7% )
G. Wallace: 15.9 ( 51.7%)
Iggy: 15.9 ( 49.8% )
Prince: 16.8 ( 54.4% )
So as a defensive specialists, Barnes does rank right up there with the best.
Big Ray
July 10th, 2010
12:42 pm
I’m not trippin’ off of Truth Serum and all of his haterism agenda and phony names. I mean, isn’t that what “GROWN AZZ MEN” do? What? “GROWN AZZ MEN” have more testicular fortitude than to hide behind some phony names? Dang, who would have known.
Hey TS, change your name to “The Ragin’ Asian”, I think it fits…LOL
Big Ray
July 10th, 2010
12:44 pm
Northcyde ,
I’d take Barnes in a heartbeat. But I don’t know if Sund can/will pull that one off. I have to give it to the guy, he’s a warrior and won’t give up a starting spot without a fight.
Big Ray
July 10th, 2010
12:45 pm
GeeMack,
Gilbert Arenas? Are you serious? Man, even if that was a good idea, we couldn’t afford him. Besides, I’d take JJ over him ANY day.
Big Ray
July 10th, 2010
12:46 pm
…for the money.
darrell starks
July 10th, 2010
12:47 pm
SPURS TONY PARKER 28 GOERGE HILL 24 WHO SPURS CHOOSE ? HILL
WARRIORS STEPHEN CURRY 30 MONTA ELLIS 24 WHO WARRIORS CHOOSE ? CURRY
HORNETS DARREN COLLISON 22 CHRIS PAUL 25 WHO HORNETS CHOOSE ? DONT NO
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
July 10th, 2010
12:50 pm
Hornet chris paul want out so whats going 2 happen ? trade paul
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
OK
July 10th, 2010
1:10 pm
Once again, Chis Paul is likely done until Doctors confirm otherwise:
http://richiez23.wordpress.com/2010/02/26/knee-issues-could-potentially-hinder-nba-future-of-all-star-paul/
everything but the truth in the serum
July 10th, 2010
1:13 pm
WWWWWAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
I HATE AL HORFORD I HATE AL HORFORD I HATE AL HORFORD I HATE AL HORFORD
WWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
I HATE AL HORFORD I HATE AL HORFORD I HATE AL HORFORD I HATE AL HORFORD
WWWWWAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! I WET MY PANTS AND SHEETS AGAIN TOO!!!!!
OK, I FEEL BETTER NOW.
ADR
July 10th, 2010
1:21 pm
I think we have to heavily pursue a trade with the twolves for Al Jefferson. This would possibly give us the best frontcourt in the east
cdog
July 10th, 2010
1:36 pm
JE JE, AS I TOLD YOU BEFORE.WE HAVE RICK SUND.SHAQ PROBABLY WILL GET TIRED OF SUND’S GAMES AND SIGN WITH SOMEONE ELSE
OK
July 10th, 2010
1:36 pm
Please sign this guy. I love it.
http://nba.fanhouse.com/2009/03/02/shaq-responds-to-boshs-comments-by-calling-him-the-rupaul-of-b/
Truth-Serum
July 10th, 2010
1:40 pm
@ Bubba Crew Truth Hater./SMALL RAY
I LIKE THE HAWKS I WANT TO WIN. NOTHING PERSONAL, HAWKS NEED A CENTER! THERE ARE OTHER PLAYER ON THE TEAM BESIDE HORFORD@ Bubba Crew Truth Hater./SMALL RAY
I LIKE THE HAWKS I WANT TO WIN. NOTHING PERSONAL, HAWKS NEED A CENTER! THERE ARE OTHER PLAYER ON THE TEAM BESIDE HORFORD@ Bubba Crew Truth Hater./SMALL RAY
I LIKE THE HAWKS I WANT TO WIN. NOTHING PERSONAL, HAWKS NEED A CENTER! THERE ARE OTHER PLAYER ON THE TEAM BESIDE HORFORD@ Bubba Crew Truth Hater./SMALL RAY
I LIKE THE HAWKS I WANT TO WIN. NOTHING PERSONAL, HAWKS NEED A CENTER! THERE ARE OTHER PLAYER ON THE TEAM BESIDE HORFORD@ Bubba Crew Truth Hater./SMALL RAY
I LIKE THE HAWKS I WANT TO WIN. NOTHING PERSONAL, HAWKS NEED A CENTER! THERE ARE OTHER PLAYER ON THE TEAM BESIDE HORFORD@ Bubba Crew Truth Hater./SMALL RAY
I LIKE THE HAWKS I WANT TO WIN. NOTHING PERSONAL, HAWKS NEED A CENTER! THERE ARE OTHER PLAYER ON THE TEAM BESIDE HORFORD
Truth-Serum
July 10th, 2010
1:45 pm
CO-SIGN
LOL
July 10th, 2010
11:37 am
I have to agree, This is not a hawks blog site but a Horford fan club site. Its it possible to hear about and from other team memebers. Ive lost count of the Horford articles…didnt you just do another one last week? & the week before? I dont recall ANY Josh Smith interviews or articles which is foolish because he is an atlanta native.
As for as truth serum I never met the man but if he is tired of the AL Horford slant to the blog then I can see his point.
Give me a break!
July 10th, 2010
11:39 am
Ditto LOL. Lets hear from the other players.
OK
July 10th, 2010
11:40 am
U wanna see Josh Smith? Just go to freaking Marietta. He’s not bashful. I know he’s there at home ’cause he’s certainly not in suwanee with Mark Price like he should be. Gas must be too much for him.
Give me a break!
July 10th, 2010
11:41 am
Thanks for the support.
Back to square 1
July 10th, 2010
11:05 am
Give me a break!
July 10th, 2010
11:01 am
They have to do that to keep Horford’s image up. The rest of the players like Smoove, JJ, Crawford have enough talent to command attention. Horford is average is most categories, less than average in some, and above average in none.
Yea, me too. Id like to hear from the other players and this does seem a bit one side.
Exposed!
July 10th, 2010
11:42 am
Android = big ray
OK
July 10th, 2010
11:43 am
Maybe instead of a draft party this time, Josh can host a Free Agency Party! This time bring LeBoob, CB4, Cryabay Wade and the rest of their Groupies! Nice way to pass he summer. No jump shots involved SMH.
Exposed!
July 10th, 2010
11:43 am
Android is rays plant baby.
JeJe
July 10th, 2010
11:45 am
LOL!
Can we GET AN UPDATE BLOG ON MATT FREIJE? I HEARD HE WAS ON OUR TEAM 4 YEARS AGO AND I’D LOVE AN UPDATE ON HIM OVER MARVIN OR BIBBY.
CAN WE GET AN UPDATE ON ZAZA’S RESTAURANT?
CAN WE GET AN UPDATE ON SMOOVE’S FAN SITE?
CAN WE GET AN UPDATE ON JOSH CHILDRESS’ SHOES COLLECTION?
CAN WE GET AN UPDATE ON HORFORD’S FLUENCY IN SPANISH?
CAN WE GET AN UPDATE ON JAMAL AND NATE’S FRIENDSHIP?
CAN WE GET AN UPDATE ON MICHAEL GEARON JR’S RECENT TRIP TO EUROPE?
CAN WE PLEASE NOT GET AN UPDATE ON SMOOVE’S WORK ETHIC, MARVIN’S SUMMER WITH SEAN MAY AT UNC AND HIS AFRICAN STUDIES DEGREE, OR BIBBY’S WORKOUT ROUTINE THIS SUMMER? OBVIOUSLY NONE OF US CARE ABOUT THAT STUFF
Back to square 1
July 10th, 2010
11:46 am
If you would just fall down and worship horford it will go well for you on this site and Ray will leave you alone, but If you dont act as if horfords 12 points and 9 rebounds is earth shattering then you will be barred.
Next week we will publish the 12 article this year on horford. Make sure you read it or else.
Mediator
July 10th, 2010
1:50 pm
Just for the record, no one is allowed to criticize horford on this site with out us branding you as a hater. It worked for the Illegal immigrants it will work for horford. If you feel that horford is anything less than God, you MUST be a hater.
ON THIS SITE HORFORD IS GOD!
We dont care about Josh or JJ or Crawford or Marvin.
If you arent satisfied with Horford’s 12pts and 9 rebounds you are a hater.
AND STOP ASKING FOR ANOTHER CENTER OR WE WILL TRADE JOSH AND GIVE THE POWER FORWARD SPOT TO OUR GOD.
KevinM
July 10th, 2010
1:57 pm
Let me follow up GeeMack’s comments and wonder if it is possible to acquire 2 big guys over what we have right now……
Give me Okafor AND Jefferson and move Smoove and Jamal while he is high valued because Jamal isn’t going to come back here with the limited minutes he will get.
Any 2 of Chills/Smoove/Jamal/Zaza and give the other 2 plus Bibby and we should be able to work with that.
We still have a MLE available and can bring a backup to Marvin/Joe.
JeJe
July 10th, 2010
2:09 pm
GET CARMELO. HE IS RIGHT THERE FOR THE TAKING
SUND GET YOUR ASS OUT THERE AND SIGN SHAQ.OVERPAY IF U HAVE TO. GOD
JoJo the Godfather
July 10th, 2010
2:20 pm
Johan Petro got a 3yr $10M deal from the Nets.
lewis
July 10th, 2010
2:34 pm
JEJE,
You are obnoxious in your methods, but more often than not I agree with you.
However,
CARMELO DOES NOT PLAY DEFENSE.
CHRIS BOSH DOES NOT PLAY DEFENSE.
RAY ALLEN DOES NOT PLAY DEFENSE.
LEBRON IS A FREAK OF NATURE WHO CAN BLOCK SHOTS BUT HE DON’T PLAY D.
KOBE BRYANT PLAYS DEFENSE. JOE JOHNSON PLAYS DEFENSE. MICHAEL JORDAN PLAYS DEFENSE. FOR CRYING OUT LOUD BRUCE BOWEN PLAYS DEFENSE.
Except for struggling to get fouled, JOE JOHNSON IS BETTER THAN ALL OF THEM.
AND FOR %&^*%^&WM$& $ HE’S ACTUALLY LOYAL TO HIS F@#%ING TEAM. JOE JOHNSONS FLOATER AND CATCH AND SHOOT 3 POINTERS WILL LEAD THE HAWKS OUT OF THE 2ND ROUND THIS YEAR.
That said, Joe is old and we really do have a maximum 3 year window.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 10th, 2010
2:35 pm
Al Jefferson is not a center, plays no defense, and gets injured more than our current big men. Minnesota thinks so little of him as a center that they signed Darko and Nikola Pekovic to split time at center. Why the hell are blog people so infatuated with him?
JeJe
July 10th, 2010
2:37 pm
SIGN SHAQ ALREADY
JeJe
July 10th, 2010
2:39 pm
LEWIS,
I DON’T CARE IF I AM OBNOXIOUS. I SPEAK FROM THE HEART AND I KNOW MOST OF WHAT I SAY IS TRUE.
HERE IS MY PATH TO A TITLE/FINALS:
1) SIGN SHAQ. PAY HIM EXTRA IF U MUST. THE TICKET REV WILL SKYROCKET
2) GET A JERK LIKE MATT BARNES
3) GET A PG IF TEAGUE DOESN’T WORK OUT. TRADE MARVIN+BIBBY FOR BEST PG AVAILABLE.
U CAN DANGLE SMOOVE+MARVIN FOR MELO ANY DAY OF THE WEEK. THERE’S A REASON HE HASN’T SIGNED HIS EXTENSION YET.
JeJe
July 10th, 2010
2:40 pm
THE #1 GOAL THIS YEAR IS FOR DREW TO GET THESE GUYS TO GIVE EFFORT EVERY NIGHT AND AN OFFENSIVE SYSTEM WHERE EASY BUCKETS ARE PRODUCED
northcyde
July 10th, 2010
2:42 pm
LOL . . damn. Petro got a 10 million deal? These owners are spending money left and right. How dare Stern talk about how much money the league is losing, when you have owners willing to pay scrubs millions of dollars.
Shaq at the minimum is probably going to cost the entire MLE for maybe 2 years. Sund . . you need to throw that offer at him, and see if he bites. Give him the same deal as Jermaine O’Neal . . with a player option in Year 2, in case he wants to leave after the season.
KevinM
July 10th, 2010
2:55 pm
Najeh its not a fascination, but its more of an approach to improve our 1/2 court presence in the paint. We are not very good in the 1/2 court, and Al has no bulk to keep Dwight from moving at will.
While I haven’t watched must of Al Jefferson recently, the Wolves might move him for a minimum return.
That in itself might be worth the risk. I wouldn’t consider Dampier, Kenyon Martin, Eddy Currie or Tyson Chandler. I think Al J and a guy like Okafor might provide enough competition to keep both motivated.
Our team isn’t going to improve just by LD himself. We need bodies, and big ones. The C’s had their Garnett and a combo of Perkins and Powe their championship year. Neither are very good seperately, but very good as a unit. If we could put AlH/Emeka/AlJ together, we would have a more formidable frontline.
It will take better coaching for sure for underachieving big men, but we have to modify the frontline with a more imposing lineup. I have very little hope that Shaq would come here for any amount that Sund would offer.
Big Ray
July 10th, 2010
2:59 pm
Truth Serum ,
Sorry, but I just don’t have time to play with your personalities. You’ll have to play with yourself like you usually do. Horford is God? Uh, no, that’s blasphemous or sacrilegious, take your pick…but he is an all-star. Is it the Hispanic part that bothers you so much? Figures…
OK ,
That was too funny. I agree, sign Shaq for that reason alone: a sense of humor.
northcyde
July 10th, 2010
3:00 pm
Najeh Davenpoop
July 10th, 2010
2:35 pm
Al Jefferson is not a center, plays no defense, and gets injured more than our current big men. Minnesota thinks so little of him as a center that they signed Darko and Nikola Pekovic to split time at center. Why the hell are blog people so infatuated with him?
*****************************
Only the people that really follow the league, would know that Al Jefferson, while good offensively, is terrible defensively.
You would have to play him alongside a very good defensive center ( Howard, Kendrick Perkins, etc ) to survive with him playing on that frontline.
What he brings to the table offensively, is almost completely canceled out by what he gives up defensively. In that aspect, he reminds me a lot of Zach Randolph
northcyde
July 10th, 2010
3:03 pm
I think Cleveland is going to get Jefferson, in exchange for that huge trade exception that they got from Miami in the Lebron trade. That move may be good enough to keep Cleveland a playoff team.
Big Ray
July 10th, 2010
3:04 pm
Najeh ,
Beats me. A couple of years ago it was a fine idea. But Jefferson has much to prove. For a minimal amount, I’d take the risk. But thinking he will improve this team on the defensive end is a joke. It should be obvious, like you said. Kevin Love took his job at the 4 spot, and he can’t really man the 5.
But watch Cleveland snatch him up. We’ll see…
Big Ray
July 10th, 2010
3:04 pm
@northcyde…..yep!
Najeh Davenpoop
July 10th, 2010
3:22 pm
“While I haven’t watched must of Al Jefferson recently, the Wolves might move him for a minimum return.”
Eveen if the Wolves want to, salary cap rules prohibit it. They would have to take back $11 million in salary. If the Hawks are planning to send Marvin and Bibby the other way, fine, but that move still doesn’t address any of the Hawks’ foremost needs when it comes to big men.
Big Ray
July 10th, 2010
3:29 pm
Co-sign…
Mystikal
July 10th, 2010
3:39 pm
Does anyone know how much $$ we actually have? I believe we’d committed 65$ million to 10 players after resigning Joe, leaving us around 5$ million. And then we have 5.7 million with the mid-level exception and just above $2 million from the bi-annual exception. That sound close to acurrate?
Dr. Callemout
July 10th, 2010
3:42 pm
Judging by truth-serums many personalities it seems that the guy hates himself and is very lonely.And I sense that he has a hatred for women and he watches porn and is a habitual self-abuser. Get help fellow before it gets out of control. Just a stern warning from a concerned person.
GO HAWKS! And please seek help truth-serum I sense a complete break down.
I MUS WRITE
July 10th, 2010
3:56 pm
Players I want gone- Bibby,Joe Smith,Collins, Evans. It will be hard to move Bibby at 6mil per but lets kep our fingers crossed.
Bring in Ryan Hollins,Shaq PG-Farmar SF-Barnes…..
Hollins is a legit 7ft with all kind of athleticism,Shaq is the beef we’ve been lacking in the middle, Barnes is an above average defender with 3 point range-he did a really good job on Kobe this year. PG- Bibby is old fat and slow,Teague has potential but his jumper makes me nervous. Im not sure he’s ready to be the man,which is why I didnt get in on the nickname fiasco last summer…..Uhhhm let the guy get his feet wet and lets see if he can actually play before we start handing out nicknames. Instead of JTO etc …his name should have been brick house. I sure hopr that yung’n is putting up atleast 500 jumpers a day – I would be happy if we brought in any of the following to play along side Teague- Farmar/Livingston/Ridnour
Teague/Livingston or Ridnour
JJ/Jamal
Marvin/Barnes
Smoove/Hollins or Mcgee
Horford/Shaq/Zaza/Morris
JeJe
July 10th, 2010
3:57 pm
HOW DO U SPEND THE FREAKING MAX ON JJ AND CAN’T DISH IN A LITTLE EXTRA FOR SHAQ? WTF IS THIS?
JeJe
July 10th, 2010
3:59 pm
ASG DIDNT EVEN GIVE A TEAM OPTION ON BIBBY’S THIRD YEAR. HE IS THIS BAD AFTER YR 1. IMAGINE HIM IN A YEAR’S TIME. THIS GUY THINKS BEING BIG AND MUSCULAR TRANSLATES INTO HIM BEING GOOD LOL
Dr. Callemout
July 10th, 2010
4:03 pm
JeJe please get control of your emotions.I notice you type 95% of your blogg posts in all capital letters.Did you grow up in an angry household.No offense but all caps still won’t get MC’s attention.GO HAWKS! Just to caution you to use more self control JeJe.
I MUS WRITE
July 10th, 2010
4:30 pm
Blog monster in full effect
Mystikal
July 10th, 2010
4:32 pm
Potential targets:
PG’s:
Flip Murray, Jannero Pargo, CJ Watson, Jordan Farmer, Rafer Alston
Luke Ridnour, Shaun Livingston
Wings:
Matt Barnes, Ronnie Brewer, Tony Allen, Shannon Brown, Rasual Butler
Jerry Stackhouse, Damien Wilkins, Roger Mason, Dorell wright
Centers:
shaq, Brad Miller, Kurt Thomas, Kwame Brown, Big-Z,
Theo Ratliff, DJ Mbenga, Josh Boone
And what is up with Josh Howard now, is he done? Is he over his little pity party for being an idiot,
cause he still has some game in him. If we can get the sign and trade of Chillz for Javale McGee I
will be good, despite whatever else does(not) happen.
JeJe
July 10th, 2010
4:40 pm
“JeJe please get control of your emotions.I notice you type 95% of your blogg posts in all capital letters.Did you grow up in an angry household.No offense but all caps still won’t get MC’s attention.GO HAWKS! Just to caution you to use more self control JeJe.”
Dude STFU. I bring the ratings to this blog. Every point I make is equally efficient, articulate, and accurate. Who the hell are you?
True Atlanta Fan
July 10th, 2010
4:42 pm
If the team cant resign Al, I will be very disappointed. I cant stand to see him go.
JeJe
July 10th, 2010
4:44 pm
Can we GET AN UPDATE BLOG ON MATT FREIJE? I HEARD HE WAS ON OUR TEAM 4 YEARS AGO AND I’D LOVE AN UPDATE ON HIM OVER MARVIN OR BIBBY.
CAN WE GET AN UPDATE ON ZAZA’S RESTAURANT?
CAN WE GET AN UPDATE ON SMOOVE’S FAN SITE?
CAN WE GET AN UPDATE ON JOSH CHILDRESS’ SHOES COLLECTION?
CAN WE GET AN UPDATE ON HORFORD’S FLUENCY IN SPANISH?
CAN WE GET AN UPDATE ON JAMAL AND NATE’S FRIENDSHIP?
CAN WE GET AN UPDATE ON MICHAEL GEARON JR’S RECENT TRIP TO EUROPE?
CAN WE PLEASE NOT GET AN UPDATE ON SMOOVE’S WORK ETHIC, MARVIN’S SUMMER WITH SEAN MAY AT UNC AND HIS AFRICAN STUDIES DEGREE, OR BIBBY’S WORKOUT ROUTINE THIS SUMMER? OBVIOUSLY NONE OF US CARE ABOUT THAT STUFF
Ken Strickland
July 10th, 2010
4:56 pm
KEVINM-the major reason our half court OFF was so poor was due to us not having a half court OFF, other than giving the ball to one of our Bigs, having everyone clear out and let him go ISO. There were no cutters to the basket, and no back picks or slip screens. Bottom line, there were no options built into Woodson’s limited half court OFF. So, the player either had to beat the DEF by himself and score, suffer a turnover, or hope to get fouled. There was also no penetrating and dishing.
With us running more, and generating more player and ball movement, our half court OFF, as well as the players involved, should definitely improve. Hiring LDrew, and not rehiring MWoodson, won’t make the Hawks a championship caliber team, but it will put us in a much better position to become one.
We can talk about Woodson and his issues all we want, but the fact is, we won 53gms and advanced to the 2nd rd of the playoffs with him and his issues. If we eliminate his issues, and the negative effects they had on the players and team, and get more offensive and defensive production from ALL players, HOW CAN WE NOT IMPROVE?
northcyde
July 10th, 2010
5:11 pm
Mystikal
July 10th, 2010
3:39 pm
Does anyone know how much $$ we actually have? I believe we’d committed 65$ million to 10 players after resigning Joe, leaving us around 5$ million. And then we have 5.7 million with the mid-level exception and just above $2 million from the bi-annual exception. That sound close to acurrate?
**************************
You’re confusing the Salary Cap number and the Luxury Tax number.
Salary Cap is 58 mill . . . Luxury Tax is 70 mill
With us being at 65 mill, we’re already over the Salary Cap.
So the only thing we can use is the mid-level exceptions and/or bi-annual exceptions ( not sure if we didn’t already use that last year, when we signed Joe Smith and Jason Collins.
Basically, the most we can spend in free agency on one player, is the MLE ( roughly 5.8 mill ). Any pther moves we do will have to involve a trade.
O'Brien
July 10th, 2010
5:17 pm
Matt Barnes signed with the Magic last year for 2 years, $3.8 mil. Imagine how much better the Hawks would have been if we had signed him for 2 years, $3.5 mil per year (most of the MLE) last year?
Chances are he would have taken away Marvin’s starting spot (the same Marvin we are paying $7.5 mil per), and we could have traded Mo Evans. Plus that price is less than what Chills will get.
Unfortunately, we can’t afford him this year, because we need to use the MLE to sign a legit big.
northcyde,
I dont think we used the BAE last year. And I’m thinking the MLE will be used to sign a big, giving us 11 players. And the other 2 roster spots will be veterans for the minimum (or guys from the summer league roster).
UGA
July 10th, 2010
5:20 pm
No go for Dorrell Wright. Signed with the Warriors, 3 year deal per ESPN
UGA
July 10th, 2010
5:30 pm
We’re not getting Matt Barnes. He tweeted a couple days ago that 6 teams have contacted him and Atlanta was not one of them.
OK
July 10th, 2010
5:32 pm
U guys and your fascination with Matt Barnes SMH.
I like Ryan Hollins, If we could get him for Bibby and/or Mo Evans that would be great.
Then sign Shaq. We’d be real nice in the frontcourt.
northcyde
July 10th, 2010
5:43 pm
Ken . . the answer to that question is easy.
If your boy Teague isn’t ready to run the team, we’ll have no choice but to play either Bibby or Crawford to run the point. And if that happens, we may still have defensive issues on the perimeter.
But Woody is/was the root of all evil, until the season starts. Then we’ll really see who improves, who digresses and who stats the same.
R.J.
July 10th, 2010
5:47 pm
TruthSerum I worship horford just like a lot of the guys do on this site and like reverend cunningham is saying “whats wrong with worshipping Horford”, How else to you think He, Ray and myself get those free clubhouse seat?
Najeh Davenpoop
July 10th, 2010
5:50 pm
Woody wasn’t the only problem. He was just the biggest one. Let’s hope Larry Drew is more solution than problem.
R.J.
July 10th, 2010
5:53 pm
TruthSerum if you dont think that horfords 12 pts per game is significant….you are probably racist. Ray is right, I notice you criticize horford’s stats and defense, therefore like Ray, I going to paint you as a racist.
Co-sign with Ray
dont criticize horford in this temple!
Wyatt Earp
July 10th, 2010
6:02 pm
Erick Blasco’s Top 30 NBA Centers
By
Erick Blasco
(Senior Writer) on August 16, 2008
4,203 reads
98 comments
4 likes
Bynum_crop_340×234
NBA centers are the biggest of the behemoths, possessing a frightening combination of size and strength. They’re usually in the best position to score because they set up closest to the basket, and are typically the final fortress of a team’s defense.
This list does not take into account a player’s future prospects or past salad days. The criteria is simple: Which NBA center is best suited to being an integral part of a championship team this year.
Due to the way some NBA lineups are presently constructed, a handful of teams have two potential centers in their lineup. For that reason, Antonio McDyess, Pao Gasol, Amare Stoudemire, Marcus Camby, Ben Wallace, and Jeff Foster are listed as power forwards, as they will probably play the power forward position in their team’s starting lineups.
No rookies made the list, as neither you nor I have seen them play in meaningful games against meaningful competition to know where they should be ranked. By all accounts, Greg Oden will be good. Nobody can accurately say how good.
With that said, the list:
1) Yao Ming—Houston Rockets
When Yao’s healthy, he has the right combination of strength, finesse, offense, and defense to be the best center in the game. He’s an uncanny mid-range jump shooter, a willing passer, and he’s comfortable in either box, though he has a noticeable hitch in his hook shots which allow smaller players chances to alter or block the attempt.
Also, because of his towering height, dribbling is a problem, as is passing on the move —meaning turnovers will always plague him.
He’s intelligent, humble to a fault, a terrific rebounder, and sets earth-shattering screens because referees let him move while setting them.
On defense, his massive frame is his best weapon as he towers over any attempts to post him up. Players with face-up skills cause him difficulty, and he’s often a half-step slow against ball-penetration.
Considering how crude Dwight Howard’s offensive arsenal and defensive instincts are, Yao is the reigning center supreme in the NBA until Howard’s brain catches up with his body.
2) Dwight Howard—Orlando Magic
Howard is already the best rebounder in the entire league, sets bone-breaking screens, is a ferocious dive-cutter, and is a gifted shot blocker. When he’s able to use his massive shoulders to muscle away an opposing defender, he has an effective, if simple, right hook from the left box, and a left hook from the right box with virtually no counter moves.
On defense, Howard is still learning the nuances of timing, footwork, and how to attack ball-penetrations, though his court-awareness is very low. Good post players and penetrators aren’t discouraged by Howard’s presence, and in an offense without Orlando’s spacing, his production would be limited to put-backs and the occasional right hook.
Still, the sky is the limit for this phenomenally talented youngster.
3) Rasheed Wallace—Detroit Pistons
If Rasheed Wallace wanted to, he could easily be number one on this list. His post moves and reverse-pivot counters are infinitely more advanced than anything Ming or Howard can put up in the low post.
He has range out to the three-point line. He’s a physical rebounder and screen-setter who can also handle some and pass. He’s an elite defender, both on-ball and on help.
Too bad he’s a coward who prefers to wallow aimlessly at the three-point line, and blames others (teammates, coaches, referees) for his shortcomings.
4) Tyson Chandler—New Orleans Hornets
Sure, his only offensive moves include dunks and tip-ins, but his defensive skills and athleticism are second-to-none.
The best all-around defensive center in the game, Chandler can guard the post, block a shot from the weak side, and even hang on the perimeter against big men with face-up skills.
Chandler is also smart enough to know when to set screens, and when to slip them and catch Chris Paul’s lob passes for dunks. He changes games with his defense and his athleticism alone.
5) Zydrunas Ilgauskas—Cleveland Cavaliers
Ilgauskas’ massive frame and long wingspan make him an elite post defender and rebounder, even against players with quicker first steps and first jumps. Zyggy Il also features a feathery jumper and an array of nifty hooks, turnarounds, and reverse pivot fadeaways with his back to the basket.
Unfortunately for Cavs fans, injuries have wrecked his feet, and Ilguaskas is a challenger for slowest player in the league. And while his post-up game is refined, it isn’t really potent.
Still, his power defense has been one of the main components to Cleveland’s exceptional defensive squads the last handful of seasons.
6) Shaquille O’Neal—Phoenix Suns
Shaq’s proven that he can still score around the basket with tremendous success, bang with slower players in the post, and take up space in the paint—which by itself is an effective form of defense.
As always, any opponent who can turn-and-face, and any screen/rolls targeting the Big Diesel will undoubtedly result in open shots. The difference was that in the past, teams could live with the tradeoff, since Shaq was single-handedly decimating opposing frontlines.
If not for the inconsistencies, the question marks, and the downright lack of prolific centers below Shaq on the list, he’d probably be farther down.
7) Andrew Bynum—Los Angeles Lakers
Bynum has a blooming right handed sky-hook, and a duck-under counter going back to his left, but all his post moves are predicated on finesse. He’s too small to be an effective screen-setter, though he’ll slip and cut with the best of them.
On defense, he’s frail and easily confused, traits that should gradually improve with age. Boxing out is another aspect Bynum hasn’t grasped yet.
What Bynum does have is valley upon valley of untapped athleticism, and the speed and agility to succeed off the ball in the triangle. He’s still a work in progress—albeit a talented one.
Jefferson’s undersized, and is a center only on the Timberwolves, but the man is powerful near the basket and is a threat for 20-plus points against any defender.
His defense improved last year, but is still a problem, as is passing, and stretching his offensive game out beyond ten feet.
Still, A.J. has developed into a reliable rebounder and post scorer on a team with absolutely no other offense. He’s the last guy on the list capable of someday being a good team’s centerpiece.
9) Mehmet Okur—Utah Jazz
A bit of an anomaly, Okur’s defense is all power, and his offense is all finesse. He has easily the best range of any center in the league—well beyond the three-point line. He also has an effective, if awkward, pull-up jumper, and will crash the boards with as much force as anybody.
He’s a solid post defender, though players who can spin quickly, or turn-and-go, leave him in the dust. Because he’s devoid of athleticism, Okur is subpar as a help defender, unable to block shots or get in front of players attacking the basket.
Since defending the post is one of the biggest concerns a team can have, and teams can rarely adjust to a three-point shooting seven-footer, Okur earns his bones in the top ten.
10) Jermaine O’Neal—Toronto Raptors
O’Neal’s always been overly content shooting 20-foot jumpers, and venturing into the low post only when being defended by a weaker, inferior player. He can’t pass, is turnover prone, is soft mentally and physically, is defenseless, overpaid, and a gust of wind can break his bones.
He’s athletic enough to sometimes put up points, but is one of the games true overrated players. Still, 20 points is 20 points, and there aren’t too many dynamic forces behind him in the list.
11) Chris Kaman—Los Angeles Clippers
Kaman isn’t dynamic enough to carry a franchise, but he does a number of things reasonably well. His swinging hooks, more often than not, are effective, he’ll try to make the appropriate pass, he’ll rebound, he’ll work hard, and he’ll defend.
12) Udonis Haslem—Miami Heat
Out of position at center, Haslem is a rottweiler, who’ll loyally perform any defensive job with a perfect combination of skill and aggression. He’ll lock down post-threats as well as big men who can turn and face. He’s a bear on both backboards, and is exceptional at screening and floating out to the wing to knock down 18-footers.
Haslem’s overall offensive game is limited, and he can be overpowered by stronger players on the defensive end. In truth, the less you ask of him, the better he’ll perform, especially offensively. Still, Haslem’s a fighter, and an underappreciated role player.
13) Kurt Thomas—San Antonio Spurs
Thomas can still defend the post as well as anybody in the league, and his mid-range baseline jumpers still ring true time and again. He’s getting up there in age, but he’s still reliable.
14) Emeka Okafor—Charlotte Bobcats
Okafor certainly is athletic, can rebound, and can block shots, but that’s virtually all he can do. He’s never developed any legit offensive moves, and gets all his points by crashing the glass, or crude, clumsy post moves.
On defense, Okafor’s athletic, but fragile, and can be pushed around easily by bigger, stronger players. Whether it’s been injuries or Sam Vincent’s inept coaching, Okafor’s never developed into what he was projected to be.
15) Andrew Bogut—Milwaukee Bucks
Bogut’s too slow, too unathletic, and isn’t talented enough to come close to justify being the first pick in the NBA draft in 2005. However, he’s big enough to be an adequate post defender, is a skilled passer, and has a decent right-handed hook around the basket. He’s mediocrity personified, which lands him smack dab in the middle of the list.
16) DeSagana Diop—Dallas Mavericks
Diop is probably the best post defender in the league, thanks to his diligent work ethic, quick feet, and massive frame. He’ll even move his feet on switches., and uses angles well to hang with guards and wings for a beat or two before being outraced.
His screens are massive, but he has poor awareness offensively and no refined offensive skill to hang his hat on. He can’t pass, or shoot, and is turnover-prone.
17) Anderson Varejao—Cleveland Cavaliers
When Varejao isn’t doing Sideshow Bob imitations, he’s actively defending, constantly hustling, rebounding, running, jumping, and flopping. His offensive game is non-existent, but he’s a madman on defense where his quickness and unbridled energy enable him to be a quality defender in the league.
18) Samuel Dalembert—Philadelphia 76ers
Dalembert is a big-time shot-blocker who’s much better defending from the weak side than the strong side as he can be attacked directly by stronger players. On offense, Dalembert has a somewhat reliable 16-footer, though he hoists too many bad shots for somebody with limited range and an iffy jumper.
19) Al Horford—Atlanta Hawks
Horford isn’t a very good defensive center yet, though the commitment to playing defense is certainly there. While he has the strength, Horford has to get tougher and be less disinclined to bump and bang. His post moves are limited, though he has a reliable elbow jumper and is a powerful rebounder.
In actuality, Horford is a power forward playing center on the Hawks only because of the franchise’s lack of quality big men.
20) Brad Miller—Sacramento Kings
While his numbers certainly look stable enough, Miller is one of the softest, slowest, most defenseless players in the entire league. His only skills that stand out are his elbow jump-shooting (easily duplicated by many), and his wonderful passwork (duplicated only by a select few).
There’s more to being a good center than simply being able to pick-and-pop and pass.
Wyatt Earp
July 10th, 2010
6:03 pm
19) Al Horford—Atlanta Hawks
Horford isn’t a very good defensive center yet, though the commitment to playing defense is certainly there. While he has the strength, Horford has to get tougher and be less disinclined to bump and bang. His post moves are limited, though he has a reliable elbow jumper and is a powerful rebounder.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 10th, 2010
6:06 pm
Yeah, that’s real convenient… post an article from right after Horford’s rookie season. While you’re at it, you might as well post an article from the same time period about how Rajon Rondo is the 19th best starting point guard in the league.
Wyatt Earp
July 10th, 2010
6:08 pm
Re: Lamarcus Aldridge or Al Horford
Postby WorthyBlitz42 on Wed Jul 07, 2010 1:00 pm
Aldridge, he isn’t pathetic at defense and rebounding like Horford is, though he can be at times. Both of these guys are one-dimensional big men, basically useless if they aren’t making their shots. I still would rather have Aldridge, Horford just looks pathetic on the defensive end.
O'Brien
July 10th, 2010
6:10 pm
JJ’s agent said JJ was going to help with recruiting. Has anyone heard anything about who JJ might be targeting? Or was it just agent speak?
Wyatt Earp
July 10th, 2010
6:11 pm
#
Undisputed Champ Said,
February 15, 2010 @ 9:51 pm
Undisputed Champ!
February 15th, 2010
8:34 pm
I can seem to understand why so many people are saying that Horford is such a liability defensively. So what if he cant defend the lane. If all those guys who are driving on horford, dunking and show casing, if they ever miss you can bet HORFORD, will get the rebound. True, alot of guys feel comfortable taking the pill to the rack against him, but, did it ever occur to any one,
that Horford is “THE #18TH CENTER IN BLOCKED SHOTS!”
So for all you who people like Joe Mama, and Truth Serum, who think Horford is a joke and a defensive liability, lets see you argue with being the number 18th defensive center in the NBA.
Go Hawks!
Read more: http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/barrigon/2010/02/13/al-horford-i-think-i-can-be-a-go-to-scorer/#ixzz0tJuIdYDh
Wyatt Earp
July 10th, 2010
6:14 pm
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CBcQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fsports%2Fbasketball%2Fnba%2Fhawks%2F2010-03-23-defense-key-success_N.htm&ei=oPA4TPvCCoG88gbVpMWmBg&usg=AFQjCNFyIDH06plHlXhSC3HZBCJ-Xq0Vdw
Sautee
July 10th, 2010
6:18 pm
Truth-serum said this:
“were talking about a man with a career ave of 12pts, picks up 9 unattended rebound and….and….and….what the hell else does he do?”
I’m not sure, ummmmm………. makes the All-Star team?
Wyatt Earp
July 10th, 2010
6:20 pm
makes the All-Star team?
? I think he was added…couldnt fool the fans!
O'Brien
July 10th, 2010
6:25 pm
Wyatt Earp,
Last time I checked, it wasnt about pleasing the fans. The same fans who almost voted Tracy McGrady as a starter? The same fans who were voting for Allen Iverson to start? Yeah, leave it up to fans.
Lucky for us, its about pleasing coaches who actually know the game of basketball, and pleasing GMs, who actually make a lot of the important decisions.
Grandad
July 10th, 2010
6:25 pm
nc
How did Teaguer get to be Ken’s boy.
I like as well.
I think I’ve heard Big Ray speak well of the young man.
*More Importantly LD has pretty much declared him to be
the starting pt guard.
Why the bitterness toward the young man.
Wyatt Earp
July 10th, 2010
6:25 pm
19) Al Horford—Atlanta Hawks
Horford isn’t a very good defensive center yet, though the commitment to playing defense is certainly there. While he has the strength, Horford has to get tougher and be less disinclined to bump and bang. His post moves are limited, though he has a reliable elbow jumper and is a powerful rebounder.
In actuality, Horford is a power forward playing center on the Hawks only because of the franchise’s lack of quality big men.
Grandad
July 10th, 2010
6:26 pm
*sentence 2, “I like -[him]- as well.
Wyatt Earp
July 10th, 2010
6:31 pm
“Lucky for us, its about pleasing coaches who actually know the game of basketball,’
O Brien are those the same coaches who refused to put him on any of the All NBA squads? Are they a different set of coaches who voted that he wasnt good enough to make the NBA All Defensive lists?
Wyatt Earp
July 10th, 2010
6:32 pm
Ken Strickland Crucified Woodson for not playing HIS boy teague! Absolutely!
Wyatt Earp
July 10th, 2010
6:33 pm
“Horford isn’t a very good defensive center yet, though the commitment to playing defense is certainly there. While he has the strength, Horford has to get tougher and be less disinclined to bump and bang. His post moves are limited, though he has a reliable elbow jumper and is a powerful rebounder.
In actuality, Horford is a power forward playing center on the Hawks only because of the franchise’s lack of quality big men.
“
O'Brien
July 10th, 2010
6:48 pm
Wyatt Earp,
First of all, it is SPORTS WRITERS who vote for the All NBA teams. And the 3 centers they chose were Dwight Howard, Amare Stoudemire, and Andrew Bogut.
Coaches vote for the all defense teams, and they are NOT allowed to vote for their own players. So the one vote Horford got did NOT come from Woody.
That being said, for the All NBA defensive teams, Dwight Howard and Tim Duncan were the selected centers.
So what’s your point? That Howard, Stoudemire, Bogut, and Tim Duncan are better than Horford? I don’t think anybody would argue that point.
So while you’re busy stating the obvious, maybe you can also tell us how Kobe and Wade are better than JJ, and how LeBron is way better than Marvin.
Grandad
July 10th, 2010
6:49 pm
“Weave a circle round him thrice,
And close your eyes with holy dread,
For he on honey-dew hath fed,
And drunk the milk of Paradise.”
-Doc Holliday-
“Ignoratio elenchi”
Sautee
July 10th, 2010
6:53 pm
Al Horford – All-Star Center 2010
Not Shaq.
Not B. Lopez.
Not Bogut.
Not Bargnani.
Not T. Chandler.
Not Noah.
Not David Lee. (though he was added later when A.I. backed out)
No, none of those centers were judged to be as good as Al Horford by the Head Coaches of the league.
Al Horford – All-Star Center 2010
Enough said.
Heh heh.
Wyatt Earp
July 10th, 2010
6:55 pm
O’Brien Sorry, did not mean to ruffle or feather
or
Harry Potter’s @July 10th, 2010
6:49 pm
Wyatt Earp
July 10th, 2010
6:56 pm
Not David Lee. (though he was added later when A.I. backed out)? Brain on Drugs? Horford played the the celebrity classic called and all “star” game.
UGA
July 10th, 2010
6:57 pm
Sources say the #Cavs are considering make an offer to Atlanta Hawks restricted free agent forward Josh Childress. per yahoo
Wyatt Earp
July 10th, 2010
6:57 pm
Grandad
July 10th, 2010
6:49 pm
LMAO!!
Go harry!
O'Brien
July 10th, 2010
6:58 pm
Grandad,
Although I am a fan of Jeff Teague, I am uncomfortable with the fact that the starting PG for a 53 win team might be a second year player, who did not get much PT his rookie year.
Therefore, I would like to see the Hawks sign a 3rd PG. Because if Teague struggles or gets injured, then we are back to Bibby and Jamal playing the bulk of the minutes at PG.
Bubba leader
July 10th, 2010
7:02 pm
Undisputed Champ!
February 15th, 2010
8:34 pm
I can seem to understand why so many people are saying that Horford is such a liability defensively. So what if he cant defend the lane. If all those guys who are driving on horford, dunking and show casing, if they ever miss you can bet HORFORD, will get the rebound. True, alot of guys feel comfortable taking the pill to the rack against him, but, did it ever occur to any one,that Horford is “THE #18TH CENTER IN BLOCKED SHOTS!”
So for all you who people like Joe Mama, and Truth Serum, who think Horford is a joke and a defensive liability, lets see you argue with being the number 18th defensive center in the NBA.
.
. 
Simpdawg
July 10th, 2010
7:05 pm
What’s the fascination with Shaq? Did I miss something? You guys do realize that Shaq is 38 years old, he’s still a Diva, he doesn’t have the skills he had two years ago, let alone ten years ago. He still can’t defend the pick and roll or screen and roll plays that the Orlando Magic and other teams in the Eastern Conference run to perfection. I don’t understand how Shaq is going to improve the Hawks. If the Hawks need big players to bang with Dwight Howard or Kendrick Perkins, they could sign younger free agents who would give them the same production as Shaq. Players like Kwame Brown, D.J. Mbenga, Josh Boone, Brian Zoubek, A.J. Ogilvy and Courtney Simms. Shaq is not the answer. He would miss up the chemistry of the team like he did in Phoenix.
Sautee
July 10th, 2010
7:05 pm
Najeh,
About this:
“Yeah, that’s real convenient… post an article from right after Horford’s rookie season. While you’re at it, you might as well post an article from the same time period about how Rajon Rondo is the 19th best starting point guard in the league.”
Najeh you really didn’t expect T-s to be truthful about the article, did you?
I knew it was some wrtier’s BS as soon as I read the part on Yao, who the writer calls “a terrific rebounder”. The same writer claims that Tyson Chandler is “the best defensive center in the league”. There goes the old cred.
Yao’s career rebound avg.? 7.8 rebounds / gm
Not so terrific by me
Horford’s career rebound avg?: 9.6 rebounds / gm
And that will be going up.
JeJe
July 10th, 2010
7:43 pm
If u just play a physical zone vs. Miami and clog the lanes this team will fold. They have no shooters and Mike Miller probably won’t start. If Mike Miller starts, you attack Bosh at Center (too bad Horford is too small to play Center).
JeJe
July 10th, 2010
7:48 pm
ILGAUSKAS WILL GO TO MIAMI. FREAKING OVERPAY FOR SHAQ ALREADY. HE’S BOUND TO OPT OUT AFTER 1 YR ANYWAY. JESUS
Bubba leader
July 10th, 2010
7:50 pm
“Najeh you really didn’t expect T-s to be truthful about the article, did you”
IF HE WERE NOT TRUTHFUL HE WOULD NOT HAVE POSTED THE DATE.
Heres another you may enjoy.
Top 10 NBA Centers 2009-2010
Written by Boyd Madsen
Monday, 16 November 2009 16:25
I wrote this whole piece once, then the browser failed, and I lost it, so screw this crap. Here you go:
10. Andrea Bargnani-hard to respect a man named Andrea
09. Andrew Bogut-probably thought he had escaped Michael Redd’s indiscriminate jacking of threes only to have Brandon Jennings join the team
08. Brook Lopez- His brother is named Robin, isn’t he? You have to wonder what effeminate, androgynous name his parents would have given a triplet. Terry?
07. Mehmnet Okur- Best 3 point shooting center in the league. Which might be a bad thing. Also, cool hair.
06. Marcus Camby- Awesome on defense. Awful looking shot. I could finish the NY Times crossword puzzle in the amount of time it takes him to get off a jumper.
05. Joakim Noah-You could kick a field goal through the gap in his teeth. Well, you could if you were awesome at kicking and used a very small football. Noah is good at basketball, though.
04. Al Jefferson-Big Al has lost a lot of weight. He will now be called Medium Al. Medium Al is good at post moves, which I like. 03. Andrew Byum-It must be awesome to be 8 feet tall.
02. Tim Duncan- Don’t call him a power forward. If you are the tallest man on your team and guard the opposition’s tallest player, you are a center. Also, good bank shots.
01. Dwight Howard- Not only the biggest guy, but the biggest dork. Dwight is not cool at all, but he can sure dunk that basketball.
Clyde
July 10th, 2010
7:50 pm
At the end of the year I thought it was understood that the Hawks needed a legit center. I guess its still up for debate. Lets see if another year of Horford getting abused will change peoples minds.
Truth-Serum
July 10th, 2010
7:56 pm
Co- Sign- Clyde @7:50
I think they like abuse at the 5,
Time to glorify horfords 12pts career average.
Truth-Serum
July 10th, 2010
7:57 pm
Horford doesnt like the abuse thats why he wants out!
Truth-Serum
July 10th, 2010
8:04 pm
Clyde
July 10th, 2010
7:50 pm
At the end of the year
Actually two years in a row its been clear the hawks need a starting center.
OK
July 10th, 2010
8:52 pm
Mo Williams to ATL Trade Rumor starting to heat up. It could involve Childress and/or Marvin
Here is the link to trade rumor
http://twitter.com/SamAmicoNBA
OK
July 10th, 2010
8:52 pm
Mo Williams to ATL Trade Rumor starting to heat up. It could involve Childress and/or Marvin
Here is the link to trade rumor
http://twitter.com/SamAmicoNBA