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
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Guides
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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