Atlanta Hawks: What happened in Vegas
Las Vegas–Made it to Sin City for Atlanta’s Summer League opener vs. Memphis. I hear there’s a severe heat warning for Wednesday and Thursday so I guess that means I will be forced to chill in the casino’s A/C for long periods of time. It’s all about sacrifice.
Before I get to the game, let me address the Chills trade, which is still pending as he gets clearance from FIBA. I know my blog people are not happy with the deal–neither is the AJC’s Mark Bradley–but it requires some context.
The first thing to remember about a sign-and-trade is it takes a lot to make it happen. The teams have to agree to the trade, the player has to be willing to join his new team and the new team has to reach contract terms with the player. It turned out Phoenix was the only team where all of these factors aligned with Chills.
From what I’ve heard, the other teams interested in Chills weren’t willing to meet his price, so that narrowed the potential trade partners for the Hawks. Then Phoenix stepped up with a big offer that the Hawks probably wouldn’t have been willing to match. The Hawks apparently did a good enough job of making the Suns think they might match it that they got them to send a second-round pick and earned a trade exception (the amount of which will depend on Chills’ first-year salary).
So the Hawks, with little leverage, got something for Chills when they very well could have received nothing. The fact that Chills wasn’t getting the kind of offers he wanted until the Suns came through tells you his value just wasn’t that great with NBA teams. The Hawks made the only deal they could under the circumstances.
Now we’ll see how they make use of the exception, which will be good for one year from the official date of the trade.
– OK, one more thing before I get into the game: It’s looking like Shaq still wants too much money for the Hawks. That suggests he wants a deal that starts at more than the mid-level exception. The Hawks would have to do a sign-and-trade if it wants to pay him more and so far there’s been no indication they are willing to do so.
Grizzlies 89, Hawks 85 (Box Score)
– It was a pretty good effort from the Hawks considering that they’ve only been practicing together for three days and Teague is the only guy certain to be a rotation player next season. Memphis, meanwhile, had been practicing for several days and send out NBAers O.J. Mayo, Sam Young, Darrell Arthur and DeMarre Carroll.
– If JC2 keeps this up, then maybe he gets in the rotation, too. After a slow start, Crawford was impressive while scoring 16 points. There were no signs of the pre-draft concerns about his ability to adapt to playing off the ball as he was very crafty floating to open space on the floor. And JC2 also proved to be a willing and effective passer.
– “He played well,” Teague said. “He just plays. He doesn’t have a position or anything like that. He just plays. He can make shots and he’s a good passer as well. I guess people underestimated his ability to pass the ball. He’s a very good passer. I like playing with him a lot.”
– Most impressive was that pass Crawford whipped to Richard Hendrix under the basket for a dunk. There also were a couple times where Crawford’s quick outlet passes led to fastbreaks. Give him those hockey assists.
– Teague is supposed to stand out in these kind of games and he did. He played fast but under control, finding open space to get to the basket and always looking for his teammates.
– L.D. wants to play at a faster pace, and Teague and Crawford can help with that. Can you imagine a lineup with those two pushing the pace, J.J. floating to the corners for catch-and-shoots and Smoove and Al going hard to the basket? Jamal can fit in there somewhere, too.
– Sergiy Gladyr can shoot it but he was overmatched on defense.
– Hendrix was better in the second half than the first. He’s got a solid build and knows how to use it.
–Pape Sy seemed bothered at times by the tight D. He has to learn how to create space with his body. But, like Hendrix, he looked better after halftime.
– Alade Aminu looked good finishing around the basket. He’s more finesse than power, a quick leaper who runs the floor well.
– I didn’t see any defensive switches but lots of show and recover. Can’t lie, it was kind of weird to see guys in Hawks unis play straight-up D.
– Hard to evaluate the offense with so many new players trying to figure out how to play together but I noticed lots of down-screens, ball reversals and drive-and-kicks. The ball didn’t stay on one side very long.
– The Hawks got handled on the boards 38-27, with only James Augustine doing good work among the bigs. He’s got legit size but lacks body control.
– RandMo didn’t show much except the usual tendency to foul a lot. He should stand out in this kind of game the same way as Teague.
– I’m out, blog people. Gonna see if I can find a place where they stay on soft 17s.
MC
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265 comments Add your comment
allan in texas
July 13th, 2010
3:42 pm
Dallas just flipped Dampier’s contract and a couple of other players for Tyson Chandler. So the Big Diesel may not have a choice but to accept the Hawks offer if he wants to play for a contender and get a little more cheddar than the other teams can afford to give him!
waggy
July 13th, 2010
3:48 pm
Xavier fan here. On the subject of Jordan Crawfords nickname, just Fyi, many X fans took to calling him Crawdaddy.
bigdave
July 13th, 2010
3:49 pm
i think there was some dialogue between a couple bloggers yesterday on the whole Rev. Jackson metaphor.. Big Ray and Samuel i believe.. did you guys see this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG7dS-zsPLw&feature=player_embedded
I MUS WRITE
July 13th, 2010
3:51 pm
Im starting to feel like JeJe LOL…… Jefferson,Chandler,Haywood…. Atleast make a Dam offer.
2 1st round pick are nothing for a guy with Jeffersons skill set on the blocks. The picks will be in the mid 20’s anyway.
I love Mark cuban no homo, Go getter in every sense of the word.
Look for our next signing to be in mid August….Dont be suprised to see Premo Brezek or sum other euro scrub on our bench. Once again its hard being an ATlanta sports fan…… Good day People.
UGA
July 13th, 2010
3:52 pm
Hopefully, the cats waive dampier and we can sign him for cheaper than shaq………..
Grandad
July 13th, 2010
3:56 pm
I read just a little while ago:
Shaq to Myame.
-rumor only-
Prison Mike
July 13th, 2010
3:57 pm
Stats are irrelevant in the SL, it’s about the flashes the players show offensively, defensively, etc. For example, Crawford’s three point shooting looks like an NBA ready skill.
ryan
July 13th, 2010
3:58 pm
I think Jordan Crawford is star in the making if he used right he might are Kevin Durant.
Sawyer
July 13th, 2010
4:01 pm
Don’t be surprised to see the Bobcats try to trade Dampier’s contract for a PG or another hole in thier roster.If they can’t, they will just waive him for cap space. His contract becomes guaranteed sometime in August, so don’t be shocked to see him traded a couple of more times ala QRich last summer.
ReddJonn68
July 13th, 2010
4:05 pm
Calling Hawks management ” SOS ” where are you? If Sund doesn’t get out bed, and show up to work, we are gonna be left crumbs to try & improve this squad this off-season.
Rev in Tampa
July 13th, 2010
4:07 pm
The Hawks have already proven that this team can make it into the playoffs. The goal is to win a championship which means going through Orlando. They need one center who can slow Howard down (who can stop him?) without double-teams. Its that simple. Okafor is insufficient. They need Shaq.
I understand all the talk about youthful bigs, but for this Hawks team the future is now. Win a championship and then go find the big man for the future.
ReddJonn68
July 13th, 2010
4:14 pm
Hey I know you can watch the games & see the stats leaders @NBA.COM, but does anyone know where you can pull the Summer League box scores up.
Rev in Tampa
July 13th, 2010
4:19 pm
ReddJonn68,
MC included a link to the box score at the beginning of this blog.
bigdave
July 13th, 2010
4:19 pm
“now starting off, we’re not switching.. i want the onus to be on the guy to guard his own guy”
-Professional Head Basketball Coach Larry Drew
Grandad
July 13th, 2010
4:26 pm
ReddJonn68
Atl Hawks official site has the box score as well.
Grandad
July 13th, 2010
4:28 pm
ReddJonn68
If you want box scores for all games try official sites:
Orl summer league
&
Vegas summer league
Hoops
July 13th, 2010
4:41 pm
We need Shaq, Tolliver, Barnes, and Watson. How do we make this happen???
1. See if the Cavs will S&T Shaq for Bibby and whatever part of the trade exemption that we have.
2. See if the Warriors will accept Evans and a part of the trade exemption for Tolliver.
3. Sign Barnes and Watson with the MLE. Maybe we can get Watson with the bi-annual.
It’s time to move Sund! Let’s go!!!
Fresh
July 13th, 2010
4:52 pm
SMH @ The Hawks management…SMGDH…
northcyde
July 13th, 2010
4:57 pm
Here’s what may be going on with Shaq signing or not signing here.
He knows that the Hawks can only offer the MLE straight out, for his services. To get more money, Shaq has to seek a sign and trade.
If I remember the CBA correctly, ALL sign and trades must be for at least 3 years in length.
So even if Shaq will settle playing for the MLE, but wants more money, he could be pushing for a sign and trade to secure a 3 yr – 18 million deal. I would assume the Hawks wouldn’t want to make a 3 yr commitment at all. 2 yrs – 12 mill maybe . . . but not 3 yrs.
So that could possibly be the behind the scenes action that is taking place. But all of the places he can play are quickly drying up.
Hawks should make that 2 yr – 12 mill offer, and give him until Friday to decide. If there’s still no deal, give it up and let him piggyback to a potential title in Miami.
drmaryb
July 13th, 2010
4:57 pm
Sund don’t give a flying donkey’s tail about what we want?
Dude is from that ‘Ole Joe” School of Thoughts.
Me, I’m just eatin’ Popcorn and watchin’ the picture show – seein’ all the Stars roll by! SMH.
GStateBen
July 13th, 2010
4:58 pm
MC,
Any thoughts on the Hawks looking at a guy like Jarvis Hayes? He’s being rumored to be contacted by teams like the Lakers and possibly the Celtics. He could provide another shooter and would likely not be very expensive.
I actually would also look very hard at Kwame Brown. Big body and dude is only 25. Vet’s minimum and he’d be an upgrade to RandMo.
Rev in Tampa
July 13th, 2010
5:19 pm
GStateBen,
There is a very good reason why Kwame only draws a vet’s minimum after being drafted #1 overall by the Wizards. The Hawks would be foolish to sign him.
Grandad
July 13th, 2010
5:25 pm
Question for MC / Najeh / Manny T / or / nire:
” the team ending up over the salary cap requires an exception. This is true even if the team is moving downward in salary. For example, if the salary cap is $50 million, a team has a team salary of $55 million, and they want to trade a $5 million player for a $4 million player, they still have to use an exception. Even though their team salary would be decreasing by $1 million, the fact that they would still be over the salary cap ($54 million) means that an exception is required.”
Once again I have to hire an Attn. when I get in trouble:
-SO-
My question is;
Could we trade down, [hypothetically] say Marvin [or Bibby] to Memphis, + TPE
for,
Thabeet ? Were Memphis so inclined.
Rough arithmatic [flunked that in school too]:
Marv = $7 mil – $3 mil TPE
Thabeet = $4 mil
Just curious or am I completely lookin’ @ it bassackwards?
terrell
July 13th, 2010
5:29 pm
Why did Randolph Morris’ agent let him go to the SL? Horrible, just horrible move. If you go to the SL in your 4th year, YOU BETTER STAND OUT. Plain and simple.
terrell
July 13th, 2010
5:31 pm
On the other hand, Morris never got a chance to play under Woodrow, or in NY for that matter. But still.
terrell
July 13th, 2010
5:33 pm
No to Thabeet. I thought we needed some beef in the middle, not a noodle.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 13th, 2010
5:42 pm
“If I remember the CBA correctly, ALL sign and trades must be for at least 3 years in length.”
This is correct, but only the first year has to be guaranteed.
Grandad
July 13th, 2010
5:45 pm
terrell
*Hypothetical*
But now that you mentioned it:
He would be a tremendous addition.
You cannot teach -such- length-!
Perfect compliment to J&A.
Never a star / always a compliment.
Noodle???, you say, 11 pts, 8 rebs, 2 blks,
went to the line 11 times & Mem was +12
when he was in the game.
Wabe
July 13th, 2010
5:51 pm
@coachthorpe “Othello Hunter continues to impress. Faces up smoothly.”
ESPN.com
I’m thinking, wow. We held onto Randolph, but looked past Othello?
MannyT
July 13th, 2010
6:10 pm
Dampier won’t STAY IN Charlotte. He’ll be released b/c that contract isn’t fully guaranteed. He’ll be back on the market. Then it is a question of where he wants to be. Dampier won’t sell as many tickets as Shaq, but he will be available for more games. I would not be shocked if he ends up with a playoff level team that offers him a 3 yr contract using the MLE.
@Grandad–I’ll look into what you’re talking about. Makes sense, but I’m not clear on why Larry Coon sez you need TPE when you decrease salary in a simultaneous trade that fits w/in the trade rules…i.e. the example of 4 mil for 5 mil fits regular trade rules.
Reginald
July 13th, 2010
6:20 pm
According to Brian Windhorst on NBATV the Hawks are looking to trade Marvin Williams & the Cavs are interested
Ken Strickland
July 13th, 2010
6:25 pm
SEAN WILLIAMS-If we signed Shaq, and I assume you’re on board with that, assuming he pans out, how long would you say he would be able to produce? I’ll guarantee you that within a yr or 2, we’d be right back where we are now trying to secure a decent backup to stop DHoward. With a trade for Okafor, we’d be set at the center position for the next 4yrs at least. And if Horford was lost for the season, or for an extended period of time, we’d definitely have a starting caliber center that’s capable of effectively taking his place.
Would you really want to depend on Shaq as your starting center? Haven’t you been paying attention? The Suns and Cavaliers have already tried that, and both teams dumped his butt after only 1 yr, along with their HC’s.
Too many of you are obsessed with DHoward, and the idea we absolutely must have a center that can single handedly stop him. You continue to act like MWoodson and his total lack of a DEF strategy, inability to adjust, and unwillingness to seek help and/or a solution, is still our HC. We how have a HC with a clue, and he’s hired LConner, an assistant coach who’s speciality is DEF.
We can use a combination of factors to contain DHoward and the Magic. We can start with a sound DEF scheme and approach, instead of expecting to get the job done by using the same failed switching DEF, and the same DEF limited PG. We can combine the use of multiple centers, and a PG that actually plays DEF, pressures the ball and limits penetration.
To be honest, I’d take that approach over signing Shaq any day of the week.
Grandad
July 13th, 2010
6:32 pm
MannyT
Thanks:
*from FAQ page.
Trying to figure a way to dump sal + add a need.
Grandad
July 13th, 2010
6:35 pm
Reginald
I Wonder if the Cavs would part with -Anderson Varejao-!
Truth-Serum
July 13th, 2010
6:40 pm
Big Ump Thanks for the shout folk! Id like to hear more from you cause you really spit the flavor my-folk You, robdog yall got game. Love it! Keep it real.
Speaking of keeping it real…
someone posted that “turnover teague” has a .75 assist to turn over ratio and felt that was great and a markedly improvement.
My response…WHAT?
nobody in the top 50 has an ass/to ratio that low… excuse me? teague step away from the ball.He blew that game against the grizzlies with a turnover at 83-83 with time running out. Thats why did was not used in critical times last year. .75 is just god awful.
Consider Jason kid is 4.67 assists to turnovers Or Rondo is 3.1. Come on hawks fans. You arent going very far with .75 controlling your point.
Problem with some fans is the mistake likability with talent. We need talent folk not popularity. Compare these stats league wide before you run off at the mouth people. If its true that teague is at .75 ass/to Please cut the guy and lets move on. Like him or not.He should be better than that by now.This is a summer camp, imagine the regular season.
T3AMDIM3
July 13th, 2010
6:42 pm
WHAT ABOUT MARVIN FOR JAMISON , I KNO JAMISON IS A PF BUT HE CAN SHOOT BETTER THEN SMITH AT THE 3 , AND HI SCONTRACT IS ABOUT 15 MIL AND MARVIN IS AT 7 BUT WITH THE TRADE ECXEPTION AND MAYBE BIBBY WE CAN GET HIM , AND SIGN SHAQ UP WRIGHT WITH THE MLE NOW THAT EVRYBODYS GONE BUT ATL FOR HIM TO GO TO .. ??????
Truth-Serum
July 13th, 2010
6:42 pm
*Thats why woodson did not use him at critical times.
* They mistake
terrell
July 13th, 2010
6:43 pm
Grandad, I know your’re not looking at numbers when it comes to the SL. Numbers dont men jack in the SL. Marvin won the SL MVP for crying out loud. Thabeet is a project. If he we’rent, he would’nt have been sent to the D-league after being selected #3 overall. If we wont to win NOW, Thabeet is not the answer. Just my opinion of course .Heck, I like Deandre Jordan better than Thabeet.
terrell
July 13th, 2010
6:44 pm
want, not wont.
Luke Cage
July 13th, 2010
6:45 pm
Shaq is running out of options, guess he better come down off that high horse and the realize he ain’t gonna get paid big bucks
T3AMDIM3
July 13th, 2010
6:45 pm
OR ZAZA AND CASH EXPEMTION FOR SHAQ VIA SIGN AND TRADE FOR CLE, SO THEY GET BACK A BIG , AND WE SWAP ZAZA FOR SHAQ AD OPEN UP ROOM FOR ANOTHER TICKET SELLER IN MCGRADY OR AI , I KNO I KNO BUT HEY IT WUD SELL TICKETS LOL , AND JUST CONDITON EM ALL YEAR AND USE EM FOR TH EPLAYOFFS AND CLEAN UP OR SCRAP TIME BOTH ARE DESPERATE ESPECIALLY AI SO VET MINIUM FOR AI -=) TRACY IF WE ARENT GETTING JAMISON WE HAVE CAP ROOM HE ISNT GOING TO GET ALOT ..
terrell
July 13th, 2010
6:45 pm
Why would the Cavs part with Verajo? They must be trying to lose their last couple of fans. lol!
bigdave
July 13th, 2010
6:49 pm
GM Jeff Bower released by Hornets..
i_am_soulstar
July 13th, 2010
7:04 pm
“The Bobcats are “very likely” to waive Dampier and his non-guaranteed $13 million salary for next season, a source tells Y!”
http://twitter.com/WojYahooNBA
If this happens, the Hawks should get Dampier for the MLE. I’ll take him over Shaq right now, not because he’s more talented than Shaq, but because he’s the best of the rest and he’s emotionally available.
If Shaq doesn’t wanna come off the bench, should we try to convince him otherwise only to risk him changing his mind mid-season.
i_am_soulstar
July 13th, 2010
7:05 pm
*mid-season?
T3AMDIM3
July 13th, 2010
7:10 pm
i_am_soulstar … thats true , but shaq as we all know will bring in ticket sales and will make money and maybe a little more focus on atlanta in the east, i like dampier but from what i understand the bobcats are going to hold on to dampier for the posssibilty that they can use him in another trade, but if we can get shaq and get dampier signed on a vet minium or in a sign and trade some how for zaza so then we could get damp and shaq backen up horford
T3AMDIM3
July 13th, 2010
7:14 pm
anyway we can get lamarcus aldridge over here
i_am_soulstar
July 13th, 2010
7:23 pm
T3AMDIM3
July 13th, 2010
7:10 pm
Do you have a link supporting that? I’m not saying Wojnarowski is always right, but he’s proved to be a pretty reliable source.
And Dampier is not what you would call a vet minimum player.
i_am_soulstar
July 13th, 2010
7:28 pm
T3AMDIM3
July 13th, 2010
7:14 pm
Lamarcus Aldridge? LOL You’re dreaming big. I don’t know how any team could pull that off without trading a core piece or two.
darrell starks
July 13th, 2010
7:32 pm
Why as a hawk fan do you want sorry dampier ? lets get some GOOD players in here and stop talking about wash up player.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!