Atlanta Hawks: No go on Earl Boykins
When I saw Christopher Reina’s report at RealGM about the Hawks “reaching out” to Earl Boykins, it didn’t make sense on a few levels.
For one, from everything I’ve heard the Hawks aren’t really interested in adding another guard. Also, Boykins doesn’t really seem to fit into L.D.’s “interchangeable parts” philosophy. And why would the Hawks add a veteran point guard when they are trying to bring along Teague?
But I figured maybe the Hawks wanted to bring Boykins to camp as some kind of insurance, so I checked it out. I was told there’s nothing to it, that it’s a “crazy rumor” and that the Hawks are still focused on adding a big man. So it looks like Boykins won’t even get a camp invite from the Hawks.
– There should be a resolution to the Pape Sy situation this week. He’s looking for a buyout from Le Havre of the top French league.
“I like his size,” L.D. said. “He’s really strong on the drive. I don’t know if he’s been watching NBA players already but he’s already doing things that NBA players do. We will try to get him in here for camp.”
– ESPN.com’s Ric Bucher reports that Carmelo Anthony and the Nuggets are likely to part ways. The Nuggets have offered Anthony a three-year, $65 million extension, and Bucher said Anthony is contemplating signing the extension and then asking for a trade or not signing the extension and forcing the Nuggets to trade him by the February deadline.
The interesting thing about Anthony is how despite his elite scoring ability he doesn’t rate highly in some advanced statistics. David Berri is the latest stats guy to break it down, concluding that Anthony produces only 1.44 wins above an average small forward largely because he’s “not a particularly efficient scorer” and that “other than an ability to get to the free throw line, Melo is not outstanding with respect to any other aspect of the game.”
(In case you are wondering, Anthony produced .145 win shares per 48 minutes in 2009-10 compared to .112 for Marvin.)
Marc Stein on ESPN just said: “New York is where [Melo] wants to end up.” But do my blog people think Melo would be worth the money plus the assets it would take for the Hawks to acquire him?
MC
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196 comments Add your comment
KEL
August 17th, 2010
12:33 pm
why not melo>>>duck
PUBLIX
August 17th, 2010
12:35 pm
FIRST!!!
PUBLIX
August 17th, 2010
12:35 pm
dang man
PUBLIX
August 17th, 2010
12:35 pm
we need a big man and quick
KEL
August 17th, 2010
12:37 pm
but yea earl shouldve been a no go, i like his fiestiness but the guy is a dwaft on the floor and is hurt ALOT. i wish we could get melo here, id give up marv and al and bib, with al being the attractive piece of that deal, only thing Den is packed with bigs. But a line up of Jt, JJ, Melo, Jsmoove and (WHOEVER) would be beastly
Jesse
August 17th, 2010
12:38 pm
I tried out a Marvin trade on ESPN’s trade machine: Marvin Williams, Mike Bibby, Zaza Pachulia, and Jordan Crawford for Carmello and Brian Butch works under the salary cap. According to Hollinger’s statistical analysis, it would add an estimated 6 wins to the Hawks record, so I’d probably be in favor of it if the Nuggets would accept.
Macaroni Tony
August 17th, 2010
12:39 pm
I like the fact that the Hawks will stick to getting a big man and we will add Pape Sy. I like Elston (spell check) or Josh Boone.
hmmmm........
August 17th, 2010
12:39 pm
Any possible names of a big man?
Macaroni Tony
August 17th, 2010
12:40 pm
I would not give up that much for CA, if we can get him cook but don’t give too much
Kenbud
August 17th, 2010
12:42 pm
oh, please .. Melo to the Knicks. That’s it. Only team he wants to play for.
Glad to see the Hawks going after Pape Say. I thought he played quite well in the summer league.
swatguy
August 17th, 2010
12:42 pm
Why put stats in front of the truth? Carmelo is a player. He is an elite scorer and a big body which bodes well in the playoffs.
So ‘Ham, what will it take to get him? Is Marvin, Mo and a #1 enough? If they want Josh, I want ‘Nene and keep the #1 pick.
On second thought I dont want to move Josh, he’s trill.
Hawk n the Ham
August 17th, 2010
12:43 pm
MC …..
If the Hawks did a sign and trade with the Nuggets, can you do that on just extension contracts?
And who would be our trade chips? I know everyone is going to say “Marvin & Bibby”, but that’s just not going to work for Denver. What do you think?
I Heart Atlanta
August 17th, 2010
12:45 pm
Can u give us some names of big men were intrested in MC???
Michael Cunningham
August 17th, 2010
12:48 pm
@swatguy: “Why put stats in front of the truth? Carmelo is a player. He is an elite scorer and a big body which bodes well in the playoffs.
So ‘Ham, what will it take to get him? Is Marvin, Mo and a #1 enough? If they want Josh, I want ‘Nene and keep the #1 pick.”
he is both of those things. i just think it’s interesting that he doesn’t rate highly in some fancy stats, that’s all.
as for what it would take, heck if i know. it’s not even certain Melo has even told the Nuggets he wants a trade.
Michael Cunningham
August 17th, 2010
12:50 pm
@ Hawk n the Ham: “If the Hawks did a sign and trade with the Nuggets, can you do that on just extension contracts? And who would be our trade chips? I know everyone is going to say “Marvin & Bibby”, but that’s just not going to work for Denver. What do you think?”
i updated the blog. on an extension it wouldn’t even have to be a sign-and-trade since Melo is not a free agent. the Nuggets could just sign him to the extension and then trade him. or trade him and the new team signs the extension.
i don’t know whom the Hawks could trade. i don’t know that they want to make the trade. i don’t even know if Melo has told the Nuggets he wants to be traded–Bucher’s report suggested that he hasn’t yet. so this is all early and very speculative. but, well, it’s August.
Michael Cunningham
August 17th, 2010
12:52 pm
@ I Heart Atlanta: “Can u give us some names of big men were intrested in MC???”
same vet guys i’ve mentioned before are still out there as far as i know: Francisco Elson, Brian Skinner and Josh Boone. they also could bring a young prospect to camp.
Big Daddy
August 17th, 2010
12:54 pm
Melo is not the answer. We do not need one more person in here who needs to handle the ball a high percentage of the time. We already have JJ and JC who handle the ball more than the point. It will foul the chemistry even more. I am hopeful they will find a big man that can block and rebound and has the kind of body and motor to want to do both.
O'Brien
August 17th, 2010
12:57 pm
I would not trade for Melo. Not only would we give up a lot of assets, but it is very probable that he would not resign with us. And then we would be forced to try and work out a sign and trade.
And if he did want to sign with us, I have my doubts about the ASG wanting to pay 2 max contracts.
I wonder if the Hawks have looked into trading Mo Evans (and his expiring $2.5 mil salary) for a big man. And then they could sign Rodney Carney or Damien Wilkins for the vet min to be Marvin’s backup.
Hawk n the Ham
August 17th, 2010
12:58 pm
Big Daddy, that’s like saying the Heat are going to be terrible because they have 3 guys who control the ball a lot.
JMar
August 17th, 2010
12:59 pm
In case you are wondering, Anthony produced .125 win shares per 48 minutes in 2009-10 compared to .094 for Joe Johnson.
Michael Cunningham
August 17th, 2010
1:00 pm
@ Big Daddy: “Melo is not the answer. We do not need one more person in here who needs to handle the ball a high percentage of the time. We already have JJ and JC who handle the ball more than the point. It will foul the chemistry even more.”
good point. Melo does have a very high usage rate.
Paddy
August 17th, 2010
1:00 pm
The ASG did a great job of selling the Hawks to all those free agents that signed elsewhere. They can run that scam all they want but they can’t hide that scam to the knowledgeble Atl sports fan.
JeJe
August 17th, 2010
1:01 pm
“But do my blog people think Melo would be worth the money plus the assets it would take for the Hawks to acquire him?”
LOL @ ASG ever making a big trade like that
Michael Cunningham
August 17th, 2010
1:02 pm
@ O’Brien: “I wonder if the Hawks have looked into trading Mo Evans (and his expiring $2.5 mil salary) for a big man. And then they could sign Rodney Carney or Damien Wilkins for the vet min to be Marvin’s backup.”
a trade for a center is a possibility. moving Mo makes sense if they don’t want to break up the proverbial “core.” and if they did that then they’d finally be forced to bring in a wing.
Michael Cunningham
August 17th, 2010
1:04 pm
@JMar: “In case you are wondering, Anthony produced .125 win shares per 48 minutes in 2009-10 compared to .094 for Joe Johnson.”
i get the feeling you don’t think J.J. is worth max money, either.
Michael Cunningham
August 17th, 2010
1:05 pm
@ JeJe: “LOL @ ASG ever making a big trade like that”
the bigger question is, if they did somehow make a trade like that, would it make you happy?
Fundamentals
August 17th, 2010
1:05 pm
I don’t see Melo coming here. Boykins is too small, just a hinder to Teague.
I still like Ajinca. Young, athletic, 7′+ and he’s got some range which would allow Horford and Smith the block on offense.
ryan
August 17th, 2010
1:08 pm
The ASG needs to make a trade for Mello after this awful summer and disfranchised fans missing out on the biggest FA class in history this is last chance for this ownership.
Fundamentals
August 17th, 2010
1:12 pm
Mo needs an honest home where he can play SG for someone who needs him. There’s just too much confusion here at that position. Unless you start playing Joe or JC1 at the point which makes Bibby expendable.
We need a big and possibly a SF. If Pape Sy is coming over is he strong enough now to hold the SF position defensively? Is he coming over to develop as a PG, SG or SF?
Signing Ajinca and Sy together could be good for their chemistry. Is that what Dallas wants with their two French Centers?
Rev in Tampa
August 17th, 2010
1:40 pm
It seems to me that there is some unlikely speculation about Carmelo. Interesting, but it likely ends there.
But the good news is that the Hawks are eager to bring in Pape and they are very interested in finding a big man. After a period of uncertainty it is good to see the Hawks have moves they want to make. I am very happy that the Hawks seem to be aiming higher than the current free agent bigs. Otherwise they would have already signed one of them. The Hawks will not let the $3 milliion trade exemption go to waste.
dukester
August 17th, 2010
1:41 pm
1. Forget about Melo will not be traded to the Hawks. Wont happen.
2.We need a center. A impact center not just a dude who is 6′11″
3.The most important part of all of this. I think ASG feel they are complete maybe a little move for a bench player here or there this squad is the 2010-11 Hawks. So we might as well start talking about where will we fall next season 4-7 in the division.
Grandad
August 17th, 2010
1:41 pm
Fundamentals
Dallas is on record:
“Alexis Ajinca, the Mavs’ fourth center who they hope to trade before the start of the season”
“As soon as he arrived in Dallas in last month’s trade, he was put on the trading block. With no takers yet, Ajinca could head into training camp on the roster. Entering his third NBA season, he is ineligible to be assigned to the Mavs’ D-League team, so the Mavs could be stuck with a fourth center.”
He cannot be packaged with another player
until mid-September.
Section 303
August 17th, 2010
1:43 pm
I think Anthony is a good player. I have, however, never understood why he was just instantly considered one of the best players in the league. He’s just pretty good. Which is fine.
I would take a pass, if I were Rick Sund. Even though Anthony is an upgrade over Marvin, the money would be better spent some place else. Marvin is at least servicable. Get another big and another 2/3 combo player who is fast and athletic. Don’t really have a huge need for Anthony in Atlanta.
Michael Cunningham
August 17th, 2010
1:45 pm
@ Rev in Tampa: “The Hawks will not let the $3 milliion trade exemption go to waste.”
the thing to remember about the trade exception is it wouldn’t exempt them from the luxury tax. so while they could take back $3 million more in salary than they send out, they only have about $2.7 million under the tax. so to avoid the tax they’d have to take back about the same salary as Mo’s $2.5 million.
Buddy Grizzard
August 17th, 2010
1:47 pm
Hawks are not a consideration for Carmello, but in fantasy land, I would trade Joe Johnson, two future 1st round picks and $3m cash in a heartbeat.
The Real JC
August 17th, 2010
1:50 pm
@everyone convinced Melo is only going to the Knicks – a lot hangs on what happens with this year’s Miami team. This whole CP3, Melo and Ama’re team idea came from the Miami team up, and I think Melo will base his NY decision on how they perform and how happy each player seems within their new roles.
Also, I have some hope held out for Melo not to join the LeDark Side because he knows what it’s like to be the man and win titles like he did at Syracuse.
terrell
August 17th, 2010
1:54 pm
How bout Josh, Marvin, and Zaza for Melo and Nene?
Bibby/JJ/Melo/Horford/Nene
Teague/Jamal/Mo/Powell/Collins
Jo Craw/Pape Sy/Etan Thomas(FA)
Buddy Grizzard
August 17th, 2010
1:55 pm
“the bigger question is, if they did somehow make a trade like that, would it make you happy?”
Hell yeah it would make me happy… get rid of a player past his prime and bring in a true star in his prime?
terrell
August 17th, 2010
1:56 pm
Not saying I’d make that trade. Just a thought??
terrell
August 17th, 2010
1:58 pm
We’d have to throw in Josh to even get Denver to stay on the phone.
Melvin
August 17th, 2010
2:13 pm
MC,
“so while they could take back $3 million more in salary than they send out, they only have about $2.7 million under the tax. so to avoid the tax they’d have to take back about the same salary as Mo’s $2.5 million.”
Keep in mind, if the Hawks trade Mo then they would have his 2.5 salary + (2.7) cap space available they could received back before paying luxury tax monies…
I Heart Atlanta
August 17th, 2010
2:18 pm
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine
Anybody (Hawks Fans)against this trade would be crazy!!!!!!
Gwinnett Fred
August 17th, 2010
2:19 pm
Trade JJ for Melo and actually save a ton of money!
ryan
August 17th, 2010
2:21 pm
What do the Knicks have except for Amare and he is damaged goods at least the Hawks could be a more attractive for Mello with Joe, Josh Smith, and Al Horford for the Nuggets we could put a better trade package than the Knicks .
nique
August 17th, 2010
2:31 pm
no way the ASG is getting melo. that’s crazy talk. these are the same guys that hired larry drew as their coach.
as for the big men, i noticed that MC said these are the guys that are out there not these are the guys that the hawks have expressed an interest in. MC are you saying that the hawks are interested in those big men?
GeeMack
August 17th, 2010
2:32 pm
MC
If we could Melo and the 3 year extension without trading Josh or JJ. I will do it all day. A trio of JJ, Josh, & Melo gives the Hawks the bases for winning a championship in the NBA.
I would be willing to part ways with Crawford and Horford to make that deal happen.
Native Atlantan
August 17th, 2010
2:39 pm
Melo is in the NBA Elite 3 along with Kobe & Lebron. I’d put him right after those 2 and right before Durant. I’D DO WHATEVER IT TOOK TO GET HIM HERE!
For starters, he’d pick up the Hawks tickets sales.
I personally would like to part with JJ to get him here but I’m guessing JJ is the only reason he’d consider coming here so a more logical proposal would be Marvin, Josh, & a #1.
ryan
August 17th, 2010
2:40 pm
So what Nique the Heat have the big three and the head coach is not Pat Riley its some unknown coach .
Wink
August 17th, 2010
2:58 pm
@ terrell
I totally agree with that trade.
I mentioned that trade in the early part of the summer, but I also wanted us to sign Shaq. At that time he was available.
Teague/JJ/Melo/Horford/Nene
Bibby/Jamal/Mo/Shaq/Morris
Jo Craw/Pape Sy/Collins
PHUCKER_JENKINS
August 17th, 2010
3:01 pm
Sure he’d be worth it if we could give up Joe Johnson and his contract for him! It’d be a steal! The harsh reality is the Nuggets aren’t stupid enough to take that contract off the hawks hands!!!!
Rondo
August 17th, 2010
3:02 pm
Melo wants to go to the Knicks so we can leave the Hawks out. What about a 3 team trade where the Hawks can somehow get Ne Ne. Or i would be satisfied if the hawks get the guy with lips painted on his neck Kenyon Martin.The Western Conference is loosing all of its big-name free agents through free agency. I guess that makes it a whole lot easier for the Lakers to make a run for a 3-Peat.
Rufus1
August 17th, 2010
3:05 pm
Melo trade
I would not trade Josh for a 1yr rental. I would would trade Marvin and Jamal because we aren’t going to re-sign Jamal. Melo would replace Jamals scoring and Marvin’s size.
You Can’t give-up Marvin and Josh for Carmelo…That is too much.
The Nuggets would do that trade today.
Ben
August 17th, 2010
3:08 pm
Just want to see who make think this sounds good. We trade JSmooth and Jamal Crawford to Denver for Melo and JRSmith then Al, Marv, Bibby to portland for A Miller and G Oden
Wink
August 17th, 2010
3:19 pm
How about Melo,Birdman Andersen,Ty Law in exchange for Josh,Marvin,Bibby — per Trade Machine —gives us a +7 in win total and save about a Million bucks???
Rufus1
August 17th, 2010
3:20 pm
No Leverage
The Nuggets have no leverage…he is leaving them anyway.
STOP ACTING LIKE A UGLY GIRL TRYING TO DATE A HANDSOME MAN….
YOU CAN’T GIVE AWAY EVERYTHING FOR A 1YR RENTAL.
What can they get for a 1 year rental that would be better then Jamal and Marvin?
Najeh Davenpoop
August 17th, 2010
3:22 pm
I would be fine with a trade for Melo ONLY if they could agree on an extension ahead of time. It would be a risk not worth taking to give up valuable assets for a guy who might not be willing to stay after this season.
With that said, if we were operating in some fantasy world where the DASG was willing to take some risks and Melo agreed to an extension here, I’d probably be willing to go as far as to include either Josh or Al (but not both) in a trade for Melo. And if Al was being traded, I would probably demand Nene in return so that the Hawks wouldn’t be left with nobody who can play center. Melo may not show up in the leaders among win shares (a number that I don’t really understand and can’t really comment on) but there’s no denying that a Joe-Melo-Josh/Al combo would be one of the NBA’s foremost Big Threes in pretty much every respect. And for those of you bringing up usage rates and what not, I’m pretty sure Pierce, Allen, and KG were all heavily used before they teamed up, as were the Unholy Trinity in Miami.
In reality though, I think if the Hawks are looking at Nuggets players, Chauncey Billups is a more realistic and less expensive option. I’m assuming any big trade the Hawks make will involve Jamal’s expiring contract, and trading him for Chauncey would allow Bibby to be completely expendable while freeing up minutes for Jordan.
KevinM
August 17th, 2010
3:22 pm
Non-Melo talk because this ownership group has no clue how to swing a major deal with an elite NBA player. I bet Melo defends LeBron better than Marvin though.
Boykins doesn’t help much; a bit player who is not known for distributing the ball.
Give me Alston because he does move the ball to his teammates, and I know his character could be in question….Sund doesn’t like to take a risk.
If you need a post player, why aren’t they looking at DeAndre Jordan, who is on the last year of a 850K contract? Doesn’t make sense to me, because Kaman, Aminu and Blake Griffin in front of him.
Jordan should get plenty of reps here behind Al and take some of Zaza’s minutes. I bet Jordan can help withe Dwight and the Celtics frontline.
You gotta think cheap around here to see what the ASG might consider.
Najeh Davenpoop
August 17th, 2010
3:24 pm
And of course, needless to say if the Hawks can keep their top 3 players and simply replace Duck with Melo, I’m all for it. I don’t think the Nuggets will be that stupid though.
KevinM
August 17th, 2010
3:29 pm
http://www.nba.com/playerfile/deandre_jordan/index.html
6′11″ 250 and would be a good pickup for a 2nd rounder….so if you can give up the Childress 2nd rounder, you get depth immmediately on a 1 year trial…..
For anyone who thinks Mo Evans has value…..please, you couldn’t trade him for a new set of game balls. He offers nothing of value. You gotta have some value to get some value.
bigdave
August 17th, 2010
3:29 pm
lol @ trading away the entire team @ 3:08
just SHOOT me
August 17th, 2010
3:30 pm
Carmelo. An Atlanta Hawk? Yeah right. No top name NBA free agent would ever want to join the Hawks under the current circumstances. Well maybe perhaps if they had ties to the city. I mean Joe Johnson is the biggest star this city is going to see anytime soon and that’s downright a shame!
Although since we’re on the topic: I wouldn’t mind sending over Josh Smith and Marvin Williams in a deal for Carmelo and maybe like a Ty Lawson or Chris Anderson type. Will it happen? Of course not. But it’d be interesting. I think Carmelo and Al Horford would pair up rater nicely. At least I can dream a little, right?
And who have wanted Earl Boykins to begin with? I mean seriously. I knew there was nothing to that rumor. We’ve a young guard in Teague and an old fossilin Bibby. Why sign a 34 year old Boykins? It would’ve made no sense.
ryan
August 17th, 2010
3:32 pm
Just because what the press says does not mean he is going to the Knicks everyone thought that LeBron James was going to Knicks also Joe Johnson . Nuggets want players in return and the Knicks don’t have anybody there is a window open for the Hawks to get Mello.
KevinM
August 17th, 2010
3:34 pm
For any other PG to come in here, we are going to have to rid ourselves of Bibby…..Bibby’s reign ends on 4/30/2012.
While Melo is the headline, Sund is digging into his vet minimum file for that next solid bench/towel bearer/good guy in locker room support guy….just in case.
He told all of us he wasn’t going to be bringing in any elite players here. He is backing E#2 and will surround him with ‘gems’ to not upset the core.
Rondo
August 17th, 2010
3:37 pm
I wouldn’t give up Josh, Al or Marvin for Melo. Now I would be glad to part ways with Bibby, Evans, Teague or Jamal.
no justice
August 17th, 2010
3:39 pm
The reasons we should to trade our best players to Denver are; They won a championship, they have gone furhter in the play off, Carmello’s stat’s are better than Joe’s, Denver have better skiing. Must be the skiing
northcyde
August 17th, 2010
3:40 pm
JMar
August 17th, 2010
12:59 pm
In case you are wondering, Anthony produced .125 win shares per 48 minutes in 2009-10 compared to .094 for Joe Johnson.
****************
This is a flat out lie . . for both guys.
What this dude cited, were Melo’s and JJ’s CAREER win score per 48 numbers, not their 2009 – 10 numbers.
JJ’s win score per 48 minutes last year was .140 . . . Total win score: 8.4
Melo’s win score per 48 minutes last year was .145 . . . Total win score: 7.9
Always double check people when they give you stats . . .including myself. That’s why I like to link my stuff, so that you can see it for yourself.
People love to tell lies on these blogs.
O'Brien
August 17th, 2010
3:40 pm
KevinM,
The interesting thing is Mo Evans thinks he is underpaid. I wish we could find a taker for him.
Najeh,
That’s my thinking too. Trade Mo Evans for a backup big, and then sign a free agent SF to the vet minimum (Rodney Carney or Damien WIlkins).
As for Melo, I dont think Denver will trade him. I think they will make him play out the season, and try to resign him next summer, or if he wants to leave, they will tray and work out a sign and trade.
The Truth
August 17th, 2010
3:41 pm
Are we being played again by Management?
MC statement: “the Hawks are still focused on adding a big man”
If there is any “Truth” or validity to this statement then MC should allow-up and ask management the 10M question: Will this next hotly pursued Big Man be playing as the option #3 or option #4 backup center? Because if he’s option 4, how relevant would he be that far down the bench? His minutes will likely be in the RandMo scrub category unless there is an injured player. The option 3 guy may see more minutes compared to last season, since Drew seems willing to move away from Woody’s tight rotation. But last year when Collins was option 3 center, he rarely got off the bench. Given the limited talent centers that remains, I can’t see how much of a difference this next “Big Man” signing will be with respect to his projected role on the team at vet min money (if he’s option 4). Maybe at this point, it might be better to just sign a young project (from camp) and hope for the best. But the hoodwinking of an “important” Big Man signings is over. They can’t fool us again with that nonsense.
Rondo
August 17th, 2010
3:44 pm
No Justice when did Denver win a championship?
northcyde
August 17th, 2010
3:45 pm
And I never believed the Boykins article for one second. Maybe as a coach, the Hawks may be interested. But as a player. LOL.
Rondo
August 17th, 2010
3:48 pm
northcyde- Thanks for the props the other day.
lou hudson
August 17th, 2010
3:49 pm
The Melo trade desires are futile. The more realistic trade and FA signings are: Trade Mo Evans (2.5mil expiring contract)for Dallas’ Ajinca and aign D. Wilkins and still be a million under the cap.
northcyde
August 17th, 2010
3:54 pm
The Truth . . if they are going to add a big man. I think they’re going to wait until someone of interest is cut from another team’s training camp. They’ve already proven that they weren’t serious in upgrading the frontline with a legit rotational player to help Horford and Smoove. We’re going to have to hope that Zaza plays at a high level off the bench next season.
northcyde
August 17th, 2010
3:54 pm
No problem Rondo. You told the truth man.
KevinM
August 17th, 2010
4:01 pm
Mo Evans is only useful if you have to match salaries. Otherwise, he is 2nd on the depth chart behind the incumbent. Def a weak position for us.
Our problems are bigger than Mo Evans…..3 names, Zaza, Bibby, Marvin…those are the ones that hurt your cap numbers. 2 of 3 have to go to see anything if significance happen.
Funny, last year, we were trying to keep these guys under 20M…..
JoJo the Godfather
August 17th, 2010
4:03 pm
MC…I know the Hawks can’t comment on him because he’s currently under contract in Charlotte, but are you hearing anything on Erick Dampier?…Do you have any idea when (or if) a decision has to be made on his non-guaranteed contract?…Can he be cut during the season or does his contract become guaranteed at some point?…I’m not sure which teams have salary cap or MLE money available to offer him a deal either.
KevinM
August 17th, 2010
4:07 pm
I remember Sund mentioning how he doesn’t like to make changes of any significance during the season.
Based on what I read re: playoff slots and seeding from MC’s previous blog, it sounds like we better make a move soon to improve our starting 5 or we will be at a disadvantage this postseason.
I am not under the impression that the ASG thinks we are in learning mode with plenty of time to improve?
3Klub
August 17th, 2010
4:12 pm
I would do it in a heart beat. It would probably take something like Marvin and Jamal Crawford and his expiring 10M but absolutley.
Al, Josh, and Melo would be one of the most athletic and talented front lines in the league. Melo could bring the low post scoring we need here as well as star power.
I go 5 on it right now.
drmaryb ^•^
August 17th, 2010
4:12 pm
Reposted from last blog:
(And they said – No Child Left Behind).
NorthCyde
Great post to show an example of hidden gems overlooked.
If I’m not mistaken Blair has no ACL’s (a congenital anomoly),
meaning from birth.
Hey, you know what they say – You can’t miss what you never had!
Who is that star receiver who is a Pro – Bowler for the Steelers?
He went to UGA. He’s half Asian and half African-American.
(uggh! What’s his name?) He was also born without ACL’s also.
The good thing about not having an ACL is that you can’t tear it, if it’s not there.
Not only that, the other ligaments of the knee, when in a highly trained athlete?
Those ligaments become stronger and more supportive to the knee.
These two athletes would never had known they didn’t have ACL’s had someone not told them and they believed it. The go about their business and play all out.
Again, I don’t know the details of DeJuan Blairs knees, but, regardless, he is one heckuva’ player anyways.
Who is that Steeler wide receiver? He’s a little long in the tooth now, but that man was unstoppable as a speedy receiver.
GeeMack,
Thank You for the informative article from the LA Times writer, I enjoyed it.
How are you doing Gee Mack? Keep those hot and intellectual posts coming sir.
Fundamentals
I know man, I hope the new guys, (Pape & Gladyr) make all your “wet dreams” come true as well! ROF & LOL! I knew you’d get a laugh off of that one!
- Mmmmmmwah! – (a wet kiss!) & a wink.
Fantastic Posts from all you guys! Awesome and varied opinions for sure.
I don’t miss the “Library Man” one ioda’! (If he had some sense he could still be posting from the comforts of his home.)
drmaryb ^•^
August 17th, 2010
4:19 pm
Blackberry for Dummies
Rev in Tampa: Thanks for the Select/Copy/Paste lesson!
I’m burning this Blackberry up now. Good thing that’s all I know how to do on here, or I would never get any work done.
-smiles-
MC
So, Earl Boykins is a no go? That story heated up and died before I ever knew it was a story. I’ve been so busy, but … I will go and read your article before I make a comment on that. Don’t want to be an uniformed poster.
- smiles & Mmmmwah! -
Rondo
August 17th, 2010
4:20 pm
Drmaryb- Hines Ward has no ACL, wow I didn’t know that. You just gave my brain a new wrinkle!
Wolverine
August 17th, 2010
4:32 pm
What about Kevin Love? He is unhappy in Minnesota and he is 6-11, 260 and could possibly provide. I dont want to disrupt the core, but the Hawks are young enough and Minnesota is still rebuilding. Why not trade Mo and a future 1st round pick for Love?
Simpdawg
August 17th, 2010
4:36 pm
I would trade Joe Johnson to Denver for Melo right now!!!
jason
August 17th, 2010
4:47 pm
if we want melo we shouldnt be stupid and trade jamal al or JC2. We trade a whole lot of people like zaza, mo, marvin, and bibby. i tried it out this morning and it worked
wordsmithtom
August 17th, 2010
4:47 pm
Offer JJ for Melo. Nothing else from our core. Take it or leave it.
If Melo doesn’t like situation here, he could walk, but we have all that cap space next in next year’s CP3 derby. JC1 at shooting guard and Marvin first man off bench. We win: Melo probably signs for what we gave JJ. We could not replace JJ this year….we probably can next with JC1’s expiring coming off books and Bibby’s team option. A lot more flexible next year.
I don’t expect anything….Melo wants to go to NY, but I’d make the offer.
KevinM
August 17th, 2010
4:48 pm
Where did you see Love was unhappy in Minny? Jefferson is gone already…they aren’t going to move Love also…..they avoided Cousins in the draft…..I think that opinion is a bit off.
We sign E#2 and a rush of people are ready to move him…..shows you what the home team fans think about him..that he is worth Melo?…..I don’t…it would take Al or Smoove as well along with a draft pick to get to the head of the pack vying for Melo dollars.
Smaller moves = Sund and no impact to the salary cap, where I see we are 12th in the league in team payouts.
:Listening to Cowherd this am….he said in order to win in the NBA, you build your team for the playoffs….have we done this? He also said you have to be at the top in Rebounding or at the top in defense….are we heading in that direction? Not according to what I hear LD’s agenda is this offseason…
Anyone disagree that we were one of the top efficiency offensive teams last year? I couldn’t believe that was a viable stat. Hard to imagine that iso-SG was a successful model.
truthspitter
August 17th, 2010
4:59 pm
Glad to hear that Boykins thing got cleared quickly because I was coming here to vent about that. As for Carmelo I would do it if Denver took this trade.
Hawks get: Carmelo
Denver gets: Bibby, Zaza, Marvin and 2 future 1st rd picks in 2011 and 2013
Denver is reportedly looking for another big and they would need a new starting SF.
The reason why I say that’s the only trade I would do is because
A. I would not give up Josh or Al
The big question is would Denver do that?
B. This keeps us under the lottery threshold even after signing Carmelo to a Joe Johnson deal and resigning Al.
The trade:http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=27k28h2
truthspitter
August 17th, 2010
5:00 pm
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=27k28h2
mark
August 17th, 2010
5:01 pm
i don’t believe our management would even attempt to make a move for melo, the man can straight up ball, his punk ways are behind him. i would at the most trade josh/ marvin or marvin/ jamal. for melo.we can dream can’t we
doc
August 17th, 2010
5:11 pm
northcyde, one more interesting fact about what it takes to rent seats for hawks games:
The TMR fan index listed the Hawks with the 12th highest average ticket among NBA teams last season, the first time since 2001-02 in which the average ticket price league-wide declined. The Thrashers were 14th in the NHL.
cheap owners want fleeced fans.
tyger
August 17th, 2010
5:12 pm
Carmelo would be a coup for ATL !!!
LaLa is a hip-hop queen and ATL is Black Hollywood – good fit on its face – but ATL is Southern Crunk not true Hip Hop – and not enough international flavor to be considered a true metropolis. Much like A-rod, when he told the Braves he was an Armani guy and they were a jeans and boots franchise. It could work, ATL not NYC, but it aint Denver either. There’s enough star power here for them to adjust – but still – there’s no place like home.
Denver and ATL have pieces:
Carmelo, Chauncey and Nene.
Marvin, Bibby, ZaZa, Smoove, Evans and Jam Crawford.
Chauncey
JJ
Melo
Horford
Nene
Rondo
August 17th, 2010
5:14 pm
KevinM- One thing that Cowherd did mention is that the hawks are a second tier team. I think he mentioned the hawks with Phoenix, Portland, Chicago and Milwakee. I agree that the Hawks ain’t doing nothing to win championships. But one good thing is that you do have a viable team with the hawks that brings exitement. Atleast the Hawks isn’t the door mat of the NBA.
truthspitter
August 17th, 2010
5:15 pm
tyger: Who asked you what true hip hop is and there are plenty of Atl artist who don’t have anything crunk about them. You still stuck on Little John crunk been dead for quite sometime now
Rondo
August 17th, 2010
5:16 pm
Can you guys believe that the Knicks out drew the Lakers last season, just imagine if they can bring Melo’s talent to the NYC.
Rondo
August 17th, 2010
5:17 pm
Yeeeeaaaaaahhh!
drmaryb ^•^
August 17th, 2010
5:21 pm
Rondo
Yes Baby! Hines Ward! I was going crazy from not remembering his name.
I need to upgrade my weed quality and see if I can get that “California-Endo”
shipped out to the East Coast. I hear it’s legal in Cali!
Ha Ha! All jokes aside, yeah Hines Ward was born w/o any ACL’s!
How is that working for him?
Pretty darned great! Hugh?
Rondo,
What’s your new wrinkle? Shall we hire Guido to remove Marvin’s
ACL’s? You know, addition by subtraction?
Thanks for the answer to my question! Now I can rest my mind.
- Mmmmmwah! -
KevinM
August 17th, 2010
5:21 pm
Rondo, best name by far….I gotta ask, if you aren’t going for the championship, how can you justify to the fan base that this is enough?
Its time to accept something more than mediocrity. The Phoenix door is closing fast….I think Chicago and Milwaukee are on the upswing. Portland is changing management to become a top West contender. At least all those 4 teams give hope to the fan base and haven’t been totally humiliated with their main rival in their own division.
No way we improve against Orlando; we stand pat………that is what Dwight likes…he has no worries about us.
GeeMack
August 17th, 2010
5:22 pm
truthspitter
Marvin has 4 years left on his deal. Zaza has 3 & Bibby has 2 years left on his deal. The Nuggets are not looking for a 3rd PG in Bibby. However the Hawks have attractive players and contracts to throw at the Nugget to sweeten the deal.
I would be willing to give up one of my core players, if Melo signs the 3 year extention only.
The Truth
August 17th, 2010
5:27 pm
Northcyde
Re: “I think they’re going to wait until someone of interest is cut from another team’s training camp.”
A thought for today:
Never try and second-guess this Hawks Management Team
For they will surely make us all look STUPID
What seems up, is really down (with them)
What seems logical, is really illogical
What seems illogical, is really logical
What seems expensive, is really inexpensive
What seems inexpensive, is really expensive
What seems to be a “high-priority”, is really “low-priority”
What seems to be a “low-priority”, is really “high-priority”
What seems to be The Truth, is really a lie
What seems to be a lie, is really The Truth
From A Persian Proverb:
“He who knows but knows that he knows is wise, follow him”
So if we are STUPID in our expectation of them, as long as we know it, then it must be OK
Najeh Davenpoop
August 17th, 2010
5:33 pm
“For anyone who thinks Mo Evans has value…..please, you couldn’t trade him for a new set of game balls. He offers nothing of value. You gotta have some value to get some value.”
Mo Evans has an expiring contract, and expiring contracts ALWAYS have value.
Najeh Davenpoop
August 17th, 2010
5:43 pm
“Anyone disagree that we were one of the top efficiency offensive teams last year? I couldn’t believe that was a viable stat. Hard to imagine that iso-SG was a successful model.”
It was a very successful model against bad defenses because the Hawks have several very good individual talents, and against turnover-prone teams because they were athletic enough to force turnovers and score in transition (the much-maligned switching defense helped with this too). The truth is that as much as we (rightfully) found fault with Woody, at least half the league’s coaches are just as clueless when it comes to making adjustments and formulating game plans that attack the other team’s weaknesses, and this played into the Hawks’ hands. The Hawks’ efficiency number is that high because most other teams don’t have the man to man defenders and defensive game plan to be able to stop the Hawks regardless of the offense they were running. Of course, in the playoffs where other teams have good game plans and good defenders and face the Hawks long enough to be able to adjust to what they are doing, it’s a totally different story and the Hawks’ efficiency dropped considerably.
drmaryb ^•^
August 17th, 2010
5:44 pm
New York State of Mind!
Melo is from where? Syracuse? Not exactly The City!
It’s a great college town, but not much going on there.
My Father is from Manhattan – Now that’s a city – The City of all Cities!
IMO Melo isn’t coming here, he was in NY for his wedding and probably still is.
Who wouldn’t play at MSG? If anybody could pull that trade off, it’s Isaiah!
LOL! Isaiah could pull a lot of things off – ask the ladies in the Knicks. Front office.
But, he probably wants to play with Amare and CP3, (bees knees), if he ends up there.
If we could get Melo here, I’m for it. But not including Josh/Al in that trade.
Sorry, ugh – ugh … Not gonna’ do it! w/o Al? We have no All-Star at center. Al plays very BIG for his size, like Barkley did. Josh does so many different things for this team, and they are so young and getting better.
Everybody else, not named Joe can Go!
mario scandrett
August 17th, 2010
5:47 pm
what the hell are yall talkin bout chemistry….we have no chemistry….if you really think this team the way it is set up will compete for championship you are crazy….yeah melo by himself may not be better than jjohnson…..but combined them and we have more firepower….which is what we need to
compete…..i say bibby, mwilliams and josh for carmelo, kmart and acarter…and to protect ourselves he must sign extension…….
here is where having a veteran coach would pay off….
KevinM
August 17th, 2010
5:54 pm
So Najeh, you are under the same understanding as I by stating the Hawks aren’t built for the playoffs.
Everyone wants to run and gun, but no one runs and guns in the playoffs with the exception of Phoenix who lives and dies by the R&G. Yes, they made the WC Finals, but was anyone really convinced they would matchup with the Lakers?
We don’t know how lucky we are not to have to deal with having to beat the Lakers in a 7 game series just to get a shot at a championship. Problem is, we apparently aren’t going to take advantage of it either.
I always dreaded playing the Heat because their previous teams were painful to watch post-Shaq.
Now, they will be applying the pain to us because we won’t be able to match them in the 1/2 court.
LeBron gives them a one up advantage on the rest of the league. He will prove his worth this year and I don’t expect him to take anyone lightly.
And we aren’t getting anything for MEvans straight up….like all those Tyron Lue/Anthony Johnson trade suggestions….they amount to no value. You saw what we got for Childress?
drmaryb ^•^
August 17th, 2010
5:58 pm
Yellow – Melo!
Looks like Melo definitely wants outa’ Denver, especially If he put his house on the market. Not that he couldn’t buy another house there, but it seems as
though LeBron opened a Pandora’s Box by – “Taking his Talents to South Beach”
Now, everyone is considering – Why NOT me?
Yall know how trends are started and now everybody’s doing it.
I actually see a trend starting with players “Taking their Talents” elsewhere.
I for one, am just glad that Joe stayed. It’s really nice to have a player that really wants to be here. Atlanta is a great place to live.
I Heart Atlanta
August 17th, 2010
6:00 pm
Ayye Jordan Crawford jus retweeted me!!!
drmaryb ^•^
August 17th, 2010
6:04 pm
mario scandretti
Co-Sign all that chemistry – ish too!
How did that work for the Hawks?
Especially, when Al said the team had bad chemistry issues in the Magic series.
Of all times to blow up, it’s not in the semi-finals for sure.
Chemistry is History!
drmaryb ^•^
August 17th, 2010
6:12 pm
I Heart Atlanta
What did he tweet? Come on” give us the dish – don’t hold out?
I Heart Atlanta
August 17th, 2010
6:23 pm
@drmaryb
All it was is i sent him the link to all the pics of him today at the rookie thing and he retweeted it…. lol no big deal
bird
August 17th, 2010
6:23 pm
Enter your comments here
bird
August 17th, 2010
6:26 pm
Melo “ain’t” coming to Atl, forget about it. Wasted discussion really.
I Heart Atlanta
August 17th, 2010
6:31 pm
http://www.youtube.com/user/IHeartAtlanta27
Check out these Mixes i made of the Hawks
Please
Michael Cunningham
August 17th, 2010
6:31 pm
@JoJo: “I know the Hawks can’t comment on him because he’s currently under contract in Charlotte, but are you hearing anything on Erick Dampier?…Do you have any idea when (or if) a decision has to be made on his non-guaranteed contract?…Can he be cut during the season or does his contract become guaranteed at some point?…I’m not sure which teams have salary cap or MLE money available to offer him a deal either.”
nothing on Dampier. i still think the Hawks are leaning towards bringing in a young center prospect. all contracts are guaranteed on Jan. 15: http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#Q94
here are team salaries: http://shamsports.com/content/pages/data/salaries/index.jsp
here are available exceptions: http://shamsports.com/content/pages/data/salaries/exceptions.jsp
Michael Cunningham
August 17th, 2010
6:34 pm
@ The Truth: “MC statement: “the Hawks are still focused on adding a big man” If there is any “Truth” or validity to this statement then MC should allow-up and ask management the 10M question: Will this next hotly pursued Big Man be playing as the option #3 or option #4 backup center?”
well, that question has pretty much been answered. they are about $2.7 mil below tax threshold and they are considering bringing in a young prospect. so those are the kind of centers they are looking, either through FA or trade. if you don’t think Sund can get a No. 2 option under those constraints, then there you go.
Michael Cunningham
August 17th, 2010
6:34 pm
@ The Truth: “MC statement: “the Hawks are still focused on adding a big man” If there is any “Truth” or validity to this statement then MC should allow-up and ask management the 10M question: Will this next hotly pursued Big Man be playing as the option #3 or option #4 backup center?”
well, that question has pretty much been answered. they are about $2.7 mil below tax threshold and they are considering bringing in a young prospect. so those are the kind of centers they are looking, either through FA or trade. if you don’t think Sund can get a No. 2 option under those constraints, then there you go.
I Heart Atlanta
August 17th, 2010
6:36 pm
MC
Are these our new jersey design? (the Collar)
http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.aspx?contractUrl=2&language=en-US&family=editorial&assetType=image&p=Atlanta%20Hawks
Michael Cunningham
August 17th, 2010
6:40 pm
@ nique: “as for the big men, i noticed that MC said these are the guys that are out there not these are the guys that the hawks have expressed an interest in. MC are you saying that the hawks are interested in those big men?”
those guys are on their list, yes. they also are considering bringing prospects to camp and/or waiting to see which veterans shake free via buyouts before the season.
Michael Cunningham
August 17th, 2010
6:44 pm
@ Melvin: “Keep in mind, if the Hawks trade Mo then they would have his 2.5 salary + (2.7) cap space available they could received back before paying luxury tax monies…”
theoretically, yes, they still have to sign a 13th guy. so 2.5 mil + difference in salaries + at least one more minimum-salaried player. that’s why i say “about” the same salary (remember, these are just estimates).
Michael Cunningham
August 17th, 2010
6:46 pm
@ Buddy Grizzard: ““the bigger question is, if they did somehow make a trade like that, would it make you happy?” Hell yeah it would make me happy… get rid of a player past his prime and bring in a true star in his prime?”
haha. glad to hear it but not sure about JeJe. curious, which past his prime Hawks player are you including in the trade?
Michael Cunningham
August 17th, 2010
6:48 pm
@ I Heart Atlanta: is that a new collar? as you can see, i have very sharp journalistic observational skills.
I Heart Atlanta
August 17th, 2010
6:55 pm
MC
Lol yeah thats what i was tryin to figure out, is that what were wearing this year?
Michael Cunningham
August 17th, 2010
7:01 pm
@ I Heart: not sure. i will check.
northcyde
August 17th, 2010
7:22 pm
Doc . . . I don’t know what you want me to say. That being 12th is probably about right for the Hawks.
Let’s look at the Hawks resume the past 3 years:
* 90 – 33 record at home
* 34 home wins last year
* A top 3 team in the East and top 10 overall last year
* 3 consecutive playoff apearances
* made the NBA Elite 8 for two years in a row
So with a 3 year resume like this, where should we be ranked?
12th is probably about right. Despite al of the fan apathy towards management, the actual team has been a very good HOME product going on 3 years now.
Without ripping the fans, the only thing I’ll say is that Hawks fans simply have to make a decision. Do you want to go see this team or not? The fans that do want to see the Hawks, set aside time and money in advance, to make sure they can be in the building.
But now, the real question is this . . . is management puttng forth the 12th best effort in the NBA to improve the team? The answer to that is an emphatic NO.
Management needs to understand that they’re part of the problem as well. When they call out the fans and expect them to step up, but don’t do it themselves, the fans are going to call BS on that.
They want the fans to come out and spend money seeing the team, but the organization not only doesn’t do what they can to upgrade the team, they flat out tell those same fans that we will NOT go over the Luxury Tax line to put together the type of team that you fans want to see.
But it still comes back to the individual fan, and what they want to do. The Hawks are going to win at least 75% of their games at home.
Do you want to see them live, or don’t you?
KevinM
August 17th, 2010
7:24 pm
MC, any idea the number of centers that fit the current mold of a guy who would fit under the cap?
I don’t believe there is a FA out there who can really get into the top 10 of this roster now.
ryan
August 17th, 2010
7:35 pm
Southeast division is looking more exiting by the minute and if you add Mello here the balance of power has shifted dramatically and with all these personalities like John Wall and CB4 . Its going be like Monday Night Raw .
jason
August 17th, 2010
7:36 pm
MC do you think bringing in allen iverson, Jerry stackhouse, and josh boone is a great idea
MsDee
August 17th, 2010
7:37 pm
I agree Ryan!!
bigdave
August 17th, 2010
8:14 pm
i heart…
liked the mixes.. and nice exclusive pics. the v-neck red and white combo is fresh.. on the road blues..
vava74
August 17th, 2010
8:22 pm
yep… if anyone needed a confirmation that TS is a 13 year old acne riddled maniac… they got it now!
war chest = multinamed nutcase
August 17th, 2010
8:28 pm
ez 2 c
Michael Cunningham
August 17th, 2010
8:54 pm
@ KevinM: “MC, any idea the number of centers that fit the current mold of a guy who would fit under the cap? I don’t believe there is a FA out there who can really get into the top 10 of this roster now.”
not sure i see that guy, either. there’s time, though. you never know which guys will get buyouts or become available via trade as the season approaches.
Michael Cunningham
August 17th, 2010
9:01 pm
@ jason: “MC do you think bringing in allen iverson, Jerry stackhouse, and josh boone is a great idea”
don’t see how AI helps them. Stack is still an OK defender and would provide some leadership, but he got most of his minutes at the 2 in Milwaukee and Sund already passed on him last season. Boone isn’t exactly a defensive force in the paint.
Sautee
August 17th, 2010
9:05 pm
MC,
You said that they were looking at bringing in a young prospect. Would trading for Ajinca fit that mold or are they looking at FA / unsigned players?
JeJe
August 17th, 2010
9:15 pm
“The bigger question is, if they did somehow make a trade like that, would it make you happy?”
I don’t know. It’s not like Melo seems to have much more heart than our own “superstar.” All he seems to be able to do is score
K-Dogg
August 17th, 2010
9:26 pm
The hawks should try to trade for Melo they could offer the better pacakge then the Knicks so they should try to rent him from one year and make a run with him and try to resign him. Him and Joe and maybe anotehr peice could work and of course he would love the city. I would try it but once agian if its anythign we would do our owners and GM’s would do the opposite!!! I mean their trying to bring in Earl Boykins for crying out loud!!
K-Dogg
August 17th, 2010
9:26 pm
Whyyyy was i born a hawks fan whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!
Big Ray
August 17th, 2010
9:27 pm
I find it interesting that the Hawks are looking to add Pape Sy this year. Well…maybe I shouldn’t say that. Larry Drew is looking to add him. Whether or not he gets his wish is another story altogether, but it’s interesting to hear.
LOL and cry my eyes out at the same time…if the Hawks decide they want to add somebody to the frontline by waiting to see who gets cut from another team because they weren’t good enough to stick there. You know, sometimes one man’s trash is NOT another man’s treasure…it’s just TRASH.
Oh, and Carmelo Anthony isn’t coming here. Unless Joe Johnson and Arn Tellem are still hot on the recruiting trail, that is.
Sautee
August 17th, 2010
9:29 pm
LOL, Ray
I Heart Atlanta
August 17th, 2010
9:31 pm
bigdave
Appreciate it Man
Big Ray
August 17th, 2010
9:34 pm
A young center prospect, eh? Hope they make a better choice than the last “young center prospect.” You know, the guy who lost 60 pounds by NOT eating at Wendy’s…
Big Ray
August 17th, 2010
9:35 pm
Sautee ,
JerryWest
August 17th, 2010
9:56 pm
If Hawks play as well as Drew is talking, he is on his way to become a great basketball coach.
If Hawks don’t play as well as Drew is talking, he is on his way to become a great politician.
Either way he is on his way to greatness.
Thetrueone
August 17th, 2010
9:56 pm
Carmelo sucks
Atl fan
August 17th, 2010
10:04 pm
if we need a big man, how about earl barron. dude averaged a double double for the knicks. much better than josh boone
Astro Joe
August 17th, 2010
10:07 pm
I don’t think a 50+ win team can find a free agent to crak their top 10 after August 1st. If Sund were serious about upgrading one of the top 8-9 spots, he wouldn’t have waiting until August to start contacting FAs not named Josh Powell.
Sign Chris Hunter and be done with it.
ryan
August 17th, 2010
10:07 pm
Carmello sucks dude what planet are you from Nuggets used to be laughing stock before Mello got there and since he had been drafted there Denver is one of the most watched teams .
JerryWest
August 17th, 2010
10:33 pm
There should do a “decision” show for Sund’s 13th man.
Melvin
August 17th, 2010
10:33 pm
Why didn’t these brain surgeons draft a young center at 31 in the draft. Oh I forgot, there’s 3 million reasons why.
JerryWest
August 17th, 2010
10:33 pm
They should do a “decision” show for Sund’s 13th man.
N.D.T.K.A
August 17th, 2010
11:03 pm
When it comes to the Hawks I don’t even pipe dream about quality free agents like Melo! From the track record of Sund and ASG quality free agents are not even considered: Denver would have to put Melo on a silver platter and deliver him with white glove service for the Hawks to even considered Melo.
I would love to bring in Damien Wilkins as O’Brien suggested earlier if we could only trade Mo Evan’s expiring contract.
As far as depth on the bench why not just invite a free agent or rookie to camp to compete as a big body since whoever the Hawks bring in want get much of a chance to get minutes or play unless ZaZa or Powell get hurt.
I don’t understand: if you tell the team positions are going to have to be earned through competition, would not you want to bring in guys whether they are veterans, rookies, or free agents in that are the best possible player competing to make the team better (re: the 13th player spot on the team being a warm body young big = just a roster spot). This seems very contradictory by L. Drew, coaching staff, Sund, and ASG!!
JerryWest
August 18th, 2010
12:12 am
We should have signed Shaq at mid level, and then trade away Mo Evans in February to avoid paying luxury tax this year. We could easily have Shaq & Wilkins instead of Mo this year. Jazz saved a whole lot of money by doing a mid season salary dump last year.
Mo may have messed up Hawks season.
Macaroni Tony
August 18th, 2010
12:16 am
ESPN.com: Summer Forecast: Best and Worst Coaching Changes
More results of the voting by the panel of experts are revealed. This time the categories are best and worst coaching changes of the off-season. The Atlanta Hawks’ decision to replace Mike Woodson with Larry Drew finished second* in the latter category.
The voting results are augmented by a few hundred words from me about the decision to hire Drew. My premise:
It’s easy to understand skepticism over the Hawks’ hiring of Larry Drew as their new head coach. As with any first-time head coach, Drew carries a certain burden of proof. But a larger share of the doubt appears to be cast upon (and reasonably so) those who made the decision and the degree to which they’ve presented Drew an opportunity to succeed.
Should you wish to read the whole thing…
*The decision also got a vote as the best coaching change. In fact, every coaching change received votes in both categories.
rusty
August 18th, 2010
12:19 am
efficent offense,my azz ,that offense was retarted. more stupid stats
Macaroni Tony
August 18th, 2010
12:19 am
http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2010/8/17/1628594/catching-up-roster-speculation-and?ref=yahoo
truly1
August 18th, 2010
12:51 am
I am with melvin MC why did they not draft a center at #31 then we could develop one. Maybe Hassein whiteside. This is starting to look like these guys dont know what they are doing. I tried to give them time to backup what they were saying that they needed a veteran center. To say they are going after a young prospect now that is not knowing what you are doing.
Atlanta Hawks G.M. Rick Sund
August 18th, 2010
1:36 am
We like our core.
tjhook
August 18th, 2010
4:12 am
I would trade Smoove for Carmelo. Horford could go to power forward full-time and ZaZa could be inserted as a post player. Carmelo can play inside and out and would keep pressure on defenses. Also maybe we could see how Joe Johnson would respond playing with a big-time player. Smoove and Marvin for Carmelo.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
August 18th, 2010
4:16 am
@ JerryWest
Rick Sund’s “decision” on a 13th man would be a ratings bonanza!
I am not sure if Carmelo in atl is agood move we have a rookie coach and new system plus I would rather them clear cap space and gamble on D12 going home. However! If the asg pulled off a carmlo
trade without giving up horf or smoove I would not be mad.
O'Brien
August 18th, 2010
7:42 am
First, they say its hard to find a good contributor at #24 in the draft. And that they need to add veteran free agents. But then they find a contributor at #27, and the free agents they bring in are Collins and Powell.
They say resigning JJ was just the beginning, and were willing to go into luxury tax for the right player. But as we found out, that was not the case.
And now it is implied that they want a young center prospect to develop? Wasn’t that their plan last year to develop Othello Hunter?
Ownership does a lot of talking, but actions (or inactions) will always speak louder than words.
O'Brien
August 18th, 2010
7:43 am
I should have added that they also said we need a new voice. And then they bring in the right hand man (for 6 years) of the old voice.
drmaryb ^•^
August 18th, 2010
8:09 am
O’Brien
I was tracking you pretty well, but is your boss’s voice your voice?
I have NEVER thought the same as any of my former managers, actually, quite the opposite. I resigned from GE Capital in 1997 while making six figures, because I was smarter than he was and my potential was far greater.
I haven’t heard Drew say one thing so far that reflects the Mike Woodson school of thought – have you?
drmaryb ^•^
August 18th, 2010
8:14 am
Disgruntled Employee
O’brien
Also, do you recall Drew tried to get out of his contract as the lead non-assistant a few years back? Wasn’t he forced to honor his contract by management?
How is he Þhe same voice? At least give the man the respect of being his own man, win or lose – He did it his way!
terrell
August 18th, 2010
8:19 am
Shaq/Kurt Thomas/Dampier etc vs. Earl Boykins. ASG “We’ll take the little guy”. lol!
robdawg08
August 18th, 2010
8:30 am
Hawks will add another 6′6″ forward instead f a center they’ve been missing since 1989-90. What kind of a team goes 20 years without drafting or signing a bonafide 7 foot NBA center ? The Atlanta Hawks.
robdawg08
August 18th, 2010
8:32 am
Hakeem Olajuwon at 49 years-old is a better option than Zaza and Al at center…
robdawg08
August 18th, 2010
8:39 am
Mike, why are the Hawks depending on scrub free agents and trhe like at center ? A scrub center will get dominated by Dwight Howard every game. Hawks need someone to stop Howard. A center released from another team isn’t that guy…
robdawg08
August 18th, 2010
8:41 am
74 wins by the Heat this year and sweeps in the Eastern Conference finals, then win it all in 5 against the Lakers. Bank on it.
wordsmithtom
August 18th, 2010
8:53 am
robdawg08,
Quit snortin’ Lebron’s Pixie Dust.
ant banks
August 18th, 2010
9:00 am
I AM GOIN’ ON RECORD! THE HAWKS WILL FINISH 4TH SEED, IF NOT BETTER.
we have 2 allstarts in jj and horfy, we have the 6th man of the year, (could have been an allstar) and jsmoove, who was arguabley allstar worthy. WE HAVE 4 ALL STARS on our roster, already.
with some ball movement, we will be better in the playoffs. this is what KEN STRICKLAND has been screamin’ for years…MORE BALL MOVEMENT. i am excited.
DMV Wiz fan
August 18th, 2010
9:00 am
Carmelo’s not from Syracuse he just went to college there, he grew up in Brooklyn and Baltimore. What are you guys talking about? Atlanta is just a big country town compared to the DMV (DC-Maryland-VA) or the whole east coast.
There’s no way Carmelo comes to play in a town full of racist beer bellied nascar fans and country ghetto people like females with multi colored hair and 3 inch nails and dudes that think unkept dreadlocks and a wife beater tanktop is dress clothes.
Atlanta has no class.
Dept. of Unintended Irony
August 18th, 2010
9:01 am
“efficent offense,my azz ,that offense was retarted. more stupid stats”
Enough said.
ant banks
August 18th, 2010
9:26 am
DMV WIZ FAN,
atlantans have no class? and gilbert arenas, crittendon did? and the rest of the team that tried to “cover-up?” your perspection of CLASS is skewed. lol
O'Brien
August 18th, 2010
9:45 am
drmaryb,
I am okay with the Drew hiring, and so far, he has said all the right things. And I think he will be an upgrade over Woody.
But it is still somewhat surprising (to me) that they blame everything on Woody (directly and indirectly), and then take weeks to decide that Drew was the right choice all along (and one of the lowest paid coaches in the league no less). Especially since BK tried to fire Woody and make Drew the interim HC, but the ASG said no.
However, I was hoping they would have signed more impact free agents for Drew (like Matt Barnes, Anthony Tolliver, Shaq etc), instead of Collins and Powell.
KevinM
August 18th, 2010
10:02 am
Well, Sund can take Adonal Foyle off his watch list. The big man has retired.
MC, would Sund inquire about looking at Memphis and try to get Thabeet and draft holdout Xavier Henry? Together, they would be at 7M and see what the Grizzlies would ask for? Smoove or Al? It then gives Josh Powell a chance to show his talent as well.
Thabeet finally gives us a C, Xavier can try and take Marvin’s job and probably has more offense immediately.
Time to get something done before training camp. We need more length on the interior. Bring in big body Kwame and you have additional length.
Melvin
August 18th, 2010
10:45 am
I guess Mike Bibby is a top-10 PG because he’s not in Yahoo sports rankings 11-30…:) And for the life of me, I don’t understand why Ty Lawson is in every photo….
11-20
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Ranking-the-point-guards-20-through-11;_ylt=AlK8kp7BE4w1Wbfe9zNfYY68vLYF?urn=nba-263059
Melvin
August 18th, 2010
10:45 am
21-30
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Ranking-the-point-guards-30-through-21;_ylt=AhPxg1WlWGtHvlaZzIVWcBG8vLYF?urn=nba-263026
RED
August 18th, 2010
11:46 am
Is it possible to trade Marvin + filler for tayshaun prince? I think he’ll be a nice fit in this team. Not only he’s a good defender and scorer but he’s also very unselfish and a veteran who made several playoff appearances. We can make use of his playoff experience and defense during the playoffs. If it didn’t work out then we can still make use of his expiring contract ($11M) and JC’s ($10M) to sign a caliber free agent. I also think Detroit is in a rebuilding phase and wants to get younger.
Sautee
August 18th, 2010
12:17 pm
KevinM,
Some of your posts are sensible, but Al or Josh for a developmental league center and an unproven rookie?
I can only think that you have a great deal of faith in the rapid improvement of Thabeet and Henry.
Al will NOT be traded as long as he’s on his rookie contract. And unless Memphis jettisons Z-bo, where would Josh play?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m ok with the idea of acquiring either or both, but not at THAT price.
NBA worst league ever
August 18th, 2010
12:25 pm
the Nba is a joke, horrible league
drmaryb ^•^
August 18th, 2010
1:26 pm
ding!
Najeh Davenpoop
August 18th, 2010
1:54 pm
“Hawks will add another 6′6″ forward instead f a center they’ve been missing since 1989-90″
Please don’t disrespect my favorite Hawk of all time, one Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo.
Rev in Tampa
August 18th, 2010
2:16 pm
ant banks @9:00am
Enthusiastic co-sign!
bigdave
August 18th, 2010
2:17 pm
and the pajama wearing chicken heads and tramps from the DMV are just top notch pieces .. please.
every city has negative stereo types champ. get over yourself.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
August 18th, 2010
2:18 pm
Cosign Najeh.
I was just about to point that out. Mutombo was a defensive beast for us in the 90’s. Wagging fingers and all, lol. Theo Ratliff was serviceable at center for us as well.
Rev in Tampa
August 18th, 2010
2:21 pm
@robdawg08 – “Hakeem Olajuwon at 49 years-old is a better option than Zaza and Al at center…” and “74 wins by the Heat this year and sweeps in the Eastern Conference finals, then win it all in 5 against the Lakers. Bank on it.”
Well, at least your logic is consistent.
Najeh Davenpoop
August 18th, 2010
2:24 pm
LMAO… I’ve been to the DMV several times, and if you’re not within a few blocks of a government building it’s exactly the same as the ATL. No rednecks in DC’s suburbs? Nice try.
KevinM
August 18th, 2010
2:36 pm
Sautee, you are correct in that assessment, but you have to find out what the price would be to get ourselves a potential good center. Thabeet was the consensus #2 pick last year. It takes centers longer to develop, but that might be too big a cost.
That is more of a wish to bring some size in here and a new face at the 3. Memphis might be at a stalemate with Henry, and would be cheaper than waiting on Marvin to come around and be a leader.
But if what we are hearing about a breakneck all motion offense, then we better have some cats who have a lot of energy and can maintain that energy for 100 games. I just think the core here is just going to be too comfortable with LD running things and no one behind them to take their job.
It is going to cost us something to bring a legit center in here, and we have the overlap at PF. Why I like parts of the Memphis roster……….I have no idea. I would like to see Conley here as well…..but Bibby has to go first before anything happens in the backcourt.
Are there any Bibby supporters here?
terrell
August 18th, 2010
3:22 pm
Conley?
O'Brien
August 18th, 2010
3:35 pm
KevinM,
Since we already have Teague, I dont think we would want to bring Conley in. Although Bibby is slipping (or has slipped), it is always good to have a veteran around to help the young guy out, especially when the young guy was not labelled with star potential.
I would offer Mo Evans and a first round pick for Thabeet or Henry (but I think Memphis would hang up on me).
You hardly see teams give up on their high draft picks so quickly.
Sautee
August 18th, 2010
6:31 pm
KevinM,
Maybe a former Bibby supporter who thinks he can still help us. I posted a defense of him in the last blog. We tend to forget that he ran Adelman’s motion offense in SAC. So he has a lot that he can teach Teague. But in the same post I noted his dreadful fall off in defense and stated that if Teague wasn’t the starter by mid-Jan, then we likely need to move Jamal for a starting point guard. I liked Conley in college but he seems a bit overmatched in the league. Of course, Teague may be too, we’ll see. But I’d rather trade for a clear upgrade, and Conley is too close to Teague’s level for me to see it as such. MHO.
To me, our weak links are at PG and backup SF. I know you’re not a Horford guy, but he was an All-Star and played very well against most of the league. I believe that he’ll be better on defense without all the switching. I’d like a Camby type to back him up and let him play the 4 some when Josh is resting. And to help against Howard, Yao, etc.
BILLLLLLL
August 19th, 2010
12:25 pm
JOE JOHNSON FOR JRUE HOLIDAY, ELTON BRAND, AND A PICK!!!!! GET JOE OUT OF TOWN
AT WORK
August 19th, 2010
1:05 pm
lets not forget that we really have never seen what marvin was capable of until joe was out in 2008 before the all star break..
lets not forget he averaged nearly 30ppg,then..
he,along with crawford,j-smoove,horford,and what ever we get from the rest of the guys may,and i say may,be able to win without us having a big man in the middle..
we’re all looking at howard,shaq,and the bucks center as well but we’re forgetting our strengths on the wing,and our interchangeable players that we have..
j-smoove-low post/slashing and driving to the hoop..
jj-inside/outside game
jcraw-all around game
horford-low post and perimeter game
marvin-all around and perimeter game
mo evans-fast break/slashing driver with a somewhat 3 pt. shot..
bibby-can spot up and not even have the ball correctly in his hands but nail jumpers with the best of them..
teague-speed to burn/court vision/and will better than we think this season
zsa zsa-garbage points/great rebounder who can cause mismatches against PF’s in the league..
we have a nice team that just needs rebounding from a guy like collins at the 5 along with some plays to call for him just to keep the defense honest..
and with LD working with everyone’s strengths,we’ll be a bigger mismatch for anyone and will even win the same amount of games this season or even more..
i can’t wait for this season to start..
can you??
Richard Denson
August 19th, 2010
4:18 pm
We need Earl Barron! Not Earl Boykins!
Grandad
August 20th, 2010
12:17 pm
Enter your comments here
Grandad
August 20th, 2010
12:43 pm
Richard Denson
agreed
The Truth
September 5th, 2010
1:56 am
As I listened to Etan Thomas interview, it became apparent why he was chosen oven the other competing players. If you don’t know it already, he was coached by then assistant coach Larry Drew during his tour with the Wizards so they have a prior working relationship. Also he is familiar with this offense since it was deployed in Washington by their former Head Coach Eddie Jordon. Apparently as Jordan’s former assistant, LD will be emulating his own variation of this offense. Because as Thomas explained, it will not be based solely on the Princeton. Since this offense requires a great deal of basketball IQ and a lot of moving, cutting, slashing and dashing, I’m wondering if Zaza isn’t at risk for losing some backup minutes to Thomas since he is seems so familiar with its complexity and Zaza is probably not.
And how will JJ and Josh Smith handle this new offense? With Mr. ISO JJ, I question the cutting, slashing and dashing parts since that has not been his forte. The dribble-dribble-shoot JJ has been part of his DNA even before he became a Hawk. With Josh Smith, I only wonder about his basketball IQ capacity required to gasp all of the finer details of such a complicated system. However, the much maligned Marvin may actually flourish in this new offense since it will finally give him a real structure to work within. Since Woody’s ISO system was based on athletic improvisation, it often time had Marvin looking clumsy since he is not a creative offensive player when trying to take his man one-on-one. In this new system, Marvin would just follows the instructions of moving, cutting, slashing and dashing and he will automatically get his scoring opportunities. If he should bomb in this offense, then we can officially declare him an undisputed bust. As for Bibby, after further review, I have mix emotion as to how he will gel in this offense. We should all know that it was Rick Adelman in Sacramento who first installed the Princeton Offense in the NBA. He coached his team with Bibby and Chris Webber to the Western Conference finals in 2002 using primarly the Princeton Offense. So Bibby is the unique Hawk player that knows it perhaps better then any other player on the team. So he gets a A+ for his basketball IQ. However, since father time is catching up with Bibby, I question whether he can excecute the quick movements, the cutting, slashing and dashing duties of this offense on a regular on a nightly bases.
So if a team is incompatible to this offense then their chances of success is very low. It is by no means a silver bullet a successful season. As evidence of that, here is some links to the Good, the Bad and the Ugly days of the Princeton Offense with one of its disciple as a casualty.