Atlanta Hawks: Kwame Brown off the board
Re-u-nited and it feels so . . . strange.
Another free-agent center off the board for the Hawks as Kwame Brown joined up with Charlotte. Brown’s agent told ESPN.com’s Marc Stein that Brown signed with the Bobcats for the veteran’s minimum
For those who still care to keep track, that narrows down the list of free-agent centers the Hawks are known to have some degree of interest in to Francisco Elson, Brian Skinner and Josh Boone.
Atlanta had some interest in Brown, who is the second center to opt to sign elsewhere for the same money–and it’s not like he’s chasing a ring or something like Shaq. Brown isn’t on strong Shaq’s level, of course, and it never seemed like the Hawks were that high on him. Still, it’s interesting that he decided to reunite with MJ and play for Larry Brown.
Agent Mark Bartelstein addressed the Jordan part:
“There’s been so much written about the fact that this was Michael’s first pick [as an executive] and so much criticism directed at both of them when it didn’t work out. When that happens you can do one of two things. You can run from all that or you can use it as motivation. What better way to try to turn your career around than to go back to where it all started?
“There were a lot of easier places Kwame could have gone, a lot of safer places. I think this says a lot about his competitive instinct and fire that he wanted to take on this challenge.”
– Still nothing to report on Pape Sy’s buyout or Jamal’s extension. Rick Sund is on vacation.
– Jamal got some love in this Seattle Times piece by Mason Kelley, whom I know from my days in South Florida. I can confirm Mason has a nice jumper but could probably use help from Jamal on his crossover.
– Terry Mosher of the Kitsap Sun (dope newspaper name) reports the Marvin Williams Center is planned to open in Bremerton, Wash., in 2012.
MC
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206 comments Add your comment
O'Brien
August 24th, 2010
7:46 am
As for chemistry, mental toughness and leadership, Drew said part of his job will be to set expectations in those areas and help them bring out those qualities. .
It will be interesting to see the effect Drew has on the players (in particular, Horford, Teague and JJ).
Vava,
(IMO), If Dampier gets released, the Hawks MIGHT offer him the vet minimum. If they do, I think he will sign somewhere else for the same money.
Although Boone is on the skinny side, he is active on the glass, and he is still young (25 years old), so he would be my pick.
dap01
August 24th, 2010
7:47 am
I have complete confidence in Sund. I also have complete confidence in the ASG. I am especially happy that we could give our leader, JJ, $20 million more that our next closest competitor. Even if it means that we don’t have any means to improve our team at all. Atleast our most surly player will be happy enough to lead our team to average.
Fundamentals
August 24th, 2010
8:15 am
Not upset about Kwame. JR Smith would be a great 3-point threat, but he’s basically Jamal all over again? To sign him Joe would have to play PG or SF which would allow JR and Jamal to take SG. Or I guess you could play JR or Jamal at backup PG? I might give up Bibby and/or Mo, but not ZaZa in a deal. Then comes their cap problems.
They won’t want Bibby cause they have 3 PG better than Bibby. They don’t really need Mo and ZaZa, but salaries would matchup. If they did that we’d have 2 slots to fill going into camp figuring Sy won’t be making it over? You’d also guarantee JC2’s time would be eliminated as well as pressuring Teague’s minutes more.
GeeMack
August 24th, 2010
8:16 am
dap01
dap01
I love the sarcasm in your August 24th, 2010 @7:47 am post. Lol!
Fundamentals
August 24th, 2010
8:16 am
One more thought – only problems with JR is he’s as streaky as Jamal.
4 Jacks
August 24th, 2010
8:18 am
Who cares? You really think the hawks are going to be a major player in the NBA this year? lol…
vava74
August 24th, 2010
8:22 am
We have plenty of SG in our roster, all of them pretty satisfactory.
JR Smith is streaky and a bit of a nut case.
We don’t need him at all IMO.
Fundamentals
August 24th, 2010
8:24 am
I agree vava74 – not worth what he’d command.
DHD
August 24th, 2010
8:41 am
We certainly didn’t need that headache here in ATL.
AG
August 24th, 2010
8:41 am
I am a very big Hawks fan, but this has been a very bad off season. I am not one of the people who say we must get a center, because our biggest weakness is point guard and small forward. Yet, I would have love Kwame here. I hate when the second string works and is a very slow and non athletic team. Kwame could fit in and bring an athletic big who can block shots and run the floor with Hortford. The Hawks disappointed me in the draft also as they let the 7 foot project from Florida State slip past tine for two picks. I will only be happy if Pepe takes Marvin’s spot.
AG
August 24th, 2010
8:43 am
Kudo’s for Marvin off the court. I can certainly say the same for the other Hawks (Josh, Jamal). What has Bibby done except for the big party he advertised on 107.5 and charged $50 at the door? (sorry MV7, Bibby had it prior to your party!)
JeJe
August 24th, 2010
8:44 am
“The Hawks still must add one player to meet the NBA minimum of 13 players. They are in the market for a center but don’t expect it to be the “impact” center that Horford has said the team needs to be a legitimate contender.”
LOL. Why would it be the player that Horford wanted IF WE ALREADY SIGNED 2 BIGS THIS SUMMER THAT DON’T MATCH HORFORD’S CRITERIA
WORST GM/FRONT OFFICE IN SPORTS HISTORY
Rev in Tampa
August 24th, 2010
8:44 am
Anybody have any thoughts on the USA/Spain game? I only say the last five minutes last night. How did Spain keep it to a one point game? What is the USA’s greatest weakness. To me it looked like Rose & Durant stepped up and carried the USA. Otherwise Spain would have won handily.
Rev in Tampa
August 24th, 2010
8:46 am
“say” = “saw”
Veteran Fan
August 24th, 2010
8:49 am
What Core? Oh you mean the guys who stood around and let Orlando run by them for four games in the playoffs! First trade Jamal Crawford, and our #1 pick to New Orleans for Chris Paul. Second, trade Josh straight up for Carmelo Anthony after he signs an extension! Third trade Marvin and Bibby for Thabeet or Gasol with Memphis. Former #1s for each other. Line up CP3, JJ, Melo, Al, and Thabeet or Gasol. Four all stars trump three all stars at Miami and Boston. Reserves Teague learns from one of the best, Sy long on defense and good passer, Zaza, Jordan Crawford, Evans, Collins. Young team that can contend for FIRST in the East and a CHAMPIONSHIP for at least four years!
Rev in Tampa
August 24th, 2010
8:49 am
I was also surprised to see Odom shooting 3’s with the game on the line. He did not even hit the rim. I don’t watch Western Conference so I don’t know Odom’s strengths/weaknesses. Spain had a center who shot well from outside.
dap01
August 24th, 2010
9:01 am
Sund is not in a hurry to do the MINIMUM that the league requires. The Hawks management is struggling to do the MINIMUM. Does that bother anyone else?
drmaryb ^•^
August 24th, 2010
9:01 am
Starvin Marvin
What has Marvin ever done for the kids in the Atlanta Community to endear or market himself here?
Every Summer, he packs his bags and flys/jets his way back to Seattle – maybe he should stay there and play ball. Oh, my bad … There is no
NBA franchise in Seattle. I have never heard of any reports where he is working to improve his attitude or game skills. What does he do there? Hibernate?
Go Figure!
sleeze
August 24th, 2010
9:04 am
Sure glad that I don’t give a darn about the Hawks or ever buy any Hawks tickets, as otherwise I’d really be p/o about this off-season.
drmaryb ^•^
August 24th, 2010
9:09 am
Clyde
I can see your pessimism. Wile I also like the core, I am not blind to the fact – we must do better than this! JJ, Smoove & Al is the core & they need help.
If no one believes me? Ask them?
GeeMack
August 24th, 2010
9:10 am
Rev in Tampa
Their biggest problems are chemistry and shooting, however their athleticism should make up for those weaknesses.
Also Spain will be their best competition because no one on the US squad can match up with Marc Gasol.
Veteran Fan
August 24th, 2010
9:22 am
If NO moves are made, JJ will be traded to the Knicks by midseason for their #1 and we will fall back to barely making the playoffs if we even do! Bibby, Josh, and JJ will not buy into the motion offense after the first 5 minutes of each half and refuse to listen to a rookie coach. Attendance will drop significantly and we will be jettisoning players rather than building! You either compete or you die!
GeeMack
August 24th, 2010
9:23 am
Getting a shooting guard off the Denver bench should not even be a discussion. The last I checked the Hawks had the best bench player in the league in Jamal Crawford.
There are more pressing issue that need addressing. Both Josh and Al have said they need more help on the block and management has ingored the.
The Hawks were onstantly dominated in the paint, on the boards, and defending the rim. Yet we did nothing to strengthen those areas.
Our biggest offseason changes was bring back the same team that has quit the last 2 postseasons.
The Lakers won the title, but felt it neccessary to bring in a more defensive oriented team (Blake, Barnes, & Ratliff).
The Celtics saw inside defense and rebounding as their issue so they bring (O’neal, & O’neal) to help out.
The Real JC
August 24th, 2010
9:26 am
@drmaryb – actually, Marvin usually goes back to Chapel Hill, where he takes classes and trains with other former players from UNC. He’s trying to get a degree.
I know he trains hard and he’s got one of the best attitudes in the NBA. I just think he’s kind of hit his ceiling skills-wise.
GeeMack
August 24th, 2010
9:27 am
Veteran Fan
Well the Hawks haven’t competed in the second for 2 years. So I guess dying is the only other option.
Astro Joe
August 24th, 2010
9:30 am
Dampier would be the ideal “situational defender” which is all the Hawks seemingly want. Expecting much better from a late August free agent is silly. But as others have said, it won’t happen. We’ll sign a 6′9″ forward during camp.
Fundamentals
August 24th, 2010
9:34 am
How can Marvin break out and do so well when Joe’s out for extended periods? He’s done it almost every time? I think the kid would do well if he had a real niche and real responsibility. Being the 5th or even 6th option in an ISO offense hasn’t helped him stay involved or motivated. If LD can’t make him blossom it’s time to find him a home where he can. Marvin has not hit his ceiling. He’s never really started in my mind. He just doesn’t fit in here. Our players, our coaches, even Marvin hasn’t given himself a real niche other than D-UP and we’ll ditch it to you at the end of the clock for a bad shot cause we’re scared to shoot it ourselves.
Fundamentals
August 24th, 2010
9:35 am
Dampier never made the difference in Dallas, but I’d take him for our 13th man. Should be better than Collins and Randmo combined.
PMC
August 24th, 2010
9:40 am
Why not just get a cardboard cut out and stick it in the lane… it can get 6 fouls and redirect traffic as well as the rest of those on the board?
yessir
August 24th, 2010
9:47 am
FIRE LD!!!!
KevinM
August 24th, 2010
10:03 am
Rev, its about accountability in this city. If the fans think you are giving it your all to put a product on the court/ice, then the fans will stand behind you. When the fans feel like they are being railroaded and being humored, then the animosity begins.
Sund and the ASG don’t seem to get what we want out of a basketball team:
1) we want the best team possible….is that happening?
2) we want to feel like we are getting good value for our money handed over to them…..
3) we want our heroes to be appreciative of our support, not ready to slap at us and tell us they don’t care what we think.
4)We want the management group to improve our weaknesses….they haven’t.
I continue to support, i continue to go to games, I continue to listen to our crowd admire the opponent as much as our own guys.
What I don’t want to continue is to repeat Hawks’ history. We have never been past the 2nd round. The best we have done is a losing effort against who? An old Boston team.
Fundamentals
August 24th, 2010
10:13 am
Which old Boston team – today’s or in the 80’s. Either way AMEN BROTHER! Excellent post!
Fundamentals
August 24th, 2010
10:17 am
What gets me is the news for our team is so absolutely dead. Sund can’t at least get us in the rumor mill to get us excited. MC has nothing to really report on. As much as I hate Bradley and Shultz at least they chime in when there’s potential news even when it never happens. We’re here…essentially for nothing but hopes and dreams. Same one’s we’ve had for 25 years w/o anything coming to fruition.
Rev in Tampa
August 24th, 2010
10:34 am
KevinM, I agree with Fundamentals. Excellent post!
I have heard it said, “We judge ourselves by our intentions. Others judge us by our actions.”
So we are judging Sund/ASG by their actions. And it is telling…
JoJo the Godfather
August 24th, 2010
10:46 am
Dampier has been the “league average” center for like the last 8 years, and that’s not a bad thing…(look at his stats and PER)…If we could say that our 2nd & 3rd string centers are average centers in the league, then you’d have to consider that a strength…Look at our competition’s backups:
ORL – Gortat, Orton (will he make active roster)
BOS – JO, Shaq (if Perkins were healthy)
MIA – Magloire, J. Anthony
MIL – Gooden, ???
CHI – K. Thomas, Asik
NYK – Turiaf, Curry
WAS – Blatche (will he start at PF), ???
LAL – Ratliff, (rotate over Gasol)
DEN – Birdman, Landlord
DAL – Chandler, Mahinmi
OKC – Mullins, Aldrich (I think)
Fundamentals
August 24th, 2010
10:49 am
Will Damp play for our $$ or will he find more elsewhere is the question? Seems like he’d make a good C for situations we might need.
Fundamentals
August 24th, 2010
10:50 am
Maybe Denver could deal the Landlord to us to help with getting us to jump on JR! Think about it!
Hawksgoingbackward
August 24th, 2010
10:58 am
Well Ladies and Gents thats it for me.
When “Downtown” Kwame Brown gets to choose (as if he should have a choice on where he plays) the Charlotte Bobcats over the Atlanta Hawks, thats a bad Omen. Something just aint right about the way these folks do business.
I went to a handful of games last year some really good games and some just fun and relaxation to support my hometown team.
IM NOT GOING TO ANY GAMES THIS YEAR! ITS THE ONLY WAY TO SHOW MY DISPLEASURE WITH THIS ABOMINATION OF AN OWNERSHIP GROUP AND INTENTIONALLY UNDERWELMING SQUAD.
These people have no respect for us or our money. If they did they would do right by us. So if they dont care then neither will I.
Im Boycotting the Hawks until they trade Joe Johnson disguisting contract (or atleast get him to apologize for saying he didnt care about the fans who pay for his contract) or the ASG sells this team.
Appreciate all you guys and journalists and bloggers.
Good Luck
ICEMANcometh10
August 24th, 2010
11:09 am
Where was his news conference and why are we pursuing him? Oh yeah we need more weight and height to anchor the bench. If they would have gotten him then what? ……………………………a joke
JoJo the Godfather
August 24th, 2010
11:14 am
Fundamental…The Hawks are one of the only contenders that have the resources (MLE) to offer Dampier any more than say $2M…$2.5M keeps us under the luxury tax, but I’d even try to sign him for up to $3.5M and then unload some salary during the season if needed…I’m not sure who all would be interested in him (and at what cost)…I would be very disappointed if Dampier signed elsewhere for less than $2.5M, but hey, it’s the Hawks, I’ve been disappointed before.
Fundamentals
August 24th, 2010
11:18 am
That sounds good JoJo. Don’t we also have the TPE we could use to work out something in a S&T? What do the Bobcats need? Are they definitely going to waive/cut Dampier?
JoJo the Godfather
August 24th, 2010
11:40 am
The Bobcats currently sit about $8M above the luxury tax with a full roster…Cutting Dampier, who has a non-guaranteed contract, would allow them to drop below the luxury tax (saving them roughly $20M)…I think Charlotte would entertain dealing Dampier for a starting PG (or a superstar) if it saved them some salary $’s as well…I think the one deal that was rumored last week would have landed them Jose Calderon who makes a few million less than Dampier…That way they could look at dumping another contract or two during the season and hopefully come up short of the luxury tax by year end.
dukester
August 24th, 2010
11:46 am
Umm guys stop with this PePe Sy stuff. That dude is a couple of thousand miles away. if he was that good why did he make it to the 2nd round. I believe if we would not have drafted him he would not even have been drafted. Lets call a spade a spade. This is another situation where SUND or whoever made a bad choice. We could have drafted a big man instead of a wing player nobody has ever heard of. if that was the case we could have kept J-Chills come on guys think. We probably will never see that guy in a Hawks uniform!!
Fundamentals
August 24th, 2010
11:49 am
Looking at their roster Bibby or Mo wouldn’t be of much value to them? Seems like they want a young PG with potential upside? Teague might be tempting to them, but not to us. I’m guessing any trades would be for his full value then? Or they drop him and we pick him up as a FA, which honestly won’t happen in the summer of Sund & ASG.
Fundamentals
August 24th, 2010
11:53 am
Dukester – I’ll agree we passed on several nice 7 ft projects that might or might not develop. I liked several of them. Pape Sy seems to be a project as well, but seems to be a very reasonable gamble, especially if he can come in once Bibby retires and Mo’s contract expires. We supposedly need “IMPACT” at C and none of your projects met the bill. Sy can be a project at another critical slot in our roster. I see him as a great gamble since we don’t need him till next year or after. We need C help for Horford NOW, not when he develops after Horford leaves in FA due to lack of help from ASG.
Rufus1
August 24th, 2010
11:53 am
Organic Growth
Why don’t the Hawks get credit for “ORGANIC GROWTH” that is expected from the Bulls and Bucks….did I miss something? If Teague becomes the starter 4 of the 5 starters will be 25 and under. When does the “ORGANIC GROWTH” stop?
I have watched all of our young players improve their skills every year and now they are supposed to decline….I DON”T GET IT!!!! JJ and Jamal may hit a plateau, but the rest are just hitting their prime. Even if those teams improve, we won 53 games last year and will better next. year.
The Heat
They don’t have the one thing that gives the Hawks problems….Athletic, size(Bynum or D12)
I am cautiously optimistic
Fundamentals
August 24th, 2010
12:11 pm
Rufus, bloggers here use the Organic Growth as an excuse to beg for more players or to beat down Woody/LD/ASG. We will get better, we will surprise some folks. My argument is like many:
Josh &Horford asked for help – we got Collins/Powell. We have many who question Teague and or Marvin? Are they seeking prospects? Do they do enough?
Answer = NO if you have player #13, 14 & 15 vacant, $3.5 mil TPE and the 3 mil from the draft pick available. Give us something! ANYTHING!
Organic Growth + few key pieces = Championship Caliber competition for 5-7 years = ASG Profits soar. With our current plan we get nothing but HIGH HOPES! Sing it, it’s helpful.
I also loved the Christmas analogy Drmaryb!
JoJo the Godfather
August 24th, 2010
12:13 pm
Teams with MLE left that can offer a free agent more than $2.5M include:
Utah – $2.7M
Mem – $2.7M
Ind – $4.9M
NO – Full
Phi – Full
Det – Full
Dal – Full
Cle – Full
Out of that group, you could see Detroit & Cleveland put larger deals on the table for a guy like Dampier just because they have such a big need and could possibly offer more minutes.
Fundamentals
August 24th, 2010
12:18 pm
Indiana has already said they’ll pay a big man if he comes available as would CLE. Just depends on does Dampier want to win or does he want $$ or can he find both?
The Real JC
August 24th, 2010
12:22 pm
@Hawksgoingbackward – really, not signing Kwame Brown is the straw that’s going to break your back?