Atlanta Hawks: Down the road, Dampier might be best of rest
'Damp' might be best of big men left once he's released.
There doesn’t seem to be much enthusiasm for the remaining free-agent centers. Understandable considering it wasn’t a deep crop of free agents to begin and it quickly thinned out after Shaq finished off the second wave of signings and now really looks to be shrug-worthy with Kwame Brown in Charlotte.
Brown’s signing also seems to mean Erick Dampier is the odd center out in Charlotte from among Nazr Mohammed and DeSagna Diop. As training camp approaches, the Hawks will look to see which vets are waived and presumably they’d be interested in Dampier if he’s let go since he’s probably a better option than the other centers on the market (comparisons below).
Dampier is owed $13 million in non-guaranteed money next season so Charlotte could waive him to clear salary but Bobcats GM Rod Higgins says he’s seeking to trade Dampier after Sept. 13. No team is going to pay Dampier that salary so he’ll become a free agent one way or the other.
From the AP via Yahoo! Sports:
Higgins’ next big move involves Dampier, acquired last month in a five-player deal that sent Chandler to the Mavericks. Dampier’s non-guaranteed contract is a big chip for the Bobcats, who are desperately trying to get under the NBA’s luxury-tax payroll threshold of $70.3 million.
Charlotte could simply waive Dampier and get under that figure, and they had planned to do that and re-sign him. Because Charlotte is over the salary cap, it only can offer Dampier $2.2 million this season, what’s left over from the $5.7 million midlevel exception after the Bobcats struck a two-year, $7 million deal with point guard Shaun Livingston a day after the Dampier trade.
The 35-year-old Dampier rejected that offer, but agent Dan Fegan said his client hasn’t completely ruled out returning to Charlotte if he’s waived.
“It’s not a closed deal from our perspective,” Fegan said. “I understand what Rod Higgins is trying to do. I have a good relationship with Rod, and I’m sure we’ll figure it out.”
The potential problem for the Hawks, of course, is if Dampier turned down $2.2 million from Charlotte he wouldn’t be inclined to sign for the minimum. Atlanta’s team salary is roughly $2.7 million under the luxury-tax threshold so there’s some wiggle room above his vet minimum of $1.35 million. Dampier wouldn’t come with the potential headaches that spooked them with Shaq so, who knows, maybe the Hawks would offer Dampier more than the minimum if it came to that.
So far the minimum looks to be the market price for Josh Boone, Francisco Elson and Brian Skinner. Here’s a statistical comparison of the four centers’ production per 48 minutes last season along with their opponents’ production per 48, via 82games.com. For Elson and Skinner, I used their 2008-09 statistics since they didn’t play significant minutes in 2009-10. These numbers come with the usual disclaimers about context, role, etc.
eFG%=effective field goal percentage
iFG%=inside field goal percentage
Dampier (1280 minutes played)
FGA=8.0
eFG%=.630
FTA=3.8
iFG=83%
REB=15.0
AST=1.2
TO=2.3
BLK=2.9
PF=5.7
PTS=12.3
PER=15.8Opponent counterpart vs. Dampier
FGA=14.1
eFG%=.500
FTA=4.6
iFG=49%
REB=14.0
AST=2.1
TO=2.4
BLK=1.6
PF=4.2
PTS=17.5
PER=17.0Boone (1045 minutes played; stats are for roughly 500 minutes played at center)
FGA=8.7
eFG%=.618
FTA=3.5
iFG=82%
REB=13.4
AST=1.3
TO=1.4
BLK=2.3
PF=5.8
PTS=11.9
PER=16.9Opponent counterpart vs. Boone (at center)
FGA=14.2
eFG%=.516
FTA=8.0
iFG=55%
REB=13.4
AST=3.7
TO=3.3
BLK=1.9
PF=5.0
PTS=20.0
PER=20.5Skinner (roughly 340 minutes played at center)
FGA=8.4
eFG%=.397
FTA=3.3
iFG=55%
REN=12.2
AST=1.6
BLK=2.7
PF=5.9
PTS=8.5
PER=8.7Opponent production vs. Skinner (at center)
FGA=14.3
eFG%=.495
FTA=7.2
iFG=56%
REB=15.9
AST=2.6
TO=3.0
BLK=2.6
PF=4.5
PTS=19.1
PER=18.7Elson (977 minutes played, all but a handful at center)
FGA eFG% FTA iFG REB AST TO BLK PF PTS PER
FGA=8.2
eFG=.509
FTA=1.9
iFG=51%
REB=11.3
AST=1.5
TO=2.4
BLK=1.8
PF=7.2
PTS=9.9
PER=11.8Opponent counterpart vs. Elson
FGA=13.1
eFG%=0.572
FTA=6.0
iFG=57%
REB=13.9
AST=2.3
TO=2.6
BLK=1.9
PF=5.9
PTS=19.4
PER=20.7
A comparison of the four centers via basketballreference.com shows that Dampier comes out ahead in true shooting percentage (accounts for free throws), rebounding percentage, block percentage, offensive and defensive ratings and win shares. He’s good on the offensive glass, efficient scoring at the rim (and smart enough to almost never attempt shots away from the basket), doesn’t foul very much despite the good block rate and has the size to contend with the East’s post bangers.
Boone’s Synergy numbers as a post defender are pretty solid, suggesting he can hold his own down there with his length and relatively slight frame. He’s still only 25, too. But there doesn’t look to be an upward trend in his production. And it’s not like the Hawks are looking to give out a long-term deal, anyway.
Dampier spent years as a starter in the Mavericks’ winning program. Boone was a rookie on New Jersey’s ‘06-’07 playoffs squad. Elson played 20 postseason games for San Antonio’s 2007 champion. Skinner’s teams were bounced from the first round three out of four times; he was a bit player for Philadelphia’s ‘02-’03 team that made the second round.
Dampier seems to be a pretty low-maintenance vet. During the 2006 Finals, us hacks kept trying to bait him into verbally sparring with Shaq after he’d once famously called him “Ericka” Dampier. Dampier wouldn’t bite and was dang near emotionless when talking about. As I recall, he ended up being pretty solid off the bench against the Heat after not playing in the West finals.
So I guess all of this is a long way of saying Dampier appears to be a better option than the vet free agents available at the moment. I’d give Dampier the edge over Boone because of his size, defense, efficient scoring and an amazingly single-minded focus on his role. He’s a solid pro who might come at a reasonable price, which of course means there should be a market for him once he’s finally released.
MC
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208 comments Add your comment
GeeMack
August 26th, 2010
3:07 pm
JoJo the Godfather
My problem with the Hawks for the upcoming season is these guys have basically quit the last 2 years in the playoffs, and we are bringing back the same starting line up.
KevinM
August 26th, 2010
3:07 pm
Grandad
August 26th, 2010
1:59 pm
KevinM
“Not only do I think ‘Paps’ makes the roster,
I think he makes the rotation.
If Marvin is not careful, ‘Paps’ will beat him
out & start @ the [3].
LD loves him. [defensive stopper] @ 3 positions.”
Grandad, BOLD is an understatement with that one. If he is that good, then what’s the holdup other than Sund being on long-term vacation?
I don’t see it, because you are paying Mo 2.5 to be, what ball picker-upper after warmups? Mo takes on the Mario :45 second rotation?
Its Marvin, Marvin and more Marvin. Those average minutes that Marvin played last year: 30.4 in 09-10 and 31.2 career? Its more Marvin this year, guaranteed.
No way LD admits that he loves Sy being the under 500K defensive stopper of LeBron, Carmelo, and the other 20 SFs ranked ahead of Marvin.
I don’t even have to see Sy play; you are not breaking up the core by inserting a .5M player in place of a 7+M SF. How embarrassing would that look to the ASG?
I see this as much as I see Smoove coming off the bench.
The only that might break the ‘core’ starting lineup this year: Teague and the odds or probably 30-70 at best.
We are stuck with the core until the core becomes rotten.
KevinM
August 26th, 2010
3:09 pm
One more note: you play Sy in place of Marvin or Mo, you kill any trade value you have for either one.
Like a single family home looking for an uptick………….we wait on Marvin to produce more than 11/5 in 30+ min.
JoJo the Godfather
August 26th, 2010
3:40 pm
GeeMack…to me, we have to narrow it down to why they guit the last 2 years…did they quit out of frustration because the other teams were bigger, quicker, stronger, well rested, better shooters, etc…?…did they quit out of frustration because Woodson never made adjustments to his schemes?…did they quit because of team chemistry or dislike for one another?…did they quit because they are all mentally soft/immature?…If the problem was Woodson, then we’ve probably fixed it just by removing him…If the answer is anything else, then we’ve probably destroyed the team by forcing them to adapt to a new coach with a new scheme that will require a lot of effort, trust in each other, and accountability.
Samuel
August 26th, 2010
3:44 pm
Good Post JoJo
Patrick
August 26th, 2010
3:45 pm
I anticipate a big jump from Marvin this year. His minutes were reduced last year in large part because Woodson ran an isolation-heavy offense, where Jamal thrived and Marvin looked out of place. If Larry Drew is serious about installing a motion offense, that will cater more to Marvin’s skills and less to Jamal’s.
I think Josh Boone is the best of the garbage mentioned in this article.
-Patrick
Rondo
August 26th, 2010
4:01 pm
Get Collins and RandMo out of hear. And say….You’re fired! We got Dampier and Boone to take you two cheeseburgulars spot.
Rondo
August 26th, 2010
4:05 pm
Powell,ZaZa,dampier,and Boone should be able to get the job done on D. Howard.
Rondo
August 26th, 2010
4:08 pm
Granddad i hope the faith that you have in pap shows up on the court as a perimeter defender.
doc
August 26th, 2010
4:08 pm
or point number five in the vava scheme …. larry drew is not the second coming of phil j or even avery j who both took over from their predecessors and had success.
some guys have really set themselves up for a fall if this team tanks. there will be some serious back peddling if they dont approach the success under woody. as a fan i dont want to see them eat serious crow.
Rondo
August 26th, 2010
4:11 pm
Hey Mc is it a chance that the Hawks can look in aquiring Boone and Dampier. I would choose them anyday over Collins and Randolph Morris.
drmaryb (*_*)
August 26th, 2010
4:21 pm
Gee Mack
Let’s be fair. In the Cleveland series two series ago?
Joe had a torn calf muscle but played anyway (extremely painful injury).
Al had a sprained ankle but played anyway (was hobbled)
That’s two All-Stars right there! Josh was shooting threes.
No offensive plays to run w/o a fast break!
You need to throw that series out the window, because we took Boston to 7 games when healthy.
Rondo
August 26th, 2010
4:22 pm
Iso Joe and iso jamal were great offensive schemes in the regular season, it won the hawks alot of games.If I was L.D. I wouldn’t totally abandon things that Woody was successful at. L.D.’s offense can easily bogg down in the playoffs when teams play real defense. This team would be successful if it implemented L.D’s motion offense and the Iso offense. It would be awesome to see the Hawks switch in and out of both offenses. Teams will be caught totally off guard especially if L.D.’s offense is something the team wants to embrace.
3Klub
August 26th, 2010
4:29 pm
I’m down with picking up Dampier, I’d also be good with adding Boone as well. We just need some beef to get us to the 4th 1/4 and Al and Josh can finish games at the 5 and 4 possition.
GeeMack
August 26th, 2010
5:15 pm
JoJo the Godfather
Great post. However “why” they quit is irrelevant. When the Bulls were losing to the Pistons in the late 80’s, they knew they were being out coached, but they never stop giving everything they had.
This group gave up in game 7 @ Bos in 08, gave up against Cle. in 09, and did the same against Orl in 10.
How much evidence do we need in order adjust the personnel?
GeeMack
August 26th, 2010
5:20 pm
drmaryb
Kobe had a broken figure half the season this year and bum knee the 1/4 of the season, but it never stopped the effort. Also Bynum had a bum knee that needed surgery.
I can deal with the injuries, but they never even tried.
Bogut went down and a depleted Bucks team took the Hawks to 7 games and won 1 on the road in the ATL.
Rondo
August 26th, 2010
5:24 pm
GeeMack I wouldn’t say they gave up in 08. The C’s just took it to the young Hawks like a vetern team should.Yes the game should have been closer but the C’s were by far the superior team. Great effort in 08. But pathetic showings in 09 and 10.
Rondo
August 26th, 2010
5:28 pm
Was it possible GeeMack that the Buck’s were the 08 Hawks. The better team showed up in both game sevens.
Grandad
August 26th, 2010
5:44 pm
Rev in Tampa
I love strategory as well.
I must admit;
with respect to our most recent (republican) President,
I misspelt:
“strategeory”
Rev in Tampa
August 26th, 2010
6:04 pm
GeeMack,
With respect to your 5:15pm post, the Bulls were not out coached, they were out “stategeorized”.
Rev in Tampa
August 26th, 2010
6:09 pm
*strategorized
drmaryb (*_*)
August 26th, 2010
6:10 pm
Kaiser Roll!
KevinM @ 307 PM
IDK what you said Bruh? But, you said it damned well: with heat, fire, passion and HEART! Whatever it is you’re selling? Damnit! Sign me up!
… A single family home looking for an uptick?
That was – Rich! And, I don’t even know what the heck that means -
But, I like it. … I like it.
You are on a Classic Roll, so butter it up & let’s eat! Pass the peas please.
- Enthusiastic Co-Sign! – there’s definitely some politics in this game.
Grandad
August 26th, 2010
6:28 pm
KevinM & Rondo
In regards to ‘Paps’:
It’s not my faith in ‘Paps’ so much as LD.
I know I’m reading between the lines, but,
LD appears to have seen something in this kid
that really excites him.
From a coaching standpoint I know the feeling.
Occasionally you see something in a player that
jumps out @ you but does not to everyone else.
Let’s hope that LD is on target.
Also, ‘Paps’ is 22 already, too old to be
percolating elsewhere.
drmaryb (*_*)
August 26th, 2010
6:34 pm
Gee Mack
Kobe is Superman! That’s not fair. That man is ultra blessed.
He is not human!
But, I do agree with your assessment! We ain’t got that much heart on this whole team, when you put it like that!
ToeKnee
August 26th, 2010
6:41 pm
Dampier would be a solid addition. He would give us good production in the frontcourt rotation (and it would be an actual rotation if we got him) and he has the size we need for Boston and Orlando (and Miami’s big guys may be old and slow but they are still tall). I think ASG is telling the truth when they say they will go into the luxury tax for the right player (basically they know we are one really good player away from truly contending for a title). I hope that the season goes well, this roster has proven it can earn a good seed in the playoffs, and we trade for an IMPACT big guy before the postseason who really pushes us over the top.
KevinM
August 26th, 2010
6:41 pm
Patrick
August 26th, 2010
3:45 pm
“I anticipate a big jump from Marvin this year. His minutes were reduced last year in large part because Woodson ran an isolation-heavy offense, where Jamal thrived and Marvin looked out of place”
Patrick, have you seen the minutes that Marvin got last year?
81 81 30.5
Games/Games started/MPG
Marvin is already 4th in minutes and we get 10/5 out of 30.4 min……I don’t see how we can get much more…..I think he touches the ball enough on the perimeter. Its time he went inside and go get some of those touches he lets other teams’ rebound.
Marvin is the best Marvin in the NBA……………….since Marvin Barnes. I don’t expect to see much more.
And for those who think our team is young………realize that once you start playing in the NBA the minutes add up, whether you come in as a college sophomore, or a high school phenom. Those miles on your body add up just as quick when you are young……ask Jermaine O’Neal and Jonathan Bender, who had to pull out at 29……so IMO Marvin at 25 is a 3-4 year college player at 27-28…..the age doesn’t matter…..this doesn’t make excuses for the way they finished last season because with all the minutes they have spent together, this team should be quite aware of each other’s strenghts/weaknesses and make adjustments on the fly.
This team is seasoned and there should be no excuses for their play as a unit.
KevinM
August 26th, 2010
6:48 pm
drmaryb (*_*)
August 26th, 2010
6:10 pm
” Enthusiastic Co-Sign! – there’s definitely some politics in this game”
I’m just sayin that Marvin needs to produce more in that amount of minutes and those around him have to help him just like a home that might need a makeover. There’s a strong reason why Marvin is at the 21st ranking where Gallanari/Kirilenko/Gay/even Danny Granger (all Top 10)are much more thought of as contributing players at the 3.
IMO, Marvin should be a Top 10 minimum for where he was picked, for the minutes he has gotten since he was drafted, and the playoff experience he has. Right now, I don’t see him any more favorable than Darko Milicic and that is more than a fair assessment.
Grandad
August 26th, 2010
6:53 pm
KevinM
I expect Marv to be traded;
later or sooner.
Don’t get me wrong – I like Marv.
Grandad
August 26th, 2010
7:43 pm
G-dad’s 1st ever 3 team Trade O’the Day:
(It’s a beaut)
Atl, Charlotte, LA Clips.
Charlotte gets:
[from Atl] Marv & Mo
[from LAC] Baron Davis
LAC gets:
[from Atl] Bibby
[from Charlotte] Erick Dampier, Boris Diaw
Atl gets:
[from Charlotte] Gerald Henderson
[from LAC] Chris Kaman
Works on RealGM trade checker.
Can not be completed until mid-Sept.
*lAC would insist on Dampier agreeing to
re-sign after they cut him. (I’m guessing)
LAC motivation:
get rid of Baron Davis, adequate vet to replace *Kaman,
*DeAndre Jordan gets his chance, Bibby keeps it in the
road ’til Bledsoe is ready, Diaw can help.
Charlotte motivation:
shed Dampier contract & get something in return,
Larry Brown & MJ [egos] rekindle BD, Mo exp,
Marv gets a new beginning = LB’s new Tayshaun.
Atl motivation:
Kaman…Kaman…Kaman!
Gerald Henderson, 1 yr contract replaces Mo = icing.
Have fun with this one.
Sund’s on vacation, I’m not.
KevinM
August 26th, 2010
10:06 pm
MC, can you ping our vacationing GM to see if he has any interest in a garage sale going on in Denver any day now?
I would like to hear us at least in the conversation.
Rev in Tampa
August 26th, 2010
10:42 pm
Grandad, I love Kaman. The hawks who have been perennially small on the frontline would suddenly become very difficult to defend, but unless I am missing something, this trade leaves us too thin at SF & puts a lot of pressure on Teague to step up very quickly. By trading 3 players & only picking up two in return the Hawks would be 2 below the league minimum for the roster. Since they would need a starting SF, they could not just go and sign a vet min scrub.
SteveW
August 26th, 2010
11:22 pm
Rev – I would not be ashamed to have some combination of Gilder, Jarvis Hayes, Wilkens, or Carney at the 3 spot – 3 of those are vet minimum guys, and Gilder is below that I believe ($450,000.00 range). These guys would not be too far below Marvin’s production from last year, if any.
KevinM – I agree – ‘Melo, Smith, Kenyon, maybe Billups.
Would you guys do a Bibby and a 1st pick for Billups trade? I wonder if Denver would?
1st pick next year for Kenyon Martin? Talk about mental toughness and will to win in the playoffs.
Personally I’m not a big J.R. Smith fan, but if we had to trade Marvin, he might be a good 3.
Marvin and 2 1st picks for ‘Melo? Talk about a “sick” lineup, whoaaa! Watch out superfriends.in Miami.
Nuggets want salary dump, young players, cap flexibility, and draft picks? Well, we can accomodate them:
Marvin – Young player
JoCrawford – Young player
Jamal – Good player; salary dump
Mo’ – Decent player; salary dump
Next 2 years 1st picks
Suns 2nd pick from Childress trade
3.66m trade exception
We’ve got alot of pieces to work with – Sund – getter done!
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
August 26th, 2010
11:23 pm
Rick Sund has proven to be a no good scavenger, catfish, vulture!!! Scooping up ocean-bottom fecal matter like a Louisiana Shrimp. We only come up with poo – Collins and the far-fetched hope of scooping up Dampier. Well money talks, Sund and we won’t get it cause ASG ain’t got it. $$$
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
August 26th, 2010
11:30 pm
At SteveW
we should then change our name to the Atlanta Nuggets, lol
Grandad
August 26th, 2010
11:34 pm
Rev in Tampa
Good pick up on that detail.
I [were that trade to actually occur] believe
G.Henderson would replace Mo.
I’ve made it clear that I think LD has more than
a mop up role for Pape Sy.
With Kaman Al would play more min @ [4],
therefore Josh would play alot of [3].
Whether he can or can’t play the [3]?
We’ve beat the life outa’ that topic.
In the case of picking up an Xtra [3],
if he hasn’t signed anywhere, Luke Jackson
comes to mind.
SteveW
August 26th, 2010
11:37 pm
Enough with the dreamin’ of my last post – the realities with cap numbers:
Jamal and Marvin and 2 1st picks for ‘Melo – Perfect cap fit
Mo’, 3.66m TE, 2nd pick from Suns, and JoCrawford for J.R. Smith – perfect cap fit (basically, some of the 3.66m TE would be left over)
Chauncey at 13m+ and Kenyon at 16m+ probably out of our price range….unfortunately.
Team:
PG – Bibby/Teague
SG – JJ/Smith
Sign Stackhouse or somebody as a 5th G
SF – “Melo/Jarvis, Carney, Wilkens, Gilder etc.
PF – Smoove/Powell
C- Al/ZaZa
Sign Josh Boone for energy, or Louis Amundson, or Damp
Or better yet -trade Bibby for Dampier – Get Anthony Johnson, Rafer Alston, CJ Watson or somebody to replace Bibbs – the “sick” just got “sicker”
Put Miami, Magic, Celts, Lakers there’s a new contender in town – ATL!!!
Will probably never happen, Oh well…..
SteveW
August 26th, 2010
11:44 pm
Could you imagine? With the previous trade of obtaining ‘Melo and Smith..
Our SG spot – 2nd best in the East
Our SF spot – 2nd best in the East
Our PF spot – 3rd best in the East
Our C spot – 3rd best in the East
A Front Court bench of ZaZa and Dampier?
JR Smith off the bench in the Back Court?
Could happen……probably won’t, but it could!
SteveW
August 26th, 2010
11:46 pm
Hawks Fan in New Orleans – hilarious!
SteveW
August 26th, 2010
11:52 pm
Getting Melo and Smith from the Nuggets:
Heat would have a slight edge at PG
Wade better than JJ at SG – but Smith is better than Miller (I know Smith is under investigation, we’ll wait and see)
LeBron better than ‘Melo at SF
Smoove can hold his own with Bosh at PF – but Haslem probably kills Powell off the bench
Al, ZaZa, and Damp would slaughter Anthony, Z and the boys at C
Men, we could win it all…Oh well, beats talking about Sy, Skinner and Elson for the 13th spot.
Grandad
August 27th, 2010
12:02 am
Talking about JR Smith:
“a toxic asset”
quote from an Eastern Conference General Mgr.
Grandad
August 27th, 2010
12:17 am
Denver has been presented with a list
of potential destinations from *WWW.
*[World Wide Wes]
known to be on the list:
NY Knicks – wife
Houston – ?
NJ Nets – wife
LA Clippers – wife
GS Warriors – ?
Charlotte – he wears “Jordan brand” shoes
I have not heard or seen ATL mentioned anywhere
by anybody @ anytime.
Why all the frothing over a high volume shooter/scorer
who doesn’t rebound anymore nor did he ever defend?
drmaryb (*_*)
August 27th, 2010
12:19 am
G-Daddy
Nice job on that 3 – Way trade. That would be nice, could you set up that conference call and make that happen?
Go for it!
Grandad
August 27th, 2010
12:36 am
Mary Ellen
That took some work.
Like a jig saw puzzle.
I had work & re-work that thing several times.
You gotta make those nimbers work Just right.
Can’t be off even by a little bit.
You sure can’t guesstimate.
If Sund will put me on payroll,
I’ll be his idea man.
Like Michael Keaton was for Henry winkler (Fonzie)
in “Nightshift”.
Old movie – They were pimpin’ pros’ out of the morgue.
You may have missed that one, but nonetheless.
T-Hooker
August 27th, 2010
3:34 am
It’s kind of depressing that we are now discussing Erick Dampier as a possible addition to the roster. Instead of just spending additional money on a 3rd string backup big man, I think the Hawks should use what money is left to strengthen up the perimeter defense a bit (backup sf). We have a sub par backup big man in cheeseburger collins already. He’s a “big body” (a very big body…bigger than most bodies should ever get), and can be used to take up space in the lane against the more physical centers in the league. I’m not happy about the fact that management decided to re-sign him, but since they did, they might as well use him. There’s no point in adding or another big at this point. The Hawks have two all-star caliber big men in Josh Smith and Al Horford and two suitable back-up role players in Powell and Zaza. Plus, in addition to all of that, they’ve got the man mountain in collins to clog up the paint in rare occasions against a very small set of “problematic” big men (AKA Dwight Howard, and really, no one else). With Smoove and Al likely averaging around 35 mpg, plus the backup minutes of Powell and Zaza, there’s not much time left for 3rd string backup big men. The Hawks really only have 1 pure SF on the roster. Another SF should be the priority, not another hamburger for the paint.
On another note, the Hawks have a serious log jam at the SG position with JJ, Jamal Crawford, Jordan Crawford, and Mo Evans. I wouldn’t mind possibly trading Mo and Bibby (if anyone would take them) for a quality backup SF, or just signing a quality backup SF. There are a couple of them still available.
MsDee
August 27th, 2010
5:00 am
Good post T-Hooker, I totally agree!!
jason
August 27th, 2010
8:07 am
Dampier doesnt suck he’s just to old. but i cant wait till training camp to see how LD is preparing our unpredictable offense.
SteveW
August 27th, 2010
9:16 am
Grandad – You’ll notice I said that I didn’t care that much for J R Smith, and mentioned he was under investigation – but if we had to trade Jamal to get ‘Melo, well then maybe – just throwing ideas out there – not necessarily advocating them, or saying this is what I would do as GM etc.
As for ‘Melo – consensus top 5 SF in the NBA. Yahoo sports just said he was #3 behind LeBron and Durant.
You’ll notice on other posts, I said I didn’t particular care for “Melo either – injured alot, not a high efficiency scorer, no 3pt. shot etc.
But as I said in the post – beats speculating on Elson, Skinner, Sy, and Boone.
BTW Sy looked putrid in Summer League, then he got hurt. You could see potential written all over him, but raw. Still say as MC does, he won’t be #13 – he’ll be #14 and possibly our 1st D-League guy if he comes over. And then a 23 yr. old rookie next yr. on the big squad.
And I still say – give us ‘Melo with his contract ext. – Dampier – and then sign Wilkens, Carney, Hayes, Gilder, Stackhouse (some combination of these guys) as wing reserves – we compete for a Championship.
It would give us 4 All Star types on 1 roster.
A Front Court rotation of Al, Smoove, ZaZa, and Damp would be quality.
We would be tough to beat. And we could beat the Heat in the Playoffs.
Now if we could just make the cap numbers work to get Billups also….
SteveW
August 27th, 2010
9:23 am
Grandad – I haven’t heard ATL mentioned on any list for “Melo either – a good GM gets on the list if he’s really interested and has alot to offer – which we do.
ATL is a great place to live for Carmelo types, we just gotta sell the city. A ton of NBA guys live here in the off-season, because we are a happenin’ place.
vava74
August 27th, 2010
9:33 am
SteveW,
Apparently one of the requirements for ‘Melo’s next stop is that the place must cater to his wife’s musical career.
I suspect that ATL could offer that to her.
Since ‘Melo is looking for a sign and trade, giving him 65 million for the next three years, we would need to ship at least 20 million in salaries back.
Jamal, Marvin and Mo would amount to that.
However, ASG would have to re-sign Horford next year and go deep into luxury tax to do it since almost all of Al’s salary would be in the luxury tax zone.
I don’t think they would make this move.
However, even if ‘Melo does not please me significantly, a starting line up of Teague, JJ, Melo, Josh and Al would be dynamite IF (big one here) ‘Melo accepted to drop his touches slightly and played D (which he is able to when motivated).
I would go with this line up against MIA any day of the week…
JoJo the Godfather
August 27th, 2010
10:14 am
Vava…Melo makes $17M this year whether he signs his extension or not…That’s the # we’ll have to stay within 80%-120% of.