
Horford and Hawks hoping they have enough guys who can do this. (AP Photo)
When Al Horford said earlier this summer that the Hawks needed to add an “impact center” to be a serious contender in the Eastern Conference, I’m going to guess he wasn’t talking about Jason Collins (who had no impact for the Hawks last season) or Etan Thomas (whose impact lately has been blunted by injuries).
Yet as training camp approaches that’s what the Hawks have behind Horford and Zaza. They re-signed Collins early, struck out with Shaq (who had endorsements from both Al and Smoove) and Brad Miller and today added Thomas.
I bumped into Al at Philips today and asked him if that’s going to be enough to help the Hawks break through the ceiling that for this franchise has been short of the East finals for so long.
“I am going to war with who I’ve got,” Al said
What he’s got at center is Zaza, who came on at the end of last season and stacks up favorably against other NBA backups though he isn’t a stout deterrent at the rim; a leaner and apparently more-motivated version of Collins; and Thomas, a tough banger in the post who will try and show that injuries have not robbed him of his rebounding and shot-blocking ability.
Those three players plus Al, Smoove and Josh Powell will make up Atlanta’s frontcourt. That rotation, with L.D.’s plan to play Al at power forward and Smoove at small forward at times, is going to have to be enough.
Horford had hoped Atlanta would add an impact center who could split minutes with him at center and shore up the interior D against the likes of Dwight Howard and Boston’s frontcourt (and that was before the C’s added Jermaine O’Neal and Shaq). Now he will roll with Zaza, Twin and Thomas.
“I haven’t seen him, but I know that Jason Collins is coming in in great shape and has really worked,” Horford said. “He is a guy who could have been utilized a little more last year. And we’ve got Etan Thomas who will be here soon and he will be a great help, as well.”
After a long day of physicals with Atlanta’s medical people, Thomas had to smile when I asked him about his health. If he came through all the poking and prodding with passing grades, he must be good to go. “Everything is fine,” he said.
Why did he choose to sign with the Hawks?
“This is a great situation,” he said. “I was with Larry Drew in D.C. and I have a lot of respect for him. I like what he is doing here.”
Thomas said Drew made “no promises” about his role and just told him to be ready. Does Thomas think he still can provide the physical presence the Hawks are looking for?
“That’s what they brought me here for,” he said. “I’m going to put in a lot of hard work.”
Thomas, who will wear No. 36 for the Hawks, has earned a rep for physical, high-energy play around the basket.
“We need that inside toughness in here,” Al said. “The more that we have, the better.”
Jamal Crawford’s pending pay-me-or-trade-me request notwithstanding, it looks like Atlanta will send out the same top nine for 2010-11 as they did for 2009-10.
So how can the Hawks improve on No. 3 in the East and the second round of the playoffs, particularly with Boston still Boston, Miami shooting past them on paper, Orlando’s so-far unconquerable core still intact, and Chicago and Milwaukee creeping up from behind?
“I know that I’m excited personally with what Coach Drew has been talking about,” Horford said. “He wants to change the offense a little bit and do things a little differently. Having said that, it all depends on the kind of level that our key guys like Joe Johnson and Josh Smith [reach] coming in. Mentally, I think that’s going to be a part of how good we are as a team.
“I think there is room for growth. There definitely is. We have to work harder if we want to be any better because, man, the East. Milwaukee is better. Chicago is better. Miami is better, it goes without saying. It’s going to be an interesting year for us.”
The same can be said for Al, who is heading into the final year of his rookie-scale contract fresh off his first selection to the All-Star game. The Hawks can extend him for up to five years and $82 million by Oct. 31 or tender him to make him a restricted free agent next summer.
Indications are that the Hawks plan to make an aggressive push to sign Al to an extension but that process hasn’t started.
“I haven’t heard anything yet,” Horford said. “I think anything will start coming once training camp gets going. I am just kind of leaving to that to the owners and my representation and just seeing what happens. I am going to keep working hard and keep doing what I’ve been doing.”
MC
382 comments Add your comment
Hmmm
September 4th, 2010
1:48 am
“I hope they send sy to the D league early in the season to get some game experience. And then we can bring him up when they feel like he is ready.”
Actually With Sy coming in this is the PERRFECT oppourtunity for Mo Evans to be demoted down to our D-League counterpart the Utah Flash and work on his game. Real talk.
Also after watching some LeHarve footage, Pape Played off the ball most of the time. Occasionally playing PG (Like Childress) but as we saw in summerleague, he’s no PG. He did his best work in transition getting to the rim and drawing fouls. Kid is a slasher with a decent jumper (he’s not a leftie BTW). Hopefully he can handle the SF position for us & have a smooth transition into the league. I mean, he WAS playing PROFESSIONALLY in France. For all of the doubters, LARRY DREW picked this guy after he CRUSHED his SF counterparts in his pre-draft workout. This pick has nothing to do with Rick Sund. If Drew didn’t like him, Rick wouldn’t have just gone through that two week buyout process.
Hmmm
September 4th, 2010
1:57 am
Also, why is Etan Thomas on our roster instead of Hassan Whiteside right now? I mean seriously. You’re paying 6′10 Etan Thomas 700K more to do what 7′1 Whiteside can do for much cheaper (Ride the pine). Great Job Rick smh.
wordsmithtom
September 4th, 2010
6:13 am
Why Etan vs. Whiteside? Sund said the Hawks needed veteran bigs over projects. Whiteside was not good enough to get drafted in first round. Fact. Etan has started for an NBA team. Fact. Perhaps in 2-3 years, Whiteside will be better than Etan. But, for a team needing veteran bench help, Etan wins this point. We tried the “project” thing with RandMo…..we need help NOW. If Etan stays healthy…no guarantees in this lifetime, mind you….but if he stays healthy, he gives us VETERAN experience and toughness NOW.
doc
September 4th, 2010
8:31 am
a little song from memory lane for all those thinking the cup is seriously half full to get the o’brien:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14Dgw_LSJ5w
truly1
September 4th, 2010
8:34 am
wst etan thomas is the 13th guy he will never get time except in blowouts we need a 7footer on the team and whitside got drafted right after we were stupid and passed.
truly1
September 4th, 2010
8:37 am
i agree with hmmm I think it was about the money they were getting not about veteran leadership that was just a cover up.
Rufus1
September 4th, 2010
9:17 am
Papa Sy
I don’t know how good he is, but LD got ASG to buy out his contract….ASG DOESN’T DO THAT. LD must believe in this kid and that is enough for me.
I have a 6′2 unproven PG
I have a 6′7 unproven PG
The slowest 6′3 veteran PG in the league
If LD can turn Teague into a legit PG in a year, why not Sy….Remeber Ginobili was drafted 57th and Papovich wasn’t a coach when he took over the Spurs(I think he was an exec with the team)
Forgive me for having faith in a 53 win team…Lol
JoJo the Godfather
September 4th, 2010
9:46 am
Lock up Al with an extension, and then trade away some of the veterans on this team…I’d send Bibby, Ja Crawford, Evans & our 2011 1st to New York for Eddie Curry, Toney Douglas, Wilson Chandler & Kelenna Azubuike…Cut Curry before he can get in his car and even think about heading south…Knicks can flip our first to Portland for Rudy F.
Hawks would have Teague & Douglas at PG, Johnson & Crawford at SG, and Williams & Chandler at SF, with Sy & Azubuike (once healthy) backing up where needed…My thinking is that this is a way to rebuild around Joe, Al & Josh with a young group of athletic guards/wings.
Knicks wind up with a pretty good bunch of shooters/scorers and still have cap flexibility for next year: Felton, Bibby, Rudy, Jamal, Gallo & Walker all have had success shooting the 3.
JeJe
September 4th, 2010
9:51 am
FIRE WOODY
Ken Strickland
September 4th, 2010
9:56 am
There were quite a few rookies who had outstanding seasons last yr. They were able to show what the could do, in spite of their lack of experience against NBA caliber talent, because they had HC’s that were willing to give them opportunities, mins and unconditional support, unlike JTeague. There’s no reason Jordan Crawford can’t be productive as a rookie if given consistent mins, opportunities and support.
We can make all of the logical excuses we want, but a lack of NBA experience, and/or being a rookie, certainly hasn’t prevented numerous rookies from producing each yr. I wouldn’t expect Jordan Crawford to have the same OFF impact of Jamal Crawford, but his DEF superiority would certainly narrow the gap.
O'Brien
September 4th, 2010
10:27 am
Ken S,
For those rookies who excelled last year, very few played for 50 win teams. That being said, I would trade Jamal now and give Mo Evans and JC2 the backup SG slot.
Rev,
Although the Hawks had one of the best offenses last year, it was mostly due to the big numbers we put up against non-playoff teams. It would be interesting to compare our points scored average against the 15 other playoff teams, compared to our average against non-playoff teams.
And most of our scoring droughts came against playoff teams.
Ramon,
The Showtime lakers had a 6′9″ PG running the show. If Phoenix couldnt do it with Steve Nash, it will be tough for the Hawks to do it with Bibby and Teague.
Overall, I think our offense will be better (even if we start out slowly), and in the playoffs, our games will be more competitive, giving us a chance to make it to the ECF.
doc
September 4th, 2010
10:42 am
ken ….
I wouldn’t expect Jordan Crawford to have the same OFF impact of Jamal Crawford, but his DEF superiority would certainly narrow the gap.
not to want to pop the balloon ken only there is no where to be suggested in any report on jordan crawford that he s a defensive stalwart, just not. that is made up in your desire to wish and hope.how can you make a statement and what is it based? where is it said he is a defensive threat? sorry, there is no reality to it nor logic. in fact, he is said to be undersized by some for his position as well as a guy who needs the ball in his hands to be effective. that will have to change. he has a lot to learn it seems, along with a whole team to learn LD’s system. i think the efforts will be to teach the starters first and the others will come along more slowly because the attention will have to be put there and appropriately so. i think that is going to be more challenging than some realize or expect and will cost us early.
“wishing and hoping”
o’b, ur kidding right jc2 and mo? and expect to compete for the top four spot as well as approach 53 wins or are you playing for the year after the lock out?
SteveW
September 4th, 2010
11:11 am
Hasan Whiteside would have been cheaper than Etan, so I don’t think money was a factor there – Hasan only makes $730,000.00 – Etan, after the league rebate, will make $854,000.00.
I think Sy is the grand experiment of this season. Of course, if he comes in here and outplays Mo’, I think Mo’ would be easy to trade with his expiring contract. But I think the plan is, give him a year in Dleague, and then come in and compete for Mo’s vacated spot next season. But again, if he blows them away in the pre-season, I’m sure that could change.
Sy must have been on a good team at Le Havre, I don’t know, haven’t checked. But he played less than half the game, and besides shooting %, had terrible stats. Did find his past 2 year stats on the Euro League web site, as well as his game by game stats.
And I don’t know why everybody is so down on Mo’ Evans. He is what he his – a backup 2/3 with excellent defense and ok offense. I like him. Smart vet, who can average double figures if Marvin gets hurt. Hustles when I see him play.
doc
September 4th, 2010
11:15 am
askg says; “we like rebates”, if we HAVE to fill out a roster.
SteveW
September 4th, 2010
11:15 am
Don’t stone me when i say this – When I see JC2, I see Flip Murray – 10-12 PPG game eventually, with hustle, some assists and court vision. He may exceed that at some point, because he is agressive. I will be very surprised if he averages more than 5mpg this season, unless Jamal leaves, injuries, trade or something. It’s not that he’s bad, it’s just that he’s playing behind the SMOY.
Grandad
September 4th, 2010
11:19 am
Well now, we come to an interesting point.
Thanks to doc.
We may start slower true – due to learning new systems;
offense & defense.
But the trade-off, finishing stronger, would be well worth it.
Everyone keeps harping on the play-offs:
2nd round, 2nd round, 2nd round…failure, failure, failure.
I’m glad you brought that up doc.
Taking time to “teach” & peaking @ the right time.
SteveW
September 4th, 2010
11:21 am
i will remind people again – Before his open heart surgery and blown left MCL, Etan beat out Haywood as the starter in Washington.
Guy is obviously a conditioning freak, is over 11/2 years past his blown knee, I think he may surprise us as the 3rd C/PF. Al and Smoove will get at least 66mpg if healthy between them. ZaZa 15 – Powell (maybe 10mpg) and Etan (5) will spit the other 15, with JC3 in there on occasion to keep himself fresh.
SteveW
September 4th, 2010
11:24 am
Smoove may play a few minutes at 3 some games also, and that would be a few more minutes to split up in the bigs rotation.
SteveW
September 4th, 2010
11:27 am
These guys that are mad at the end of our bench – Let’s get a reality check – if they were real good, they wouldn’t be at the end of a bench! Etan, Collins, JC2. Sy – they are what they are, on the Hawks for specific purposes, either developing or to be Man Up defenders in the low post, that’s all.
doc
September 4th, 2010
11:29 am
yup, gd, ultimately that is what is is all about. surprised it isnt brought up more to be talked about. you do see how hard it is going to be to teach up the young guys while they teach up the vets dont you? priorities are necessary and the young guys will have to fall back unless they are very quick learners. maybe the guys with the shortest learning curves play while those slower dont?
unfortunately we cant fall too far behind the pack if we expect to do something in the post season and with this fan base. sorry, we had to do it this year without spending more to what it takes to be a true challenger for the ring. surprised that the heat have held the line so well salary wise in their coup of the decade. still think if we had gone to say the 6th spot and spent about 8 to 10 mil more we could have loaded this team up to be one that could compete for the o’brien. instead, we admittedly, from my boy rick’s mouth, play for the fourth spot in the east. also think revenues would have compensated for it but i guess their accountants have discouraged such a foray into tax land.
SteveW
September 4th, 2010
11:32 am
I get the feeling some want the end of the bench to be 2nd stringers, or even 1st – there not. And I think we have as good as end of the bench guys as anybody really. If you get too good of a guy down there, you have a disgruntled NBA player AKA Brandon Bass with the Magic – Man I would love for him to be a Hawk BTW.
Lakers end of the bench last year: Mbenga, Vujacic, Morrison, Walton – not exactly a murderers row.
SteveW
September 4th, 2010
11:34 am
If want the Spurs model as Sund said we did, remember, they paid luxury tax 3 out of the last 5 years, including 8.8m last yr. Just sayin’….
doc
September 4th, 2010
11:41 am
stevew, mo evans would be end of bench for the lakers since you brought the ;aers into the discussion. instead he is number 8/9 on ours is the difference. powell was end of bench for the lakers last year and now he is our number 8/ 9? does that sum up the difference. our end of the bench might have papy, twin and jc2, what do the lakers have this year and last? try the bench of the celts now, the guys we swept last year? see the differences there now? do you still think they are in our back pocket? i did last year, before the season and said so that we would have avery good chance to end up third. i dont this year. that is going backwards.
The Truth
September 4th, 2010
12:25 pm
Now we know The Truth; as
I read between the lines, apparently Shaq willingness to play for the Hawks demanding 8M was his compensation for playing on a bad though he sited Cleveland as an example. He calls out Mo Williams reflecting what he really thought about him (Dam, I didn’t know it was like that)
O’Neal said what sold him on the Celtics is the unselfish play of the veteran group.
“I like that they play together and nobody really worries about shots, ” O’Neal said. “When I was with Cleveland, guys who couldn’t even play were worried about shots. Why was Mo (Williams) taking 15 shots, and I’m only taking four? If LeBron takes 20 shots, that’s cool.
“So I said, let me get with a good team for the last two years. I don’t mind people calling me a journeyman. I’ve been programmed to move around every three years.”
The Truth
September 4th, 2010
12:26 pm
Correction: “playing on a bad team”
jason
September 4th, 2010
12:31 pm
hmm ive been thinkin about that Iggy trade and it would work out.
jason
September 4th, 2010
12:38 pm
updating u all that we are close to a deal with jamal.
Ken Strickland
September 4th, 2010
1:00 pm
DOC-I never said Jordan Crawford was a DEF stalwart, but in comparison to the DEF of Bibby and Jamal Crawford, he’d certainly look like one if he stayed anywhere close to his man. It appears obvious to me that LDrew targeted both Jordan Crawford and Pape Sy as their picks in this yrs draft. They were drafted based on their talent and ability to have an impact within his motion half court OFF and fast breaking style.
Since they’ve obviously watched hours of film on each player, as well as worked them out in person against various competition, I trust the confidence they have in their abilities to perform at the level over the apprehension of fans with glass half empty mentalities.
Either way, it’s nothing more than opinions and conjecture at this point, but some opinions are more informed than others. LDrew, RSund, and the ASG are obviously sold on Pape Sy’s ability to be productive in this OFF system now rather than later. WHAT HAVE YOU READ OR SEEN THAT WOULD CHALLENGE THEIR ASSESSMENT ON HIS ABILITIES, OR JORDAN CRAWFORD’S FOR THAT MATTER?
OBRIEN-whether a team wins 50+ or 40+gms, it depends on the HC’s attitude towards rookie players, and whether he has the guts to give him consistent mins and opportunities, that determines if he’ll have a chance to contribute. Why are we debating the potential contributions of a pair of rookies and a 2nd yr player? Didn’t this team win 53gms with a starting veteran SF and PG that drastically under produced and barely gave us bench production?
SteveW
September 4th, 2010
1:36 pm
Doc – Mo’ Evans would not have been at the end of their bench last year, he would have been in what this year is Matt Barnes spot, coming off the bench as a 3/2 guy.
And Powell was not at the end of the Lakers bench last year, he got about the same minutes that Joe Smith got for us. Played in 60+ games. I understand what your trying to say, but that’s not quite the way it is.
And would I have signed Matt Barnes for the 2 year vet exception like the Lakers in a heartbeat….
Hmmm
September 4th, 2010
2:19 pm
I’m tired of Mo pouting on the bench when he doesen’t get any PT. You have to EARN PT and he hasn’t done that. He bricks layups and has one of the funkyest Jumpers in the league. He can’t even dribble. Not only that, but dude publically stated that the ONLY reason he didn’t opt out with the Hawks this season is because he COULDN”T FIND A BETTER DEAL. Well DUH sherlock U SUCK! He has publically stated that he belives his 2.5 mill/yr contract was not a representation of his true value and that he was UNDERVALUED and should be paid more…ROFLMBO!!! WOW It’s on the AJC u can read it for yourselves.
He can’t even Play defense right. He’s SUPPOSED to be a top notch defender but he ONLY shows up when Kobe comes to town. Unfortunately, we don’t play the lakers every day. Other than that, dude can barely stay in front of anybody.
Pape Sy > Mo Evans
Jordan Crawford > Mo Evans
Sirgay Gladyr = Mo Evans
Jeff Teague > Mo Evans
Flip Murray > Mo Evans
Matt Barnes > Mo Evans
Raja Bell > Mo Evans
Courtney Lee > Mo Evans
Kyle Korver > Mo Evans
Wesly Matthews > Mo evans
Shannon Brown > Mo Evans
Aaron Afflalo > Mo Evans
Ronnie Brewer > Mo Evans
C.J Miles > Mo Evans
Luke Walton > Mo Evans
Rodney Carney > Mo Evans
CDR > Mo Evans
DO I need to go on? TRADE the Ungrateful Millionaire. If I have to see his no dribblin’ missin’ layups behiend catch a hissy fit on the bench one more time! ugh!
And Mike Bibby is just washed up
Hmmm
September 4th, 2010
2:22 pm
Mario West Plays better D than Mo Evans.
doc
September 4th, 2010
2:24 pm
sorry stevew, the numbers for powell in the playoffs dont suggest powell was a top ten guy for the lakers last year:
here is the info served up for you. it is deceiving to use his 9mpg as an indication he was more than and end of the bench guy. he will be our 8/9 guy.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3774/gamelog;_ylt=AjP7lkn.A.B7_gzKBlHjeT3tPKB4
maybe an upgrade on joe smith but does that really say much?
also doubt the role you suggest for mo if with the lakers last year. i feel he would be feeling wool suit and steel under his butt rather than a uni and a wood floor under his feet
Ramon
September 4th, 2010
2:24 pm
O’Brien, the Suns didn’t lose because of their offense, they lost because they couldn’t defend. So if a team is able to lock in defensively and still maintain THEIR pace, they will be successful in the playoffs. Steve Nash is the worse defensive PG in the league, that’s why they lost.
Hmmm
September 4th, 2010
2:31 pm
This is all Mo Evans is good for. CRYING
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1VjoNI9TPM
Hmmm
September 4th, 2010
2:32 pm
and getting OWNED again
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzhL6oNMrMA
Hmmm
September 4th, 2010
2:33 pm
and again
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWC7RfUbMBg
Hmmm
September 4th, 2010
2:35 pm
Marvin Williams > Mo Evans
Mike Bibby YES even Mike Bibby > Mo Evans
Josh Childress(aka Diva) > Mo Evans
Hmmm
September 4th, 2010
2:39 pm
Mo Evans is servicable but he needs to check his ego. Also, he’s redundant on our roster as of now. So is Mike Bibby. They need to be swapped for a big. Hopefully rick Sund won’t screw it up this time like when he Let Flip Murray go instead of Bibby.
Rick can Redeem himself by Getting Rid of Mo and Bibby INSTEAD of Jamal Crawford, who we actually need.
Reid Adair
September 4th, 2010
2:52 pm
Al Horford is a class act. It’s too bad ASG collectively doesn’t have half his class.
They sold their souls to Joe Johnson … and then lied to everyone by claiming they weren’t finished in free agency. But, as some of us suspected, they were broke – and they were finished.
Ken Strickland
September 4th, 2010
2:58 pm
A lot of our fans complained about new HC LDrew, and made an issue of him SAYING ALL OF THE RIGHT THINGS. Well, it appears he’s putting his money where his mouth is. He certainly hasn’t attempted to construct his roster to match up with the other Eastern Conference teams. It seems quite certain he intends to backup his claim of changing the past approach. He intends on forcing teams to match up to our speed, quickness, versatility and athleticism.
It’s also apparent he intends to consistently play uptempo, based on the type of players he’s added to the roster. It’s just as obvious Sund, Drew and the ASG feel our perimeter DEF, not our interior DEF, was our biggest DEF problem.
jason
September 4th, 2010
3:28 pm
i agree with hmmm. I think we should trade him and marvin to gs for reggie williams. Then we sign free agent jerry stackhouse
jason
September 4th, 2010
3:33 pm
here is reggie williams mix. He could help on defense and offense.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhWPBpfV9rs
cp
September 4th, 2010
3:52 pm
Yea Jason I like Reggie’s game. I brought him up before on here. I was hoping he wouldn’t go back to the Warriors so we could snatch him up.
SteveW
September 4th, 2010
5:11 pm
Doc – had already seen the playoff numbers several times. People use different rotations for the playoffs – more bigs, the game slows down (usually). Wasn’t referring to the playoffs – of course La is going to go with Gasol, Odom, Bynum up front, sometimes even moving Artest to 4, and bringing a Luke Walton or Powell off the bench.
Powell was LA’s 9th guy last year – and he will be the Hawks 9th or 10th guy this year.
And Mo’ would have been playing for LA instead of Vujicic. .
SteveW
September 4th, 2010
5:12 pm
No way Mo’ Evans would have been on the end of LA’s bench…
SteveW
September 4th, 2010
6:22 pm
BTW – I’m not really trying to defend Mo’ here. I just don’t think he’s as bad as some make him out to be. And he did kill us by exercising his contract option for 2.5m If we had not have signed JJ, we would have had only our MLE to sign a player – and we couldn’t have even gotten JJ Reddick for the MLE! And def. not a Salmone.
We would have still had Jamal, and that’s another story – Jamal is an above average NBA player, but he is a notch below JJ.
doc
September 4th, 2010
6:24 pm
stevew do you think walton’s back injury had something to do with it as he ended up playing double the amount of time powell did during the playoffs. if walton’s healthy does he get a rotation spot in leiu of powell even though they play the same position but with the versatility of many of the lakers does he sit and walton play? who got walton’s play time?
SteveW
September 4th, 2010
6:25 pm
Try Bibby, 2 1st picks and a 2nd for Lou Williams. Now we would have 2 exciting young PG’s.
And if Jamal wants to walk, try to get Dunleavy and a 1st pick from the Pacers – they’re really trying to dump Dunleavy in Indy. Good back up for Marvin – or maybe even a starter.
doc
September 4th, 2010
6:28 pm
they “dont” play the same position… is what i meant to say.
doc
September 4th, 2010
6:30 pm
stevew, mo has always fit the budget. for the money, not bad.