Atlanta Hawks: Pape Sy in the fold (Update: Sy and Sund comments)
It’s finally official: Pape Sy, Atlanta’s second-round draft pick in June, has signed with the Hawks after securing a buyout from French club Le Havre. Sy’s three-year contract is fully guaranteed for 2010-11 at the rookie minimum of $473,604.
It should be noted that for all the heat ASG takes for the perception that they clutch their wallets too tightly, it is believed the Hawks contributed about $125,000 on top of the salary to buy out the contract of a long-term prospect. You can tell L.D. is really high on Sy, so the Hawks spent some cash to get him over here now so they can start developing him.
“We sat down with [the owners] and told them we saw [Sy] in Summer League and we liked him and we wanted to get him in here as a developmental guy for the future,” Rick Sund said today at Philips. “We talked about the buyout, and they had no problem with that.”
It’s a good personal story for Sy, 22, who paid his own way to work out for the Hawks and was virtually unknown in scouting circles when Atlanta drafted him. He said he never lost faith that he’d end up with the Hawks this season even as negotiations with Le Havre dragged on for weeks.
“I am very proud,” Sy said. “It means a lot for me. I really want to play with them and win with them.”
Sy, 6-7, projects as a point guard for the Hawks. Unless injuries hit the Hawks, Sy most likely won’t earn minutes this season. But the Hawks believe he can better develop by practicing with the team and perhaps spending some time in the D-League rather than play another year for Le Havre, where he averaged 14 minutes per game last season.
Sund said the Hawks most likely will stick with 14 players for training camp since the roster is set and they want to get in as much work as possible for young players Teague, Jordan Crawford and Sy. Camp opens Sept. 28.
MC
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347 comments Add your comment
drmaryb (*_*)
September 16th, 2010
3:18 pm
Grand-Daddy
Of course I read it. I hang on your every word!
You know that.
Mmmmwah!
Jeff
September 16th, 2010
3:46 pm
We need to get Dampier….seriously….we really need to
Hawks Fan
September 16th, 2010
4:19 pm
He should fit right in with the rest of the roster, a guy is bought out of a contract and only averages 14 minutes a game move over Kobe and Lebron here comes Pape Sy!!! Hey Atlanta Spirit I know a guy that is 6 foot 8 and works on cars I’ll get you a good deal on his buyout contract..How about putting a sign in the window asking for players that got game!!!
The Truth
September 16th, 2010
4:39 pm
Another point of view on Dampier:
In my opinion it is highly unlikely that the Hawks would be willing to go into the tax for a back up player even if that player would provide some of the toughness and size that they have been chasing for two seasons now. At this point it would appear that they are hoping that Etan Thomas will fit that bill.
jay dubu
September 16th, 2010
4:43 pm
It looks like the Hawks plan is to build their roster through the draft, and not go after the quick fix via a free agent. The fans will need to be patient, but after selling the bill of goods that they have the past 2 seasons, it’s kinda tough to raise the expectation of this team when the roster is almost identical to last season.
Should we expect LD to make that big of a difference? If he can kame that big of a difference, I high believe that some iof his though process would have rubbed off on last season’s team.
The Hawks should be in the playoffs this season, but don’t expect much beyond that.
wordsmithtom
September 16th, 2010
4:47 pm
Ken,
Cosign 1:38 post. Develop young points instead of setting them on the bench.
Hawks Fan, did you see the shoulders on Sy. The kid is built…. and he can play. Leave the sarcasm at home…it doesn’t become you.
drmaryb, speaking about wearing somethin’; if’n you girls would decest with the thongs, guys lie Dwight wouldn’t be lured into inequity.
drmaryb (*_*)
September 16th, 2010
5:30 pm
Wordsmithon
Aaah! OK!
When you guys stop wearing Jock-Straps?
We will stop wearing Thongs!
Besides, you can’t see women’s underlings unless you have an
inside track. Unlike, some guys who wear their Pants on the Ground!
We don’t want to see yall nasty butt cracks and draws either.
- I will await your response -
rof-lol!
cp
September 16th, 2010
5:44 pm
This might be the only place other than the Collins family household where Jason Collins actually has fans. Ham Hock Collins is terrible and has always been terrible. I would take Dampier over him any day of the week and not look back.
wordsmithtom
September 16th, 2010
6:04 pm
Dr. Mary, if you didn’t need your plumbing fixed so often, you wouldn’t see so many cracks.
Samson does the best he can, till Delila comes alone and POOF, there goes the hair.
ryan
September 16th, 2010
6:28 pm
Mello to New Jersey would make his wife happy because Jay Z can get her music career started but who does the Nets have i guess Mello ’s wife wears the pants in that family .
northcyde
September 16th, 2010
7:08 pm
You put Melo in Jersey, along with Brook Lopez, Devin Harris, and Derrick Favors . . and our draft pick that we traded for Jordan Crawford ( in Damion James ), and you have a nice little squad in Jersey.
Plus Avery Johnson is the coach.
Jersey could fight for that 8th seed, if James can play the 2, and Favors turns out to be an above average young PF . . or at least a PF who can defend and rebound at a good ratem
drmaryb (*_*)
September 16th, 2010
7:16 pm
Wordsmithtom
I don’t have any plumbing issues, my pipes are fine.
But, if I did need a plumber?
All I gotta’ do is go outside and grab a guy who wears his
pants on the ground. Because, he must be a plumber!
Why else would he wear his pants that way?
You’re funny tom. Talking ’bout plumber cracks. Ha Ha Ha!
O'Brien
September 16th, 2010
7:24 pm
Ken S,
We hired Nick van exel, not Sam cassell. However, I like the hire too.
Steve w,
Most of us don’t want smoove playing SF. I understand him playing spot minutes there, but that should be the exception.
Northcyde,
If the nets want melo, they have to give some pieces up. And I don’t think they have what it takes to match up trade wise.
They would have to give up outlaw, who they just signed, in addition to a player or 2 and pick or 2.
I can see the Knicks trying to do whatever they can to make a deal.
drmaryb (*_*)
September 16th, 2010
7:36 pm
O”Brien
You’re right! The Nets would have to get a third team involved.
I think the Timberwolves were mentioned, or it may have been
Sac-Town? Not sure which 3rd team.
Ken Strickland
September 16th, 2010
7:50 pm
STEVEW-I didn’t single anyone out, but I was referencing those who criticize every player acquisition LDrew makes, or doesn’t make, if it’s not the player or move they want. LDrew knows better than anyone else, believe it or not, what he envisions for the Hawks and what players he feels will help him reach that goal.
He’s told everyone, with enough sense to listen, he intends to play an uptempo style of OFF, and a half court motion OFF that includes constant ball and player movement. As a result, he’s accumulating players that will suit his needs, not players that make insecure, one dimensional fans, or fans without a clue, feel better.
It should appear rather obvious by now LDrew doesn’t feel the need to sign a limited center just to satisfy fans, who’s basketball knowledge won’t allow them to realize there’s more than one way to successfully defend a center like DHoward. The idea under LDrew’s watch isn’t to focus on trying to stop or match up with dominant players like DHoward, but to force them to match up with our players and style of play. The concept is called NEUTRALIZATION.
As I’ve said before, I see the Hawks under LDrew as a bigger, taller, more physical and athletic version of the Suns, except our OFF will be driven primarily by our structured motion OFF system, rather than the talents of a future HOF PG.
DRMARYB-I have a lot of faith in LDrew. I also trust his judgement about the players he’s chosen to impliment what he wants to accomplish. I will remind everyone once again that at one time fans had the same negative and/or questionable thoughts and feelings about PG CBillups and C BWallace, the some of you currently have about JTeague and JPowell. It just took them being placed in a situation where they could take advantage of what they did best, rather than being in situations where the powers that be focused on what they couldn’t do, or didn’t do well.
We have the same situation with some of our fans. They have doubts about JTeague’s ability to run the team, because they’re focused on what the don’t know, as well as what they perceive as negatives. They refuse to focus on his speed, quickness, athleticism, penetrating ability, and ability to play DEF, all of which are attributes MBibby does not possess.
Ken Strickland
September 16th, 2010
7:59 pm
OBRIEN-thanks for the correction.
MIKE IS BACK-I didn’t know we weren’t on the same page all along? LOL. Even though we’re retuning 10 players from last yrs active roster, we’re going to be a totally different and better team, both offensively and defensively. Man, I’m really excited about our prospects for this season.
drmaryb (*_*)
September 16th, 2010
8:01 pm
Damian James
Derrick Favors
Devin Harris
Draft Pick
Were mentioned a trade scenario I read today, also the mention
of a possible third team involved.
The report stated that Melo’s Agent said The Nets were the
most aggressive of all the teams in pusuit.
Also it was mentioned The Nets are moving to NY into a
new arena as well, and that Melo is a NY native.
No delusion that The Hawks are interested in signing a
Box-Draw Super Star to this current team.
jason
September 16th, 2010
8:09 pm
I think we should trade marvin williams to philly for jason kapono. This guy is a shooter. can hit in the clutch which i know we need.
drmaryb (*_*)
September 16th, 2010
8:20 pm
Merrily … Merrrily … Merilly …. Life is but a Dream.
Ken S.
Said:
“DRMARYB-I have a lot of faith in LDrew. I also trust his judgement about the players he’s chosen to impliment what he wants to accomplish. I will remind everyone once again that at one time fans had the same negative and/or questionable thoughts and feelings about PG CBillups and C BWallace, the some of you currently have about JTeague and JPowell. It just took them being placed in a situation where they could take advantage of what they did best, rather than being in situations where the powers that be focused on what they couldn’t do, or didn’t do well.”
I only disagreed that Dampieer could not help this team as
another weapon off the bench. Either in front of or behind
ZsaZsa. (was my internal thoughts)
It would require a nibble at the Luxury Tax unless we can move
Collins. IDK who would take him off our hands after the poor shape
he showed up here in. IDK why we re-signed him so early either.
We’ve been so patient all along, why not continue that patience
W
When Collins was signed so early.
Najeh said a while back, The ASKG don’t necessarily spend Wisely!
I would welcome a lineup at center with:
Al Horford
Eric Dampieer
Zsa Zsa
Josh Powell (defensive PF)
We must do better at the 5 position defensively than last season – Period!
I am fine with Teague and the guards. SF does concern me.
I have been saying all week that Marvin. May excel in a
different situation much like Billups did.
drmaryb (*_*)
September 16th, 2010
8:37 pm
The 4 D’s – of NJ!
Damian James
Derrick Favors
Devin Harris
Draft Pick
All for you – Melo!
Najeh Davenpoop
September 16th, 2010
8:54 pm
“In other news . . . Reischea Canidate on ESPN First Take is so fine.”
Here is one thing on which we can completely agree.
Hmmm
September 16th, 2010
8:54 pm
http://blogs.ajc.com/hawks/2010/06/08/atlanta-hawks-mo-evans-exercises-option-for-2010-11/
“There are not a lot of teams out there giving away contracts,” Evans said. “I’m satisfied with my deal even though it’s undervalued. I’m still going to go out and do my job.”
ROFLMBO!!!!!
Pape Sy > Mo Evans
Najeh Davenpoop
September 16th, 2010
8:55 pm
“I prefer Dampieer over Twin.”
I prefer Grandad over Twin.
Najeh Davenpoop
September 16th, 2010
8:59 pm
“I didn’t single anyone out, but I was referencing those who criticize every player acquisition LDrew makes, or doesn’t make, if it’s not the player or move they want. LDrew knows better than anyone else, believe it or not, what he envisions for the Hawks and what players he feels will help him reach that goal. ”
Larry Drew doesn’t make personnel decisions. Rick Sund does.
O'Brien
September 16th, 2010
9:05 pm
Atlanta dream up 1 at halftime in game 3 of the wnba finals. And phillips arena looks packed and lively.
Hmmm
September 16th, 2010
9:05 pm
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-hawks/hawks-evans-opts-to-544540.html
“The players are going to be in a tough market with so many players available,” he said. “I’m not going be one of those guys searching for what I already have.”
^So baisically you suck and there is no market value for your services. Gotcha. BUT your contract is undervalued…smh
Must I post the Mo Evans temper tantrum video again? Or how about LeBron completely taking his manhood? What about Von Wafer tossing his weak junk right back where it came from? I’m SURE there’s more…
drmaryb (*_*)
September 16th, 2010
9:07 pm
I prefer Grand-Daddy over Twin, too.
Hmmm
September 16th, 2010
9:07 pm
A millionarie crying about $$$. Toss him in the can with Lattrel Spreewell.
Hmmm
September 16th, 2010
9:09 pm
Anyway, GO DREAM!
JSS
September 16th, 2010
9:09 pm
So if the Hawks would have gone done 10-0 to begin a game, do you think they’d be leading at halftime?
@ Dr Mary B
Why use a male barrier device when your spiritual direction tells you that premarital sex is forbidden?
Big Ray
September 16th, 2010
9:21 pm
Instead of posting my own one-and-a-half cents worth…..
I think I’ll just co-sign every post Najeh Davenpoop put up since early this morning. Fuh REAL!
richbrave
September 16th, 2010
9:23 pm
drmaryb (*_*)
September 15th, 2010
6:17 pm
Tyler Allen!
You heard it here – First.
I really hope the best for your grandson.
Tell him I said to crack those books.
Los Bravos may have peaked too soon?
You will forever be my 1st Blog Love!
I even pulled out that ole’ “Cheetah Thong!” razor sharp one
2 days agoÞo paint the picture of “Agony”.
Haven’t done that in over a year.
Don’t be a stranger!
Google perfect game tyler allen, pix and bio with rating. 8.5 is somewhere between 10-20 round.
Big Ray
September 16th, 2010
9:23 pm
Man, Dampier was never in the running for a job here with the Hawks.
He made too much before he got cut. He was going to want more than the minimum salary that the Hawks would have offered anyway.
And guess what else? If Shaq can be “convinced” to play for proverbial pennies on the dollar in Boston, then you better believe Dampier could be convinced to do the same in Miami.
Big Ray
September 16th, 2010
9:27 pm
If the Hawks start off 14-4 for the season, then I think we’ll agree that Larry Drew’s coaching is sufficiently effective up to that point. Beyond that, we really won’t know what to think. So some will sip the koolaid, others won’t, and we’ll argue about it. What’s new?
As for the continual chicken vs. egg argument (fan responsibility vs owner responsibility), it gets old, but probably will never die, LOL.
“If you build it, they will come” could apply to a franchise, not just a baseball field. But I don’t think it was meant for fans….
OOPS, I said I wasn’t gonna post my one-and-a-half cents, didn’t I? My bad….
richbrave
September 16th, 2010
9:28 pm
drmary:
WIZZIES will be whizzing on themselves all season I’m afraid. McGEE, BLATCHE, THORNTON, ARENAS and WALL. Your starting line-up for 2010. I think LEONSIS wants another bite of the big three lottery apple.
Big Ray
September 16th, 2010
9:29 pm
Wasn’t Dwight Howard the one who wanted to become the NBA’s new ambassador, and turn the Jerry West logo into a holy cross?
Ah, how the transgressions of the seemingly righteous are fodder for the cynical…
JSS
September 16th, 2010
9:33 pm
“Cynical,” did somebody call me?
richbrave
September 16th, 2010
9:35 pm
BIG RAY:
My man. How YOU doooin’? Keeping ‘um on the straight and narrow down there in SAGA-land?
KevinM
September 16th, 2010
9:52 pm
Jason, man, how sad is that trade offer? Marvin isn’t garnishing much of a value is he? I would say he and Mo have the same issue.
Ken S – “The concept is called NEUTRALIZATION.”
The guys that ‘LD’ is bringing in here are going to NEUTRALIZE dominant players? I go to Vegas and bet against that every time.
Collins / Sy / Powell / Thomas – yes, LD deserves the credit for bringing them in….and blame Sund for bringing in these guys who there was no competition for….all minimum deals. Man, I would have loved to have been at the negotiating table for any of these deals.
Sund – “I think we have an practice jersey for you; our core needs some competition in practice”
Player – “Let me get this right: practice jersey or out of the league? Where do I sign?”
Time to quit blaming the bloggers here…..they aren’t making the transactions. There are many knowledgeable people here who appear to be able to do the GM job as well as Sund. All you have to do is inherit the job, keep the previous GM’s ‘commitment statement: 5 players that can interchange and play multiple positions’. No player has a position. Yep, still looks the same to me.
Seriously, I would like to see if Powell has any game and can be the PF backup. I don’t think he’s going to get much of a chance with Al moving to the 4 at times. That lineup with Horford and Zaza/Collins/Thomas just doesn’t overwhelm you though.
LD has inherited the same lineup as last year, the same starting lineup.
The same SF, the same PG, the same PF combo and the same bench. You got 9-10 guys and the remaining are the new practice players.
You know who’s going to earn their $$ this year? The assistants who have to keep these guys competitive with the rest of the league. 2 late round rookies and 3 min vets. Sounds like LD/Sund had a plan all along and I was just too ignorant to see the genius side of things.
How much can you pump the same core up to the fans of Atlanta? Haven’t we seen this script already?
I know Dwight can’t wait to compete against us. He said likes our lineup. I would too, if I had to go up against our back line.
I still say no better than 3rd in our own division and a 4th seed will be an accomplishment. Charlotte probably doesn’t have enough to overtake us.
No transition year for LD; he gets the heat right out of the gate. I’m just ready to see some accountability instead of raises being handed out for above average results. No hard times for the players on this roster who got contracts the past 2 offseasons.
Look out Eastern Conference! You’ve got to match up with us now!
JSS
September 16th, 2010
9:53 pm
I should have never inferred anything about “Spiritual direction.”
KevinM
September 16th, 2010
9:57 pm
Big Ray, the Hawks have said they are interested in Damp, but like you said, not serious IMO either. Sund isn’t going to compete period.
And LD can have all season in my book. Its the playoffs I’m being told where the difference between he and Woody will be seen. Motion offense, Phoenix East, tactical mismatches that will befuddle our opponent. Now why did it take so long for LD to get his very first gig?
The script is being sold as we speak….Sund has exclusive rights to the ‘There’s more to the core!’
Najeh Davenpoop
September 16th, 2010
10:04 pm
I am not, and have never been, a big WNBA fan, but the quality of play in that league gets a bad rap, at least from what I’ve seen of these Finals. Maybe they are not jumping out of the gym but it’s not like they are turning it over every time down either. It’s no worse than 75% of men’s college basketball games, which are nothing more than passing the ball around the perimeter for 34 seconds and launching a contested 3 or throwing the ball to an opponent.
The NBA dropped the ball big time by focusing all of their marketing campaigns on trying to compare the WNBA to the NBA, instead of marketing it as its own separate entity.
JSS
September 16th, 2010
10:10 pm
@ Najeh…
College basketball is unwatchable 90% of the time. The game has no rhythm and is way over coached. WNBA has a true catch 22, too many people like Jeff Schultz poisoning the well in markets where it should be viable….
drmaryb (*_*)
September 16th, 2010
10:23 pm
JSS
You are a trip man.
I guess I’m fortunate to have had a Mother (rip), who
taught me abstinence when I was a child up to and at age 14.
Ask my Brother who died of AIDS in his 20’s about pre-marital sex
when you see him too.
Why not teach your kids to focus on their education & not sex
at age 10 to 14? You know they’re starting @ 10 now.
Anyway, KevinM I really enjoyed your artful comments.
They were inspiring and filled with passion, heart and energy.
Keep it up. I read it twice to ooh and aaah about it.
-smiles-
KevinM
September 16th, 2010
10:24 pm
This article about the Hawks just makes too much sense…….
http://www.hoopinionblog.com/2010/09/stop-switching.html
Its gonna be all about the defense according to this review…..
My favorite comment: The depth acquired by this team has impressed no one outside this organization.
Exactly.
JSS
September 16th, 2010
10:30 pm
Boys always started at a young age, we just didn’t what the hell we were doing… Yeah, I lost a close friend back in 1985 when her husband was IV drug using. Then my Cousin Penny was living “the life” back in the crack 90’s. So I know what you mean. The problem is that we fall victims to fringes, don’t talk about sex, then they’ll do it… Silliness, it has to become 2nd nature…
JSS
September 16th, 2010
10:32 pm
Damn!!! Those are some fighters! Don’t be like other Atlanta and sit on your laurels, get ready for next Summer, SO PROUD of you DREAM!
Grandad
September 16th, 2010
10:33 pm
Najeh & Mary Ellen
My agent tells me;
“I will not sign for the vet minimum”.
He says;
“I’m holdin’ out for Shaq’s money”. [$8 mil]
besides;
It’ll mess up my SS check.
Also;
*SteveW *[my agent] has me up for the GM job if/when Sund retires.
richbrave
September 16th, 2010
10:36 pm
I fear for the HAWKS this season with the store bought MIAMI team in this division. I never had any hopes for the WIZARDS, but I certainly had high regard for drmary’s fab five (now minus CHILLS).
Grandad
September 16th, 2010
10:39 pm
richbrave
How well does Washington like Yi?
Any chance they would consider trading him?