Atlanta Hawks: Hawks, Horford agree to 5-year, $60 million contract extension
The Hawks and Al Horford have agreed to a 5-year, $60 million contract extension.
Atlanta’s All-Star center and his agent, Arn Tellem, met with the team this afternoon finalize the deal, which also is expected to include performance incentives. The sides had until the end of business today to reach an agreement or Horford would have become a restricted free agent next summer.
“It happened like I’ve been predicting–down to the wire,” Horford said today after practice. “When we finally kind of agreed on everything, I was super excited.”
Horford’s deal is similar to the contract extension signed by Bulls center Joakim Noah, whom he teamed with to win two NCAA championships at the University of Florida. The Hawks selected Horford with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2007 draft while Noah was picked No. 9 by Chicago.
The Hawks and Tellem opened negotiations at the start of training camp but there was little movement in talks as recently as two weeks ago. With the deadline approaching, the two sides met this weekend and worked out a deal.
“From the moment he arrived in Atlanta, Al has been a large part of our success,” Hawks GM Rick Sund said in a statement released by the team. “The winning tradition he brought to the franchise as a rookie out of Florida has extended to three consecutive playoff seasons in a Hawks uniform. In addition, he was deservedly recognized as an All-Star last year, and we certainly look forward to his continued development as we move forward.”
Horford was eligible for an extension for as many as five years and as much as $82 million under the terms of the current collective bargaining agreement, which expires in June. The final terms of the extension could possibly be altered when the league and players agree to a new CBA but Horford would have a contract that must be honored.
Horford has said all along he hoped to sign an extension because he likes Atlanta and his teammates and believes the team is headed in the right direction.
“It’s great to be able to get it done and have peace of mind,” Horford said. “It makes me able to come out and just focus on basketball, which is my priority to begin with. So I’m happy about that part.”
Horford’s deal comes after the Hawks signed guard Joe Johnson to a six-year, $123.7 million over the summer.
Guard Jamal Crawford has asked the team for a contract extension or, in lieu of a satisfactory agreement, a trade. The Hawks now have to be concerned how Crawford will perceive Johnson and Horford’s new deals when he also is considered part of the franchise’s “core” and the team’s philosophy has been to keep the group intact.
MC
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
168 comments Add your comment
BrittishAnger
November 1st, 2010
1:51 pm
WOOOOOT!
MsDee
November 1st, 2010
1:54 pm
Congrad’s Al, u so deserve it!!!
nique
November 1st, 2010
1:58 pm
Great that both sides came together to get this done so quickly and without fuss! You can tell that Horford is a high caliber guy.
JerryWest
November 1st, 2010
1:58 pm
Cheers!
Any crumbs left for JC1?
jdewayneatl
November 1st, 2010
2:05 pm
Congrats Al and big ups to GM Sund and ATL spirit for doing the right thing and at the same time getting another reasonable contract situation!!!!!!
lewis
November 1st, 2010
2:05 pm
go al! go hawks! reasonable deal even!
Sara
November 1st, 2010
2:07 pm
About Time!
clay
November 1st, 2010
2:10 pm
the thing i like about this is that the gm and the front office realize what they have and dont wanna loose it. You gotta love it. Lets re-up crawford NOW. That needs to be your next priority sund.
Ramon
November 1st, 2010
2:10 pm
Wow! That is a good deal for the Hawks. I’m so glad they didn’t overpay. And I’m glad Horford and Tellem didn’t insist on near max deal.
MannyT
November 1st, 2010
2:10 pm
Good 4 Al. Does this mean that he’s buying the popcorn that is likely to end up in JC2’s ride at some point this season
MannyT
November 1st, 2010
2:15 pm
I don’t think Crawford gets a deal from Hawks until the summer. I suspect they will wait and see what the new collective bargaining deal looks like. If there are drastic cuts that must be made, the easiest thing to do is not do a new contract. If things look similar to the past, I think his offer might start around MLE level with raises as only teams with cap space would be able to beat it. Right now I’d think that Crawford has no reason to sign a deal that has a significant pay cut.
The business of sports is very different from the playing of sports.
Doug
November 1st, 2010
2:16 pm
Where are all the posters that continually whine about how cheap the Hawks are?? Like it or not they signed JJ to a max extension…JS and MW to reasonable extensions and now Al to a tremendously fair but generous deal. So…question their judgement but please don’t whine about how they are cheap
Ramon
November 1st, 2010
2:22 pm
Very funny link guys. Hawks Halloween party.
http://plixi.com/p/54265214
Ramon
November 1st, 2010
2:24 pm
Lol, anyone who knows about Lil Wayne’s addiction, check out Smoove’s cup. lol..
truthspitter
November 1st, 2010
2:26 pm
He got lowballed, but that makes me gain even more respect for Al. Since Sund is so good at lowballing his on players like Smoove and Al let’s see him lowball a team and get rid of Marvin Williams.
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=22vkfkb
Marvin Williams and Zaza for Hedo Turkoglu and Robin Lopez maybe add a 2nd round or 1st round pick if push comes to shove.
Why Phoenix does this because they save over $4 million over life of deal and they pick up a 1st rd or 2nd rd pick. Plus Hedo is more overpaid than Marvin for what he is currently giving.
Why Atlanta does this because Hedo is no worse than Marvin and Lopez is a legit 7 ft starting level C for years to come his upside and potential with this team is greater than Zaza’s. We pay $4 million more over the life of contract and potentially give up a pick but I think it is worth it considering the Hawks seem incompetent when it comes to drafting there own big man.
Lastly, before guys say oh Phoenix wouldn’t do that you have to look at the fact that Phoenix gains financially and picks wise. Add that Phoenix is probably not even a playoff team this year and this has a chance
MsDee
November 1st, 2010
2:26 pm
It makes sense to me what Sund is doing, He is making these guys work for their money and that’s nothing wrong with that. AL had back-to-back double/doubles. Yeah, I know Bibby and Marvin should have been in the same boat but I guess Sund and ASG didnt want to make the same mistake so they thought better with AL and hopefully JC1 cause Jamal is very much needed on this team!!
dukester
November 1st, 2010
2:28 pm
Congrats Al Horford. One thing I can say about ole ASG they are serious about their “core” lol. I mean other than Marvin they have it right. I mean we are a top 8 team in the NBA in my belief but we all feel we need one move to get us over the top.
northcyde
November 1st, 2010
2:28 pm
5/60 is a good deal by the Hawks for Al. It wouldn’t surprise me to see a player option in that deal going into year 4, just in case Al blossoms into a very good player, and wants a new deal.
If they want to give Jamal a last minute offer, toss a 3 yr – 15 mill deal, with a team option going into year 3.
Congrats Al.
MsDee
November 1st, 2010
2:33 pm
Too funny at the Halloween party, but where was Joe and Bibby??? How come those guys act like they are TOO GOOD for a Halloween party???
truthspitter
November 1st, 2010
2:34 pm
northcyde
November 1st, 2010
2:28 pm
5/60 is a good deal by the Hawks for Al. It wouldn’t surprise me to see a player option in that deal going into year 4, just in case Al blossoms into a very good player, and wants a new deal.
If they want to give Jamal a last minute offer, toss a 3 yr – 15 mill deal, with a team option going into year 3.
Congrats Al.
Seriously, Al is already a very good player who has made an all-star appearance and could make another this year. Brook Lopez has no business being an All-Star with that losing team and Noah vs Horford may come down to winning also. So, you telling me a guy that could make his second straight all-star appearance is not already a very good player. Seriously, I think you are a good blogger Northcyde but I don’t get your comment on this. Al got lowballed just like Smoove did
O'Brien
November 1st, 2010
2:35 pm
5 years, $60 mil is a good deal for the Hawks. I am glad Al decided to stick around at that price.
As for Jamal, I dont blame Rick if he doesnt offer him an extension. We have Jordan Crawford on board, and we dont want to overpay for a SG to backup our $124 mil SG, so I can see Sund waiting till the new CBA to see what Jamal’s value is.
northcyde,
If we resign Jamal, what do you think we should do with Jordan?
ant banks
November 1st, 2010
2:40 pm
TRUTHSPITTER,
are you arn tellem? how are hawks LOW BALLIN’ horfy?
John Brown
November 1st, 2010
2:40 pm
Well done. A HUGE bargain, regardless of the configuration of the new CBA. Well done Hawks, Sund, and Spirit. Keep surprising everyone. I love it.
big sam
November 1st, 2010
2:44 pm
Enter your comments here
big sam
November 1st, 2010
2:44 pm
where is pape sy
Doug
November 1st, 2010
2:46 pm
Lowballin?? So Arn Tellem is advising his client to accept a “lowball” offer? An offer that is given and then freely accepted is called “fair”…this offer was right in the ballpark with the noah deal…so great job Sund and glad to have AH on board at a “fair” market price for 5 more years
MannyT
November 1st, 2010
2:47 pm
@Truthspitter – interesting trade. I think it might have been more interesting to Phoenix if they still had Admunson. The next Lopez contract is probably cheaper than the ones they are getting. Also, Hedo plays the 4 in Phoenix. Not sure how well Marvin holds up as a full time 4.
On Hawks end, Marvin is ok with manning up on defense. He’s not the best, but he’s the best we have. Hedo isn’t really a D 1st guy. He is a point forward on offense. If Marvin goes, you have to get someone to guard the LeBron-Wheelchair (Pierce) Vortex if you plan to do anything in the playoffs.
Also, I haven’t checked how close the Hawks are to luxury tax, but they are close enough to breathe on the lux tax window and see it get foggy
That deal might cost the club another 4 mil (small lux tax paymnet and loss of check from league for being under lux tax.)
dstdeelite
November 1st, 2010
2:55 pm
I’m cool with that. Go Hawks!!
Jon Koncak
November 1st, 2010
2:57 pm
This is an outstanding deal! Al is a class act and represents ATL on and off the floor. Great job Sund, this shows long term commitment!
truthspitter
November 1st, 2010
2:57 pm
MannyT
November 1st, 2010
2:47 pm
@Truthspitter – interesting trade. I think it might have been more interesting to Phoenix if they still had Admunson. The next Lopez contract is probably cheaper than the ones they are getting. Also, Hedo plays the 4 in Phoenix. Not sure how well Marvin holds up as a full time 4.
On Hawks end, Marvin is ok with manning up on defense. He’s not the best, but he’s the best we have. Hedo isn’t really a D 1st guy. He is a point forward on offense. If Marvin goes, you have to get someone to guard the LeBron-Wheelchair (Pierce) Vortex if you plan to do anything in the playoffs.
Also, I haven’t checked how close the Hawks are to luxury tax, but they are close enough to breathe on the lux tax window and see it get foggy
That deal might cost the club another 4 mil (small lux tax paymnet and loss of check from league for being under lux tax.)
I checked all that before I posted it and we would still be under luxury. I am willing to bet if you threw in a 1st rd pick in the 2011-12 draft they would do the deal. Hedo played SF in Orlando alongside Rashard Lewis and people are overrating Marvin defensively which was shown Saturday when Thorton took another dump on Marvin which he has done on several occasions. Hedo atleast does something well consistently and that is spread the floor which is essential on offense. Either way Lopez and Hedo for Marvin and Zaza is a trade I would do anyday of the year
tbhawksfan
November 1st, 2010
2:58 pm
Great for Hawks. Great to see Horf accept the same deal as Noah, even though he’s a much better player. Now, keep the win streak going.
Mel
November 1st, 2010
3:00 pm
wow. kudos to sund.. i thought al was worth 80 but thats why he’s gm and im not lol
ATL FAN
November 1st, 2010
3:00 pm
YES YES YES!!!!!!!! Noah was signed for the same deal, and Al is much much much better!! He loves the city of Atlanta and I love to watch him play!! LETS GO HAWKS!!!
Freshfromatl
November 1st, 2010
3:01 pm
Good Job Hawks…Now go out and smack Cleveland tomorrow!!
Jon Koncak
November 1st, 2010
3:03 pm
Truthspitter
I think you are on to something here! I have pretty much given up on Marvin and the so-called potential. With the offense we are running now, I think Hedo would fit in nicely. GO HAWKS!!!
ATL FAN
November 1st, 2010
3:03 pm
Truthspitter,
No way the trade goes down. The Suns lose their starting center, and without Amare in there they lose another big man. Plus, Zaza is not a starter and there’s no way they will trade for him this early in the season. Maybe more near the trade deadline if Phoenix seems to be out of playoff contention.
Melvin
November 1st, 2010
3:04 pm
Sounds like a good deal for both parties…
Will
November 1st, 2010
3:04 pm
Has anyone noticed that the Hawks are 3-0 on the year. It would seem as if the team is once again going to be a legit playoff team but the question is how good will they truly be? Perhaps as the year progresses and the players play more together in the new scheme of things that we just might be surprised at the level of play.
truthspitter
November 1st, 2010
3:04 pm
ant banks
November 1st, 2010
2:40 pm
TRUTHSPITTER,
are you arn tellem? how are hawks LOW BALLIN’ horfy?
That’s a lowball deal dude. Horford is a big man and he gets less than Danny Granger or Tony Parker. I understand Parker has rings to prove it but Granger has been hurt several times and has not seen the playoffs. I’m sorry for being truthful but that is a little low but I gain respect for Al in accepting the deal and staying with us for another 4 or 5 years. Al will be a 4 or 5 x’s All-star before that deal is up, that’s called lowballed, but much respect to Al for not trying to drain the team. My problem is that after lowballing Al and Smoove the guy overpays Marvin and really does not make any moves to better the team. If your players are gonna allow you to lowball them the least you can do is make some moves and build the best team possible.
Section 303
November 1st, 2010
3:04 pm
Nice! Congrats to Al. He deserves every penny. Great player, even better person. Good news!
Michael, it’s not too late to re-sign Jamal Crawford, is it? I would like to see the team do that.
Will
November 1st, 2010
3:07 pm
I suspect that as the trade deadline nears that Sund will once again make a trade. I suspect that the trade will involve no other than Jamal Crawford who so many think is non-expendable to the Hawks. I believe he will be gone by the trade deadline as the Hawks try to fix whatever hole they might have before the playoffs.
SWAT Native
November 1st, 2010
3:07 pm
Why is this a “lowball” contract? I think it’s more of a “hometown discount”.
Sautee
November 1st, 2010
3:08 pm
Congratulations to Horford. And to the Hawks for not overpaying.
I said last week that he was much closer to Noah than to Durant.
truthspitter, do you think Phoenix needs money SO BADLY that they would give up on a 7′ center?
I like the idea, but I can’t see them doing it. Who, pray tell, would play center for them? Siler? Frye? Marvin?
See what I mean?
Will
November 1st, 2010
3:08 pm
I don’t think we will see many big trades before the deadline either.
lewis
November 1st, 2010
3:08 pm
Noah’s a better defensive center tho Al’s a PF…
Contract Extensions Elude 2007 N.B.A. Draft Class - NYTimes.com
November 1st, 2010
3:14 pm
[...] Contract Extensions Elude Much of 2007 N.B.A. Draft Class By JOANNE C. GERSTNER 3:12 p.m. | Updated The Hawks and Al Horford agreed on a five-year, $60 million contract extension before Mondays’ deadline, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. [...]
Joe C.
November 1st, 2010
3:16 pm
Big steal. This soooort of makes up for the horrid JJ contract.
Rufus1
November 1st, 2010
3:25 pm
Perspective
The Bulls Front Line average salaries(Boozer 15mil)(Noah 12mil)….Wait for it(Deng 12.8mil)
The Hawks front line average salaries(Al 12mil)(Josh 12mil) and (Marvin 7.5mil)
Which would you prefer?
Astro Joe
November 1st, 2010
3:26 pm
Good deal for Al. Great deal for the Hawks. Fantastic signing for fans.
Jamal gets a post-new CBA negotiation.
truthspitter
November 1st, 2010
3:26 pm
We can now offer Jamal 5 year 30 to $40 million and still be under luxury if the deal for Al is one of those 10/11/12/13/14 deals. We are like $8.4 mill under next year. Though paying him 5 or 6 million next year and needing 4 more players to fill out team would mean you would need basically 4 Pap Sy’s to stay under luxury. Gonna be hard to keep Jamal and stay under luxury. Best thing is to hope that they go with a hard cap of $75 million
IceMan
November 1st, 2010
3:27 pm
Congrats to Al Horford. He totally deserves it and should continue to improve into a perennial all-star. Too bad Joe doesn’t deserve what he’s getting and is eating up all that $ for all those years. Also too bad Al can’t play power forward instead of Center. Anyway, we are lucky to have Al for another 5 years
STRETCH
November 1st, 2010
3:30 pm
They may look like a playoff team now, but they are 1 injury to a JJ or a AL or a JS away from being the Wizards or Sacramento. Still think they should have made a move or two over the off-season.
truthspitter
November 1st, 2010
3:34 pm
Rufus1
November 1st, 2010
3:25 pm
Perspective
The Bulls Front Line average salaries(Boozer 15mil)(Noah 12mil)….Wait for it(Deng 12.8mil)
The Hawks front line average salaries(Al 12mil)(Josh 12mil) and (Marvin 7.5mil)
Which would you prefer?
I will take the Hawks salary wise and even production wise because Deng and Boozer have shown to be injury prone. Another reason why Al and Smoove both got lowballed. I just hope Sund puts more talent around these guys we are still under the luxury and will be next year also. He has to find a way to add a better SF a legit sized C and a PG that can take the job from Bibby and I don’t trust his drafting track record. I needs to come from trades.
northcyde
November 1st, 2010
3:34 pm
O’Brien . . . the question to me isn’t what we should do with Jordan . . is what should we do about Teague?
I know people are convinced that he is the answer at PG, but I’m not. It’s almost as if the Hawks are trying to teach him how to play PG and be aggressive, instead of these things already being engraved in him.
It won’t take long, but the fan base will turn on him.
terrell
November 1st, 2010
3:35 pm
Very, very reasonable deal. Guess LD and Sund think he’s the longterm starter at center afterall. Congrats Big Al.
terrell
November 1st, 2010
3:40 pm
Truthspitter, Hedo IS worse than Marvin. At least defensively.
dukester
November 1st, 2010
3:41 pm
I must say I am happy with the hawks excpet!! If we could find a way to get a deadly 3 pt shooter for Marvin just some kind of trade I would be happy.
Mike is back
November 1st, 2010
3:41 pm
Great News, way to go Sund, and ASG!!!
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bertie
November 1st, 2010
3:41 pm
Awesome. Good job Sund.
GT Alum
November 1st, 2010
3:44 pm
Doug -
ASG has made it very clear that they will spend up to the luxury tax level but no more. Most of the serious championship contenders spend into the luxury tax. If you’re not going to spend into the luxury tax, you have to be very smart about how you spend your money and have to be able to draft impact players. The contracts given to Bibby and Marvin, as well as the CBA basically forcing the Hawks to give JJ a max contract, have limited their success on point 1, and they’ve had limited success with their draft picks as well.
Gator
November 1st, 2010
3:44 pm
Al was robbed!!!
terrell
November 1st, 2010
3:46 pm
STRETCH, so is every other team.
Joey
November 1st, 2010
3:48 pm
I am a Josh fan, but I don’t think he works in the off-season to add elements to his game, as Al clearly has.
Sooner or later, Josh is gonna get traded for a big, and Al will move into the PF spot. His 12-15 ft jumper is becoming lethal.
Hoops
November 1st, 2010
3:49 pm
Congratulations to Al Horford and the ATL Hawks! Good deal for both!
Crawford will have to wait till next summer to see what he can get!
Let’s play ball!!!
terrell
November 1st, 2010
3:49 pm
How can you be robbed, if you signed the contract? Just curious? I guess Sund held a gun to his head?? Give me a break.
count_schemula
November 1st, 2010
3:51 pm
I’m not sure if Joe was worth the max. I’m pretty sure Al is worth the 5/60. If I still watched the Hawks, Horford would be the reason why. Most heart and soul of any Atlanta athlete.
I Heart Atlanta
November 1st, 2010
3:54 pm
Great News!!!
northcyde
November 1st, 2010
3:59 pm
Having said that, Al’s deal essentially replaces what Crawford made this year, which means that Crawford probably wouldn’t be re-signed.
Also, it’ll be interesting to see how Horford’s contract is structured. It may be in the best interest of the Hawks to go ahead and frontload his contract ( with him making the most money next season, and then descending in the following years ), because of how JJ’s deal is structured.
Not re-upping Jamal and Mo means that 12.5 mill would come off the books. Horford re-signs for 12 mill a year, but would make close to 15 mill a year, should the Hawks frontload the contract.
Melvin
November 1st, 2010
3:59 pm
Northcyde,
The PG position is probably the hardest position to learn at this level. You have to give Teague time to develop. Keep in mind, he basically sat on the bench his rookie year. Look at guys Rondo, D.Williams and T.Parker, none of them had stellar rookie years. Heck even Billups got traded several times before the light bulb came on for him. Teague need his time and opportunity just like other players. Last year, he got neither..
Smyrna Jacket
November 1st, 2010
4:03 pm
How overpaid is Joe? He avgs 0.56 points per minute. Jamal avgs 0.57 points per minute (team high).
terrell
November 1st, 2010
4:06 pm
Northcyde, Teague is basically our version of Blake Griffin. 2nd year ROOKIE. Cant give up on him yet. But like I said earlier, I think JC1 at least EARNED a few spot min here and there in the preseason. Heck try him at pg if you have to. If it doesnt work, put him back on the bench. Simple. Has Teague earned his minutes is the ?
i_am_soulstar
November 1st, 2010
4:08 pm
I think it’s very fair considering the market. Because The Hawks and Arn Tellem know that it’s either this deal, or wait and see what he gets after the new CBA is decided.
Hawks held all the leverage as long as they handled it respectfully.
Good job Hawks.
Freshfromatl
November 1st, 2010
4:10 pm
Shaquille O’Neal misses practice again
Boston Celtics center Shaquille O’Neal missed his second straight practice on Monday with a knee bruise suffered late in Friday’s game against the Knicks. He likely will miss Tuesday’s game in Detroit.
“I doubt if he plays, but we’ll see,” coach Doc Rivers said. “If he has a chance, he’ll make the trip.”
Damn, so the “Big Green” already hurt with knee problems?!? Lol.
Rufus1
November 1st, 2010
4:10 pm
@Truthspitter
I know many on the Blog people HATE Sund and ASG and are mad about some of the decisions they have made…I just want people to see some of the decisions other GM’s have made, that are just as bad, if not Worse.
The Bulls are considered a Model franchise, but their GM gave the most money to their most injury prone players…..That doesn’t seem to smart.
Rufus1
November 1st, 2010
4:13 pm
@Smyrna Jacket
How much value does playing defense count towards your figures?
Michael Cunningham
November 1st, 2010
4:17 pm
@ Sec 303: “Michael, it’s not too late to re-sign Jamal Crawford, is it? I would like to see the team do that.”
no. since he’s not on a rookie-scale contract it theoretically could be done up until he becomes a free agent next summer.
terrell
November 1st, 2010
4:18 pm
Smyrna Jacket, I guess defense is a nonfactor in your JJ vs Jamal comparison.
terrell
November 1st, 2010
4:20 pm
@Rufus
Thinking alike. lol!
truthspitter
November 1st, 2010
4:22 pm
Cunningham: Are you hearing any rumors of the front office trying to trade Marvin finally?
jdewayneatl
November 1st, 2010
4:22 pm
Why are there still these wild trade proposals in the Hawks blogosphere?
ITS NOT GONNA HAPPEN
The ASG and GM Sund have a vision and it does not involve shaking up the balance of this team that has not achieved max potential, despite chatter outside of those inside the circle.
With Al extending, we have a team that will compete at a high level for the foreseeable future!
truthspitter
November 1st, 2010
4:28 pm
jdewayneatl
November 1st, 2010
4:22 pm
Why are there still these wild trade proposals in the Hawks blogosphere?
ITS NOT GONNA HAPPEN
The ASG and GM Sund have a vision and it does not involve shaking up the balance of this team that has not achieved max potential, despite chatter outside of those inside the circle.
With Al extending, we have a team that will compete at a high level for the foreseeable future!
Dude please there is a difference in shaking things up just to be doing it and making things better. Marvin has reached his potential and has a bad contract. Trades that include ridding yourself of Marvin make excellent sense. Even more sense than trading Jamal who is very productive in his role.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 1st, 2010
4:34 pm
My comment is awaiting moderation… I guess this means it won’t get published?
truthspitter
November 1st, 2010
4:35 pm
terrell
November 1st, 2010
3:40 pm
Truthspitter, Hedo IS worse than Marvin. At least defensively.
And? Lopez would be a starting caliber C for the Hawks if they choose to start him and he offers resistance at the rim which Zaza does not. Marvin is not that much better than Hedo defensively and offensively it’s no contest. Hedo creates for others and can make open shots. He is also smart enough to quickly find spots in a motion system which they ran a lot in Sactown when he played with Bibby. Lastly, the Hawks are #16 in points allowed there are 30 teams in the NBA. That means technically the are in the bottom half of the league when it comes to allowing teams to score points. So, Marvin and his overrated defense that you guys magically think is so good is really not helping the team that much. I laugh at all the excuses people come up with for this borderline bust.
kirkinga
November 1st, 2010
4:44 pm
Good job by all parties. One thing that is clear is that ASG will pay to retain players but aren’t prepared to be as generous paying to entice new players into the fold. That means there will still be a perception by some fans that the organization is “cheap”.
We all know that it is likely that additional moves still need to be made in order for the Hawks to go deeper into the playoffs. Perhaps this contract was a necessary step that needed to be made in order for the Hawks to eventually makes such a move?
Go Hawks!!
Big Ray
November 1st, 2010
4:51 pm
Northcyde ,
Some already have turned on Teague. It’s not like he got a worthwhile year under his belt last year. Sixers pg Jrue Holiday did, and even started the majority of the games, and he still has major issues.
The Memphis fans were probably doing the same with Mike Conley the first couple years, and now here in year 3, he looks like the lightbulb is finally on (for the most part). He acted pretty much the same way Teague did for two years, including a horribly unreliable jumper. And that was, again, with MORE playing time than Teague ever had. I even remember an interview with Lionel Hollins where he talked about cajoling Conley about attacking, instead of being passive and hesitant.
Still, everything you said about Teague is true. The Hawks ARE having to teach him the position and to be aggressive, and that is never a good feeling. In other words, the jury is very much out on him.
You’re also right about the fan base, but I think it’s for different reasons. It’s not Teague that bothers people so much. It’s this franchise’s failure to truly solidify the position for a number of years. We brought in Mike Bibby in time for him to give us a solid year-and-a-half of pg play. Now he’s on the obvious decline (though better so far this season….we’ll see how long it lasts), and we’re back at square one. I think it’s the experiences with Speedy Claxton, Ty Lue, Anthony Johnson, etc on the vet side, meanwhile all of the young guards up to this point have not panned out.
The memory of Salim Stoudamire, Royal Ivey, and Acie Law is fresh in all of our minds, making Teague’s position a precarious one, with little room for error, and perhaps less than realistic expectation among the fan base.
It never ceases to amaze me. People are so quick to point out that he was a mid first round pick, and that he was the 7th pg chosen in the draft. What’s the expectation, exactly? I know YOUR’S is pretty realistic, but not everybody’s is.
KevinM
November 1st, 2010
4:54 pm
Smyrna Jacket
November 1st, 2010
4:03 pm
“How overpaid is Joe? He avgs 0.56 points per minute. Jamal avgs 0.57 points per minute (team high).”
Obviously, you didn’t take into account previous playoff appearances by Joe with those numbers.
Those are the numbers that matter at this stage for the core.
You can win 70 games, average 1 pt per possession, but if it doesn’t translate into playoff success…its just numbers.
And congrats to Joe for conning Sund. Chances are Sund won’t be around to see Joe’s biggest annual numbers.
truthspitter
November 1st, 2010
4:55 pm
Teague is not a pure PG. That’s problem # 1. Teague can not shoot that’s problem #2. Teague needs time to grow on a playoff caliber team. That’s problem # 3-99.
northcyde
November 1st, 2010
4:58 pm
Terrell, that’s BS.
Don’t you dare compare Teague to a guy who was already a bonafide star even before he got hurt last year.
It took Ty Lawson all of 4 minutes in the season opener last year, to prove that he was a good PG. Darren Collison stepped in immediately for Chris Paul and balled.
But Teague can’t wrestle major minutes away from Bibby, a guy we had all left for dead at the end of last year?
Sorry Terrell . . . I’m going to keep saying this quote:
“If you can ball . . you can ball.”
It’s not “hating” on Teague. I simply don’t see a decent NBA caliber PG in him.
Meanwhile, Drew doesn’t even want to play Jordan at the 1, because he doesn’t have “PG instincts” . . . yet . . . he brings in a former PG to specifically coach Teague on how to play PG in the NBA.
Maybe coach can cut Jeff and Jordan in half, and combine Teague’s quickness and somewhat adequate defense, with Jordan’s offensive aggressiveness and ability to create his own shot ( both in the lane and on the outside by taking Jamal-like jumpers )
Cut them in half, and call the new player Jordan Teague . . #50
KevinM
November 1st, 2010
5:01 pm
Some numbers after 1 week this season:
Minutes: Bibby vs. Teague 30-13 Assists 4.7 – 1.3
Marvin: 28 min/game 7 pts / 7 reb / 71% FT – are these numbers really surprising? FT avg is to me.
Smoove – 29 mpg – 11.7 ppg / 8.3 rpg – low for Smoove IMO
Need more from Marvin/ Smoove and Teague IMO…..
terrell
November 1st, 2010
5:02 pm
Um, Truthspitter, we just signed Al to an extension. I think we have our starting center.
Tbrown
November 1st, 2010
5:05 pm
ARE U Serious!!! Al is good, but not 12 Million dollar good
truthspitter
November 1st, 2010
5:07 pm
terrell
November 1st, 2010
5:02 pm
Um, Truthspitter, we just signed Al to an extension. I think we have our starting center.
And? Like I said Lopez is a starting caliber C if you choose to start him. I would rather have Lopez as a backup C than Zaza. I would rather have Hedo as a starting SF than Marvin does that break it down to you enough sense you seem to lack understanding and comprehension. Better players would be coming our way. Get it dude. I’m done with the back and forth with you
truthspitter
November 1st, 2010
5:09 pm
KevinM
November 1st, 2010
5:01 pm
Some numbers after 1 week this season:
Minutes: Bibby vs. Teague 30-13 Assists 4.7 – 1.3
Marvin: 28 min/game 7 pts / 7 reb / 71% FT – are these numbers really surprising? FT avg is to me.
Smoove – 29 mpg – 11.7 ppg / 8.3 rpg – low for Smoove IMO
Need more from Marvin/ Smoove and Teague IMO….
Your needs will not be met from Marvin. I suspect that Smoove will get the average up closer to 15 pts a game when he decides to quit with the jump shots. I have more hope for Teague than Marvin let’s just leave it at that
terrell
November 1st, 2010
5:13 pm
Northcyde, BS? I guess you misunderstood me. 2nd year ROOKIE was the comparison, not the potential. Calm the uck down.
CajunStorm
November 1st, 2010
5:16 pm
Great Deal for both sides. I don’t think anyone was on the losing end of this one. Great Job Sund and Al (Tellem)
NOW….All Sund has to do is package JC1 ($10.8Mill) & Marvin ($7.2Mill) & Mo Evans ($2.5mill) and 2 – 1st Round picks for Carmlelo Anthony ($23Mill Extension) and we’ve got a 5-7 year run at the title and we still are right around the cap.
Why Denver would do it…Carmelo is OUT!!! They would get a high upgrade at SG with Jamal over Affalo and get a legit, although underperforming, SF in Marvin and capable back up in Mo Evans. They get flexibillity with $13.3 Mill in expiring contracts (JC1 & Mo) to GO ALONG with Kenyon Martin’s $16.5Mill coming off the books ($29.8Mill Total) and TWO 1st Round picks to start over. That is LIGHT YEARS Better than Cleveland (LeBron), Toronto (Bosh), Utah (Boozer), or Phoenix (Amare) got!!!!
What the Hawks get…Potential sell-outs every night and LEGITIMACY!!!!
Make it happen Sund and you will be the BEST GM The Hawks have ever had!!!
terrell
November 1st, 2010
5:18 pm
And Northcyde, I didnt know there was a such thing as a bonafide star before you ever played a game. Not even Jordan. But whatever. Guess youre talking bout Preseason?
northcyde
November 1st, 2010
5:25 pm
Big Ray . . . it’s like I was saying about the kid last year. As a bench player, you’re only going to get a certain amount of minutes to impact a game. If you don’t do it within that allotted time, you may not play as much and you’d like.
I haven’t given up on Teague. But then again, I’m hoping that he’ll at least be an Earl Boykins scoring type PG at best. People are trying to compare to All-Star PGs as that being his ceiling as a player. Fans really shouldn’t do that, because he’s showing nowhere near the talent or mentality of those PGs while they were in their rookie year.
I believe on hoopdata.com, there is a blog talking about Teague, and how he could be the next Raymond Felton. If he could develop into a Felton type of PG, I’d actually be very happy with that.
J.J.M.
November 1st, 2010
5:26 pm
josh smith will be traded
http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/20975/hawks-next-move-wolves-feeling-love
CajunStorm
November 1st, 2010
5:27 pm
BTW…I have re-evaluated my perception of ASG. Sure I thought they were a bunch of bean counters and I still think they are but for what its worth they are very shrewd and fair business men.
Just a fact that I’m sure most do not know. The Hawks are debt free!! Think about thatfor a minute….. Nw, unlike MOST of the teams like the Lakers, Celtics, Bulls included, the Hawks Owners have not borrowed against the team therefore leaving them with a tight budget but debt free one. They can make a “BIG DIP” over the Luxury Tax Line if they need to for a player like CARMELO!!!!
Now I ask, how many of us can say we’ve handled our business like ASG? Hard as it is to believe but few of us…..if any!!
terrell
November 1st, 2010
5:29 pm
Northcyde how in the hell can you compare Lawson and Collison to Teague? They had WAY more experience than Jeff did at pg. Now that’s BS! lol!
CajunStorm
November 1st, 2010
5:35 pm
MC
What you think of my analysis at 5:16pm? Am I far reaching or does that have legs? I await your most wisdom filled opinion.
JeJe
November 1st, 2010
5:41 pm
Chad Ford said we may have to trade Smoove since Horf just got this extension.
My question: how do we get better or maintain our position in the East by trading him? I doubt we get equal value and we need to move Horf to PF. Get Kaman and ditch Jamal if needed
J.J.M.
November 1st, 2010
5:45 pm
we HAVE to let crawford go. that 10 million will give hawks room to keep this team together…No team wants to trade for marvin so hawks cant do nothing about that. What I think will happen…I think the hawks will trade marvin for a bum player and they will hope pape sy will step his game up. I also think they will work jordam crawford hard in the off season so he can replace jamal…If this all works out im assuming josh then wont be traded
jdewayneatl
November 1st, 2010
5:53 pm
truthspitter
November 1st, 2010
4:28 pm
jdewayneatl
November 1st, 2010
4:22 pm
Why are there still these wild trade proposals in the Hawks blogosphere?
ITS NOT GONNA HAPPEN
The ASG and GM Sund have a vision and it does not involve shaking up the balance of this team that has not achieved max potential, despite chatter outside of those inside the circle.
With Al extending, we have a team that will compete at a high level for the foreseeable future!
Dude please there is a difference in shaking things up just to be doing it and making things better. Marvin has reached his potential and has a bad contract. Trades that include ridding yourself of Marvin make excellent sense. Even more sense than trading Jamal who is very productive in his role.
There is a difference… but the difference in the Hawks’ case is going into the luxury tax or downgrading. And the fact remains is that the Hawks don’t want to risk doing either. And tho I like Marvin, his stock is not high enough and his contract is a big deterrent for any team to want to take him on.
Again, ITS NOT GONNA HAPPEN!
ATL FAN
November 1st, 2010
5:54 pm
Truthspitter, get a grip. There’s no way anyone in their right mind would trade Lopez for Pachulia straight up…
cp
November 1st, 2010
6:03 pm
Good deal, about what I thought he would get… I see the Teague discussion is back.. You have to give him a chance to sink or swim.And if I remember correctly Collison struggled when he was given pt at first. I think it was the second time CP3 got hurt that Collison finally turned it on.
Miles D
November 1st, 2010
6:09 pm
Thats what we’re talking about ATL! Now, lets sit back and watch the haters hate! Cause they know we coming for them!! ATLANTA HAWKS BASKETBALL BRINGING A CHAMPIONSHIP HERE SOON!! Come out! Watch and support us!!!
Section 303
November 1st, 2010
6:12 pm
J.J.M., these national writers have misread the Hawks for years. Last year, at this time, they all said Joe Johnson would be gone. But, when the Hawks starters were called on Saturday, he was one of them. And, the writers were wrong. They will be wrong on this, too.
No way the Hawks move Josh Smith. It is not going to happen.
J from the A
November 1st, 2010
6:13 pm
I don’t see any “low balls” or “hometown discounts” here.
Given the current environment (read: upcoming CBA), I am sure Al
would rather agree to a very fair deal than risk holding out for the
small chance of getting a bigger offer. Hell, depending on the outcome
of the CBA, holding out might have cost him. And the Hawks ownership
knows they could have held out, and might have been able to resign
Al for less. But instead of gambling, the Hawks went ahead and made
a very reasonable offer in spite of the upcoming CBA.
This signing was a very fair, safe move for both parties.
Ramon
November 1st, 2010
6:24 pm
JJM, if Chad Ford was the one who reported it, it won’t happen. Chad Ford is so often off basis with anything Atlanta related that not many respect him in that area. The GMs who expect Josh to be made available are the GMs who are praying he’s made available so they can make a push for him.
truthspitter
November 1st, 2010
6:26 pm
J.J.M.
November 1st, 2010
5:26 pm
josh smith will be traded
http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/20975/hawks-next-move-wolves-feeling-love
Seriously you dudes are so quick to posting any dumb thing someone else post but everyone elses trade proposals are stupid. The Hawks will be paying out less in salary next year than this year as things are currently constructed. So, why would any sensible person believe that the Hawks would trade Smoove when they will be in better shape next year as salary goes? That’s just stupid
truthspitter
November 1st, 2010
6:27 pm
ATL FAN
November 1st, 2010
5:54 pm
Truthspitter, get a grip. There’s no way anyone in their right mind would trade Lopez for Pachulia straight up…
STFU. I never suggested that either
Freshfromatl
November 1st, 2010
6:31 pm
Ohhhh Lord!!!!
Here we go with months of Josh Smith trade rumors and false speculation by ESPN Trade Machine Enthusiast. I can just see it now…after the first errant Josh Smith 3-point attempt, the vultures and misinformed will come calling SMH.
God Help Us ALL!!!
truthspitter
November 1st, 2010
6:37 pm
Smoove isn’t going anywhere he is the only Rim Protector we have. The guy will likely be Top 5 Defensive Player of the Year race again shows how silly these NBA insiders are but if I came up with my own trade I would get bombarded by the lames that blog on this site all day. On the other hand, if Chad Ford says it you guys get on there knees and open up wide. What idiots.
tony
November 1st, 2010
6:38 pm
Al deserve more than that. Now give Jamal what he wants. Al and Jamal are my favorite players so take care of those 2.
ATL FAN
November 1st, 2010
6:50 pm
Truthspitter,
Do you think either team gains or loses anything with swapping Hedo and Marvin? Not really. Do you think either team gains or loses anything with swapping Lopez and Pachulia? Yea, thought so.
J.J.M.
November 1st, 2010
6:53 pm
this has nothing to do with writers its about being able to pay players with the payroll they have
There is one "o" in lose
November 1st, 2010
7:00 pm
Why is that so difficult?
ATL: A.ホーフォードと契約延長（5年 & $60M） « GNYG NBA News
November 1st, 2010
7:00 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal-Constitution [...]
vava74
November 1st, 2010
7:10 pm
Quick notes:
Everyone in the media loves to dice and talk sh!t about the Hawks.
We started 3-0 and re-signed Al for an excellent amount and immediately the press starts to generate bad reports on the Hawks.
Incredible. He even talks about Sund shopping Josh during the summer and the adds a “briefly” to cover his *ss since it is clearly not true and this way it will be impossible to confirm.
On Teague:
Give the kid a break. He is still working to regain his mojo.
Remember his preseason last year. It was at a level similar to what we saw from Jordan C this year.
Remember also that before his confidence was killed by Woody, he lead a comeback attempt against the lakers and dunked on Odom.
He is now nurturing his ankle and that is why he did not look good these games.
truthspitter
November 1st, 2010
7:13 pm
ATL FAN
November 1st, 2010
6:50 pm
Truthspitter,
Do you think either team gains or loses anything with swapping Hedo and Marvin? Not really. Do you think either team gains or loses anything with swapping Lopez and Pachulia? Yea, thought so.
STFU unless you know what you are talking or typing about. The Suns save money and as I posted they get a 1st rd pick. The Suns get rid of there worse contract, save money, and get a 1st rd pick. Seriously, I’m done discussing with inferior minds and people that don’t do there research.
ATL FAN
November 1st, 2010
7:17 pm
They give up on a 22 year old rising star to save a couple million are you kidding me??
Grandad
November 1st, 2010
7:18 pm
vava:
Excellent post @ 7:10 pm !
Astro Joe
November 1st, 2010
7:22 pm
Almost every example of a PG taking years to “come into his own” involve a team that sucked for most of the years while that guy got it together. The Celtics are an exception, but they feature veteran, smart and hungry players who sacrificed much to win a title. And Boston was wretched in Rondo’s rookie season. Devin Harris was a top 5 pick. Same for Billups and Conley. The closest example (IMO) is Jordan Farmar… picked later in the 1st round to a winning team behind an established veteran PG. And honestly, if Teague becomes Farmar, I think that would be fine… considering his draft position and the number of PGs taken ahead of him. If the Hawks want to take the next step in Teague’s development, they need to get him away from spending so much time in the backcourt with Jamal. He needs a partner who doesn’t have such a high usage rate (someone like Mo Evans, for example).
Grandad
November 1st, 2010
7:28 pm
I don’t understand certain people & their readiness to trade Zaza.
He’s only 26, [most certainly part of the core], worked his butt off
this past summer, and a fan favorite.
He hustles, plays within his abilities, & has a high B-ball IQ.
[6-11 and a big body to boot]
Bless his heart, he was born white, therefore…..he’s grounded.
Still, many teams would love to have him.
We need Bigs. (can’t be givin’ any away)!
Grandad
November 1st, 2010
7:37 pm
Here’s what you do with Teague.
It’s simple.
Tell him to concentrate on his defense.
Become the best pg defender in the league!
Seriously.
Seen it work.
The offense will take care of itself.
He had ‘moxy’ [inner Dawg] when he arrived,
both last year and in college. [watch his college tapes]
Figure out where and why his mojo is missing.
Once again;
concentrate on the most important aspect of his game [defense]
and I can assure you all else will fall into place.
Worst case…..we have a great defender @ pg.
kwooden1
November 1st, 2010
7:40 pm
Congrats to AL!! He took a very reasonable deal, I actually think he’s worth more.
Grandad
November 1st, 2010
7:41 pm
“Figure out where and why his mojo is missing.”
* should have been *
“Yawl figure out where and why his mojo is missing.”
* as in *
-us bloggers figure it out-
* I never said the previous coach’s name. *
Hawks 1 fun
November 1st, 2010
7:44 pm
Great deal for both parties, very pleased Al is going to be here for a long time, but we are a starting good center away from the top 5 teams in this league. We need to trade M. Williams, Zaza or Jamal or package 2 of these players to get a good center, but with out a true center we will not go pass Orlando, keep working hard Mr. Sund to make that happen. Go Hawks.
jdewayneatl
November 1st, 2010
7:47 pm
truthspitter
November 1st, 2010
4:28 pm
jdewayneatl
November 1st, 2010
4:22 pm
Why are there still these wild trade proposals in the Hawks blogosphere?
ITS NOT GONNA HAPPEN
The ASG and GM Sund have a vision and it does not involve shaking up the balance of this team that has not achieved max potential, despite chatter outside of those inside the circle.
With Al extending, we have a team that will compete at a high level for the foreseeable future!
Dude please there is a difference in shaking things up just to be doing it and making things better. Marvin has reached his potential and has a bad contract. Trades that include ridding yourself of Marvin make excellent sense. Even more sense than trading Jamal who is very productive in his role.
There is a difference… but the difference in the Hawks’ case is going into the luxury tax or downgrading. And the fact remains is that the Hawks don’t want to risk doing either. And tho I like Marvin, his stock is not high enough and his contract is a big deterrent for any team to want to take him on.
Again, ITS NOT GONNA HAPPEN!
northcyde
November 1st, 2010
7:59 pm
Astro . . I’ll co-sign that 7:22 post.
If Jamal gets to play ISO ball, and Teague doesn’t have the ball to run the point, then his learning curve will be slowed.
If he establishes himself as our best PG perimeter defender, and don’t be a total liability on offense, he can still justify his worth off the bench.
O'Brien
November 1st, 2010
8:05 pm
Northcyde,
Teague was the seventh pg taken, so my expectations for him are tampered. If he can develop into a solid backup pg, i am ok with that.
As for jordan, he looks like he can ball. But i dont think pg is his position.
Aj,
I agree with u. Teague and jamal are not a good match, because teague is not used to playing off the ball, especially sinc
ATL FAN
November 1st, 2010
8:21 pm
Grandad,
Not another Mario West…
MsDee
November 1st, 2010
8:24 pm
About Teague playing along with Jamal, yeah bad idea, BUT he could still be the PG that northcyde is saying. The moment that Jamal holds his hands out expecting the ball is the moment that Teague should get some ‘man-hood’ and go aggressive to the hole for an ‘AND-1′. Remember, LD is NO Woodson so I truly doubt LD will take Teague out for being AGGRESSIVE. After all, isn’t that what LD wants out of Teague??
TheAntiMe
November 1st, 2010
8:25 pm
Woo Hoo!!! Totally freaking awesome, baby!
Hawks Fan From Day One
November 1st, 2010
8:31 pm
truthspitter:
I’ma need for you to shut up, like FOR REAL. Take Lopez’s sack out of your mouth, too. I guess you believe that if you say it enough, maybe, just maybe, the ASG might actually be reading this and send you a check or something for your amazing insight (sarcasm included)……say what you want about Lopez, but he’s SOFTER than Twinkie filling when compared against the toughness that Zaza brings to this team. You don’t sound too much like a Hawks fan. Do you even know what the term “lowball” even means and do you think Arn Tellem would even have accepted what YOU think is a “lowball” contract?? Idiot. Stop reading whatever it is that you are reading and get to KNOW how the business of basketball really works.
Mz. Hawkdafied
November 1st, 2010
8:32 pm
Yay!
MsDee
November 1st, 2010
8:33 pm
Teague looks out-of-place at times because he has been held back by Woodson too long that it has become a bad habit of his to just ‘play it safe’ by handing Jamal the ball all the time instead of taking care of business himself sometimes. I was at that 1st preseason game when Teague had an all-star performance. He was making the necessary plays out there, driving to the lane at will and just being AGGRESSIVE! And, of course, Jamal wasnt playing at the time with him either to distract him from making the right plays either. Either LD needs not play Jamal with Teague, or Teague needs to make the plays HE feels needs to be made instead of being scared by giving up the ball too soon to Jamal, just to keep the peace!
TheAntiMe
November 1st, 2010
8:35 pm
I think that Jamal Crawford is a fine player and the Hawks wouldn’t have finished as well as they did last year without him. That being said, he did seem to enjoy the big deal of him making the playoffs for the first time in his career, and rightly so. Does he really want to take the chance of being traded back to a team like the Golden State Warriors or the N.Y. Knicks?
Mike is back
November 1st, 2010
8:38 pm
Spitter, tell us something we don’t know about Teague…dude its only been three games…what the heck did you expect…Teague is going to have his struggles…the biggest impact he can have right now…is on the defensive end. You are going to need him against these small PGs…as long as LD hasn’t given up him…why should we???
truthspitter
November 1st, 2010
9:28 pm
MsDee
November 1st, 2010
8:33 pm
Teague looks out-of-place at times because he has been held back by Woodson too long that it has become a bad habit of his to just ‘play it safe’ by handing Jamal the ball all the time instead of taking care of business himself sometimes. I was at that 1st preseason game when Teague had an all-star performance. He was making the necessary plays out there, driving to the lane at will and just being AGGRESSIVE! And, of course, Jamal wasnt playing at the time with him either to distract him from making the right plays either. Either LD needs not play Jamal with Teague, or Teague needs to make the plays HE feels needs to be made instead of being scared by giving up the ball too soon to Jamal, just to keep the peace!
Truthspitter approves this message
KevinM
November 1st, 2010
9:29 pm
You can’t give up on Teague; you just have to get him ready once Bibby starts to hit a ceiling or teams start defending his jumper. They know Bibby isn’t going to drive by them, so they can jam him on the perimeter, making him less effective. Teague, IMO, needs more time, and probably 7-8 more minutes and start establishing a rhythm like JC1 has. JC1 doesnt’ start games, but finishes them. Teague has an opportunity to do that as well.
Al did sign for a fair price. I figured they would be asking for max money knowing how limited depth this team is…but once the CBA comes around, Al could have potentially lost 20/25M in a 5 year deal, so a good move on his part to accept numbers a bit under what Smoove makes annually.
Looks like we have the 2 PFs locked up now, we just need to get them some more interior defensive help. Same issues we’ve discussed over the past few years.
i_am_soulstar
November 1st, 2010
9:48 pm
Adrian Wojnarowski is the most reliable. I follow him on twitter. If he says it, it’s already happening 9 times out of 10.
Wabe
November 1st, 2010
10:07 pm
3 games into the season…
Give the kid more than a week before you give up on the kid. I can understand skepticism, but, I wouldn’t go as far as to say he’s not NBA material.
He’s the only gaurd outside of JJ on the roster who can stay in front of somebody.
Offense only gets you so far. His offensive game will come with time though.
Defensively, whose a better on ball defender than Teague? You can say JJ, but Teague is easily a better defender than Bibby/JC1. He actually has the ability to fight through screens and stay with his man. I’m with Grandad, keep working with the kid on the defensive end – and hopefully his aggressiveness on this side of the ball carries over to the offensive end.
30-35 games…
Give him that at least before you draw your verdicts.
Big Ray
November 1st, 2010
10:09 pm
Northcyde ,
I agree completely. I’d be okay with a Raymond Felton type, too…
Astro Joe ,
Yep. Great post. I can only imagine what it would be like if Rondo had landed in a far less beneficial situation. The dude STILL can’t shoot very well from the perimeter (but attacks the basket to great effect).
And man are you ever right about Teague being in the backcourt with Jamal. It’s another reason why I am more than okay with the unpopular opinion of trading Jamal…for the right pieces/reasons.
Wabe
November 1st, 2010
10:10 pm
And regardless of whether Teague’s the future at PG or not…
His skill set affords us to do things we can’t do with Bibby.
So, even if you’re upset that Teague isn’t producing to the extent that you were hoping he would…
Understand that some of the skills he possesses easily gives him an important role on this team.
Change of tempo.
Defensive upgrade against better PG’s.
Much needed.
Big Ray
November 1st, 2010
10:11 pm
Wabe ,
Excellent point. Teague definitely stays in front of his man better than JC1 or Bibby. Here’s the difference – Bibby won’t foul out of a game due to savvy tricks played on him. Teague will. Now Jamal….I have absolutely zero defense for his abysmal defenisve performance. If he wasn’t such an electrifying scorer…when hot, that is…he’d be freakin’ Von Wafer.
Big Ray
November 1st, 2010
10:13 pm
Wabe ,
I really want to take a close look at Teague and his development after 20-25 games. Until then…the only thing I’m looking at is whether he hurts or helps us. He is playing enough this year, at the right times in games, to do either one.
Wabe
November 1st, 2010
10:15 pm
True Big Ray. But, much of Teague’s foul issues stem from his youth and inexperience.
So, he may foul out of a few games for being over-aggressive, but, I’d expect a seasoned vet like Bibby to understand the balance of when to be aggressive and when to lay off a bit and not pick up those silly fouls.
For instance, staying on your feet and not biting on those pump fakes…
Those types of things are boneheaded plays that JT0 will learn from given more time. But, with time, JT0 will learn the balance out aggression with smarts.
The Truth
November 1st, 2010
10:20 pm
Congratulation Al on your contract extension; if you are happy with your deal than there is little to complain about regarding this matter. This seems like a win-win for both parties. For those that suggested that Al got robbed, perhaps it was the “performance incentives” along with the CBA uncertainties that got the deal done. Also give a shout-out to Sund for staying “true to his words” in maintaining that Al was the next priority of the Hawks after the JJ deal. Though still a slim chance but this may be the best scenario in which Jamal gets resign depending on how Al contract is loaded and the structure of a Jamal deal. With or without Jamal, to maintain any chance of a competitive edge, the Hawks need a strong bench that can offensively and defensively produce consistently. If the Hawks are planning to transition JC2 to replace JC1 in the very near future, it is certainly not obvious based on the lack of JC2 grooming and PT. As of now, he is getting the “Rook” treatment while JC1 is pushing for a SMOY repeat. I’m not sure what’s in the cards here just stating the obvious.
Big Ray
November 1st, 2010
10:26 pm
Wow.
Luol Deng is ripping Portland a new one….
39 points, 14-19 from the field, 3-5 3 point land, 8-9 from the charity stripe.
Big Ray
November 1st, 2010
10:27 pm
Meanwhile Lamarcus Aldridge has ripped the Bulls for 33 points on similar shooting. Just about every Bulls big man is either fouled out or on the verge…LOL.
But they’re beating Portland by 11.
Big Ray
November 1st, 2010
10:30 pm
Wabe ,
Yep. That’s why I say start a serious evaluation of him after seeing his body of work after 20-25 games. The school of hard knocks is in session. Let’s see how the kid takes his lumps.
To be honest, I’m not sure he’ll get that starting nod this season. Seriously. Could he? It’s possible. But there is a lot to learn, and as things heat up in the second half, he will have to show that he’s learned a good bit. Not expecting a huge leap, but he’ll have to be solid.
Big Ray
November 1st, 2010
10:35 pm
Truth ,
Yeah, no kidding. I’m actually not too overly happy about JC2 not getting the PT, but in this case, I see why he’s not. I don’t think Drew has it in his mind that Jamal is going anywhere. However, that doesn’t mean the front office won’t make a move, with or without his approval (hey, they don’t have to have his approval).
We’ll see what happens. If Jamal is still around, JC2 will continue to get the rook treatment until somebody gets hurt or it’s a big blowout game, I imagine.
Big Ray
November 1st, 2010
10:38 pm
I’d say the biggest thing here is going to be production at a position of need, though.
I felt that pg was a position of need last year, despite Jamal’s presence as a backup to Bibby (let’s be honest, Jamal can pass, but he’s no facilitator).
SG is not a position of need as it stands right now, but I still want to see Jordan get some burn. And the dude can ball. I know Drew says he sees him more as a 2 than a 1, but then Drew probably wouldn’t want to let the cat out of the bag if he considered him a combo guard. I see him as a 2 who can be a combo guard, but then…I’m not coaching the team.
Grandad
November 1st, 2010
10:39 pm
ATL FAN
If that’s what you thought?
Then you missed my point.
But I know, it’s not & you know so you didn’t.
Mario would have been awesome,
had he been able to play the [1].
If Teaguer becomes a great defender, and [protects/values]
the ball, everything else will be gravy.
lewis
November 1st, 2010
10:40 pm
couldn’t we have combined benchwarming etan thomas and lazy man jason powell’s contracts for a slightly more legitimate big?
childress would’ve been a good piece on this roster too
Melvin
November 1st, 2010
10:48 pm
Interesting take on Players contracts (extensions). Maybe the Hawks won’t pay Al 60 mil…
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=17783
truthspitter
November 1st, 2010
10:53 pm
Melvin
November 1st, 2010
10:48 pm
Interesting take on Players contracts (extensions). Maybe the Hawks won’t pay Al 60 mil…
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=17783
Not interesting at all just more speculation from rumor sites. Don’t be so stupid as to believe everything you read
Sleepy
November 1st, 2010
11:09 pm
farmer sucks why the heck would we trade Crawford so we can get Farmar more minutes what types of drugs are some of you on ?
Jordan Crawford cant hold a candle to jamal anyone who follows the game of basketball knows this if anyone has to go its time to get off the Marvin train .
Good teams pay the players that can consistently contribute to there success the only way we dont keep Crawford is if we cant find a dummy to take Marvin off of our hands .
Big Ump
November 1st, 2010
11:57 pm
Big Ray good post on Teague. A lot of people want to make excues that he didn’t get to play a lot last year is the reason that he don’t have confidence. Come on people these are professional B player. I seem Rec ball playere with more confidence in their self. At this level you you have to be able to perfom or else.it’s time to move on. If your confidence is that fragile you in the wrong profession..Big
Ray I know sometime you have to get on some of your officers, but they still go on and perfom their duties. I like Teague, but I don’t make excuses for him. Teague is a grown man and have to be responsible for his play. Keep writhing them good post Big Ray..
Contract Extensions Elude Much of 2007 NBA Draft Class | NBA Rock
November 2nd, 2010
12:00 am
[...] 3:12 p.m. | Updated The Hawks and Al Horford agreed on a five-year, $60 million contract extension before Monday’s deadline, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. [...]
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
November 2nd, 2010
12:36 am
Good deal for both parties involved. Now get the JC1 deal talks underway or package him for Carmelo or a legit center.
Hawks Fan From Day One
November 2nd, 2010
1:44 am
Half of these comments prove that people aren’t WATCHING the Hawks. That comment about Josh Powell being a lazy man…..that was stupid. He is clearly an upgrade over Joe Smith. He’s the only player on the roster with RINGS and championship experience that can be used to help mold this team.
I don’t see why some of you continue to talk Carmelo. The last thing we need disrupting team chemistry is a malcontent like him. Furthermore, the few of you saying that are forgetting that Al is playing ‘Melo’s position here….and we just paid him an additional 60 million dollars. No, we do NOT need Carmelo here….although he is a beast. Also, all this “trade JC1″ crap has got to stop. Other than JJ, who else do we depend on to score the ball? Unless y’all want Smoove heaving threes and “hold ya breath jumpers” from the perimeter, let’s focus on keeping the Difference as a weapon for us. He actually WANTS to stay, so until you all can find me another player with his skill set that actually wants to be in a Hawks uniform, let that go……please?? If it weren’t for JC1 and Smoove in last year’s playoffs, we wouldn’t have even seen the second round to be swept out of.
The dumbest thing that this organization did was to reward Joe with all of that money after his LACK OF PERFORMANCE in the playoffs the past two years.
yodaddy
November 2nd, 2010
9:02 am
somebody actually suggested a trade for Hedo Turkoglu??? That’s some craziness right there. What will the Hawks do with non defensive, slow player who is historically lazy and quits on teams as well as a ball hog?? I’ll take Marvin Williams…at least he gives effort and can run.
With Hedo on the Hawks, we instantly become the worst defensive team in the NBA and LBJ, Granger, Vince Carter, Paul Pierce, Luol Deng etc. make the all star team off us.
Hawks Fan From Day One
November 2nd, 2010
10:01 am
Great analysis, yodaddy! I totally agree.
terrell
November 2nd, 2010
12:37 pm
Carmelo plays the same position as Al? That’s a new one.
MsDee
November 2nd, 2010
4:44 pm
@Hawks Fan From Day One
Carmelo plays Marvin’s position not AL’s