Atlanta Hawks: Hawks 91, Magic 81
Al and Co. made Dwight work for his. (Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com)
- You can put asterisks next to this W and the one at Orlando if you want. The Magic were without Jameer and just getting over the flu (a fact they were sure to remind everyone) for that Dec. 6 game. This time they sent out three rotation players who hadn’t even practiced with the team yet.
- “We caught them at the right time,” J.J. said. “They’ve got new guys who haven’t gotten acclimated. They were a little vulnerable and we took advantage.”
- With that out of the way, let’s acknowledge that the Hawks gave a good effort tonight and have seemed to figure out a plan for dealing with their arch-nemesis. “To be successful against them we’ve obviously got to be physical with Dwight,” Twin said. “We’ve got a lot of big guys on this team and we’ve got to use our fouls against him.”
- I was as skeptical as anyone when the Hawks re-signed Twin and said Woody should have played him more so he’d be ready to do battle Dwight. Got to admit that in three games he’s done a competent job bodying up to Dwight and making him shoot over him. He lacks mobility and hops but he’s smart and stout.
- “Any time you have to battle Dwight straight up, you don’t see many guys who can do that,” L.D. said. “He’s not a defensive stopper by any stretch of the imagination but he makes him work, he makes him earn it. He plays him with a physicality. That’s what we need.”
- Twin’s play against Dwight does two good things for the Hawks. One, it means they don’t have to scramble so much off of double teams and weaken their already suspect perimeter defense.
- Two, it allows Al to get some space to do work off the dribble, shake free for perimeter shots and not get worn down ( or in foul trouble) from leaning on Dwight.
- Dwight had 19 points on 14 shots but six turnovers. He started spending a lot of his time griping at the refs, always a good sign for his opponents.
- “Hats off to the bigs,” Smoove said. “Zaza came in, Etan and, number one, Jason Collins came in and played big minutes and just did whatever it took to frustrate Dwight.”
- Zaza played 11 (foul-shortened) minutes and had seven rebounds and a physical presence around the rim. Josh Powell, who usually does not provide that kind of tenacity or rebounding, got a DNC-CD.
- Fantastic line for Al: 24 points 10 for 15, 11 rebounds, four assists, no turnovers. He was equally effective with moves to the basket and the usual pick-and-pops.
- That fourth quarter was the textbook for how Marvin can help this team. The Magic used a small lineup for much of the period and Marvin collected five of their nine missed shots. He waited on the wings for the ball to swing to him and made open shots and also earned five free-throw attempts.
- Jameer predictably got by Bibby a few times but Bibby did a good job of at least making him go to where there was help. This was another game where Bibby more than offset his defensive deficiencies with his shotmaking. He got the Hawks going in the third quarter.
- It’s clear that Joe is going to play the same way whether he’s rusty or not. He forced a few shots and had five turnovers.
- Orlando’s newcomers combined for 27 points while making 6 of 23 shots. “Tonight the adjustment wasn’t so much on the offensive end but our defense,” J-Rich said. “It’s going to take a while for us to get used to each other but we’ll just have to keep working.”
- The Hawks went 5-5 in the stretch of 10 games that started in Miami and included Orlando twice, San Antonio and Boston. The Hawks were 2-3 in those games and 3-2 in the others with brutal losses at Detroit and New Jersey.
- “We need our guys to play with a sense of urgency every time we step on the floor, irregardless of who our opponent is,” L.D. said. “I think that’s been the disheartening thing, especially with our losses in New Jersey and our loss up in Detroit.”
- “We’ve been up and down,” Twin said. “I’m not worried about how we’re going to play against the Miamis and the Orlandos. For us we have to come into each game with that mentality of knowing were going to be in for a fight each game. I think there are a few games this season we definitely let slip away.”
Michael Cunningham
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224 comments Add your comment
Ramon
December 21st, 2010
3:04 pm
If D12 comes here, you have to give up Horford and not Joe to get him. While Horford is younger, Howard needs to play along someone who can create their own shot in the back court. As good as Horford is, he is still a player who mostly benefits from the creation of others, than he does from from one on one play. The dream would be to turn Horford into D12, and Joe into Chris Paul. D12, Paul, and Josh would represent one of the toughest defensive teams that you can have.
Ramon
December 21st, 2010
3:10 pm
The Sekou podcast with MC is funny and interesting..
Westurd
December 21st, 2010
3:16 pm
Ramon….Al is the only untouchable player.
He is leading the team in ppg, rpg, field goal % while having a career year. Keep in mind that this is only his 4th season and continues to get stronger and better each offseason. Who else on the Hawks roster walked into camp this year better than they were last year? (Maybe Teague too).
Already forgot about last nights game? Al started at the 4 giving him a size advantage and allowing him to create shots for himself…..he had 24 and 10 (I believe). Huge night against Orlando.
Collins needs to continue to start and allow Al to continue to kill it at the 4. His shot is just so pretty these days …no homo
Westurd
December 21st, 2010
3:23 pm
Josh/Al/Dwight…….anyone else drooling! How sick would that be…..someone tell me its possible……..even if you have to lie to me. Thanks
Ramon
December 21st, 2010
3:29 pm
Westurd, for D12, Horford is not untouchable. D 12 is a clear upgrade over Horford, and he’s a hometown boy who sale tickets. D12 and Josh together would be the hometown boys here and fill the arena. Also, Horford still hasn’t shown that he can DEFEND the PF position on consistency. Horford caught Bass on one night, when its already documented Bass has been in a slump the last few weeks. Defensively, Josh is still better at the PF than Horford is. And D12 doesn’t come here without Josh being on the roster, that’s a given. Another thing is, Horford is a post player, and his BEST move is a jump shot. Truthfully, Horford has only had one good game at the PF position this season. It was just a few nights ago, that KG carved up Horford (a player Josh normally handles pretty well). I can’t see Horford having a lot of success against Boozer either. I wouldn’t trade Horford for hardly anyone in the league. But I would do a sign and trade for D12 with Horford, any day of the week.
O'Brien
December 21st, 2010
3:34 pm
I dont think there is anyway the Hawks get D12 when he becomes a free agent.
If he comes here, he would want to play with his buddy Josh, so Josh wouldn’t be a good trade candidate. And we would not move JJ (IMO), because Dwight needs him in the backcourt to create his own shot, and take pressure off.
So by default, Al would be the one to go (imo).
However, I think Al is a better fit in the front court with Dwight. With Dwight protecting the rim, we dont need Josh’s help defense as much. And Dwight would clog the lane, allowing Al to shoot his mid-range jumpers with more space (Al is a better shooter than Josh imo).
However, after this year (and maybe next), I can see the Hawks making some trades if this core gets nowhere again.
kwooden1
December 21st, 2010
3:35 pm
Podcast was very interesting, I would like to hear what they have to say after last nights game.
Either way, I’m looking forward to trying to get Dwight in 2012. Ramon, I agree you trade anyone and everyone (except Smoove) to get Dwight.
GO HAWKS!!
Ramon
December 21st, 2010
3:38 pm
O’Brien, don’t forget, Josh attacks the passing lane as good as any wing in the league. As I said in my ‘dream’ you have Paul pressuring the ball, Josh attacking the passing lanes, and D12 cleaning up. Also with two shot blockers, they help one another because once the shooter adjusts their shot, that leaves Josh or D12 available to reject the altered shot. Even if its not Paul. In 2 years Teague will be the starting PG.
Teague, Joe, SF, Josh, Howard. I don’t know a better defensive team than that line up in the league right now.
DAChef
December 21st, 2010
4:02 pm
Can u smell the aroma brewing Ahh… Dwight, Horford and Smoove….hmmm.by the time this happens the Grand Ole WIz will have granted Dwight a new but old familiar home and he will b more than hungry for a fitting of championship hardware, then Horford will have found some familiarity at the 4 spot while developing many post moves upon practicing against D12 and ofcourse our most reliable Smoove will have found and perfected his standalone jumper mixed with a deadly left handed hook/floater…Well now, lest not forget Teague he will have found some confidence that doesn’t fail him at the first sign of adversity and then last but not least good ole Marvin will have found a HEART ….Smells kinda nice i’d say, lets all ease on down the road and get some supper..
Sautee
December 21st, 2010
4:02 pm
O’Brien,
I missed last night’s game and the Nets game as well. And I couldn’t record either of them.
Was Horford banging? Where do we stand in the estimation of his attitude? I realize that he started at the 4 last night, but as we discussed, you can still bang at the 4 spot.
Thanks for keeping me informed.
O'Brien
December 21st, 2010
4:07 pm
Ramon,
That would be a very good defensive team. And if we find a SF who is a shooter, to go along with JJ, it might work.
However, if there is another flameout in the playoffs, Rick wont be able to wait until 2012 to make a move.
This off-season, Jamal’s contract will expire, Marvin and JJ are almost untradeable, and Al is not going anywhere. That only leaves 3 options. A SNT involving Jamal, trade Josh Smith, or trade Bibby (whose contract will only have 1 year left).
What will Sund do?
doc
December 21st, 2010
4:16 pm
When this season is over the hawks should offer the gm and coaching job to doc rivers something they should have done several years ago. The ownership would be better off paying doc rivers intead of that stupid contract they gave Joe.
oldtimer
December 21st, 2010
4:17 pm
Collins needs to start every game. Not because he is a great big man, but because he is who we have. And Hawks need a big man every game. Someone that can intimidate and be a presence. He may not score, he may not be a great rebounder, but his presence deters.
And allows Marvin to come off the bench, where he won’t feel like a last option.
And finally, because there is so much to be said for continuity. Do not keep changing lineups, or everyone stays confused.
O'Brien
December 21st, 2010
4:17 pm
Sautee,
Against Orlando, Al did not play much Center (Twin, ZaZa and Etan played most of the minutes). But I have no complaints about Al’s game last night.
He mixed in a couple post moves to go along with his jumpers, and he had double digit rebounds, 4 assists with no turnovers.
Against the Nets, he played more center, and did a good job guarding Brook Lopez (who went 5-15). And Al finished with a double double.
I think with Al, it’s all about his mindset.
Fundamentals
December 21st, 2010
4:28 pm
Good job Hawks handling your business. Make no doubt ORL will retool with a C before Feb and Hedo, Arenas and Richardson will mesh and begin hitting shots. They definitely improved in my mind.
Anyone up for snagging Ryan Anderson if a trade could be worked?
Fundamentals
December 21st, 2010
4:32 pm
If the trades don’t work look for D12 to look to get out? The Hawks will actually have a decent team on the books when he becomes available? Horford, Al, Josh, Joe and D12 would be amazing!
Double Zero Eight
December 21st, 2010
4:35 pm
Collins gets better each game. He has a lot of potential.
I respect Drew for giving him more playing time. Woody
relied too much on his core of players and it hurt us
during the playoffs. This group of players will be better
prepared as Drew seems to have a development plan.
Ramon
December 21st, 2010
4:36 pm
O’Brien, what is a flameout this season? If the Hawks win 1 or 2 games in the 2nd round of playoffs is that a flameout?
yodaddy
December 21st, 2010
4:41 pm
Why would we trade for a scrub?
Fundamentals
December 21st, 2010
4:41 pm
Would the Magic be interested in ZaZa?
Definitely agree that I’ve enjoyed watching Twin. Etan didn’t look too bad the other night. Can he be relied on for more minutes? What’s the status of his health?
As for a flameout – we need to compete against whomever we meet. I don’t care if it’s 1st or 2nd round. Do your best, win or lose we can respect that. Quitting and/or melting down is what burned me up the last two years.
yodaddy
December 21st, 2010
4:43 pm
D12 is not coming to the Hawks because of contracts
JJ is locked up
Al Horford is locked up
and that may be a contract year for JSmoove as well (according to yall he would be the only reason Dwight would come here).
with the new CBA is he and JSmoove willing to take less to play together??? I think not. But anything could happen
Rafa
December 21st, 2010
4:58 pm
great game last night, i love the guys in section 118, they were killing it with the kryptonite shirts!
no real minutes outside of marvin and the starting five, but a great home win.
what’s the scoop on mo evans though? i think he’s done, might as well release him and let JC2 take his 3 mins/game
frank wren
December 21st, 2010
5:11 pm
“You look at clubs that are well constructed, if you have young players coming up in your system – only way any team can consistently compete, that’s not in the really high payroll levels, is by having a strong farm system, where you’re continually bringing young players to the big leagues who can contribute to your team”
charles oakley interview
December 21st, 2010
5:13 pm
“I have nothing against Isaiah but he made a lot of comments about the Knicks in the old days. He’s a great player, just like (Charles) Barkley’s a great player, but he’s an a$$hole. My thing is, when Barkley played basketball, he didn’t practice, he wasn’t a leader, he wasn’t this or that, he just had natural talent so he got chosen to the Dream Team, All Star team because he had the talent and he was the franchise player on the team. Him criticizing all those other guys, he did the same thing when he was young. As soon as they do something wrong, he criticizes them, that’s wrong. He wasn’t real to the game. Let the guys speak out who are real to the game. He talks like a player and I will give him that, but for him to comment about this and being a professional, he wasn’t all that.”
O'Brien
December 21st, 2010
5:42 pm
Ramon,
IMO, a flameout in the playoffs is another sweep in the second round, or a first round loss.
Doc,
I am okay with the resigning of JJ. I just wish we could have gotten him for 5 years, instead of 6.
O'Brien
December 21st, 2010
5:48 pm
Northcyde,
You always talk about people back pedaling and apologizing, so you must admire a guy like Charles Oakley.
From sportsradiointerviews.com; On people in New York being mad at him for his comments about the Knicks:
“You know what? If they’re mad at me then they can be mad at me. I’m not going to apologize. I’m a grown man, I do grown things, they know how I roll, I’m gonna keep rolling the way I roll, they know me, I speak the truth, I’m about the truth, and I’m not a bull——-. Charles Oakley ”
I would love to have a guy like Oakley on our team. We need some toughness.
northcyde
December 21st, 2010
6:16 pm
Oakley was the man. He was basically a tougher version of Al Horford. Not that I’m calling Al “soft”, because I’m not. But offensively, he and Oakley had the same type of game.
Oak just had that mean streak in him. That “you bet not mess with me or my teammates, or Ima ( bleep ) you up” type of game to him. Oakley was definitely one of my favorite non-Hawk players back in those days.
lifelong hawks fan
December 21st, 2010
6:49 pm
Surprised no one here (other than MC) has mentioned that Josh Powell got a DNP CD tonight. The less minutes he plays, the better off the Hawks are. For anyone interested in why I believe this to be so, please see his adjusted +/- for this year and previous years. Guys who don’t rebound, are bad defenders who can’t defend the rim or pick and roll, have special affinities for missing layups, and who combine a high usage rate with being a TO machine should stay off the floor. If this happens, the Hawks will be better for it.
Ken Strickland
December 21st, 2010
7:36 pm
At this stage in his career, JCollins is no longer a starting caliber center, but he’s certainly capable of starting on a limited basis. It’s funny to hear comments insisting we make JCollins a perminant starter, especially from some of the same individuals who were openly critical of the Hawks for resigning him.
Some of these same individuals were adamate about claiming JSmith couldn’t effectively play SF, but now they want him permanently moved to SF. We certainly have our share of BANDWAGON JUMPERS.
northcyde
December 21st, 2010
7:40 pm
Jeje . . if the Hawks go with that big lineup, ima tell you exactly what will happen in the 1st quarter. We’ll find ourselves in a situation in which the Hawks will be either right with, or behind by 4 or so points, before most of the subs come in.
Cleveland is experimenting themselves, by going with a 3 guard lineup, with Jamison startng at the 4 and Varejao at the 5.
Varejao will have little if any plays called for him, because he’s not a skilled offwnsive player. What he is though, is a scrappy rebounder on both ends of the floor.
None of Collins’ strength as a player will be on display tomorrow night. The matchup against Orlando is totally different from the one with Cleveland. The Cavs almost strictly shoot jumpers and are smallish on the frontline. And they depend on Varejao for rebounding.
Matchup Collins on Varejao, and we’re asking for problems from a rebounding standpoint, And that means that instead of doing what we did to Cleveland back in November ( scoring 40 pts and building a 13 pt lead ), that game may be very tight going into the 2nd quarter.
If I were coach, Collins would get a DNP in both the Cleveland and Golden St. games coming up. Our regular frontline of Horford – Smith – Williams is a much harder matchup for those opponents to defend.
HawkEye
December 21st, 2010
7:42 pm
I believe the Hawks may have found a winning formula. Starting Collins is beginning to show promise. Al looks fresher on Offense and does not have to work so hard on Defense at the 4. Josh is holding his all at the 3 (even though he has to play more perimeter defense at that position). Collins (while not a huge threat scoring wise), more than holds his own on the defensive end in the paint and has slightly improved the Hawks perimeter defense.
Not to knock Marvin, but he may not be starter caliber. Marvin (an below average scorer and above average defender) would be better suited coming off the bench. As someone has already noted, Marvin is the 5th scoring option when starting around Joe, Al, Bibby, and Josh and the 7th overall. However, when coming off the bench, Marvin is possibly the 2nd only behing Jamal Crawford. I know it would hurt Marvin’s pride to come off the bench, but this is where we need him and some players are just not starters (no matter how high a draft pick they are). If LD continues with this lineup, it will make life for Al and Josh and may result in many more W’s.
northcyde
December 21st, 2010
7:56 pm
For maybe the first time ever, I’m in absolutely 100% total agreement with Mr. Strickland.
Collins is at best, a situational starter, like I’ve been describing . . against a scoring, back to the basket type center.
And as for Smith, I don’t like him at SF for extended periods of time, because he tends not to be a factor on the boards. The shot has improved enough for him to play spot minutes at the 3. But he’s only a mediocre player at the 3. He’s a borderline all-star at the 4.
Ken, the blog isn’t hypocritical . . . we’re more on the schizophrenic side.
Sautee
December 21st, 2010
7:57 pm
northcyde,
Good point, and I totally agree. Al had it right in the off season, when he mentioned the mismatches he and Josh had against many teams when they were at the 5 and the 4.
The Cavs AND the Warriors certainly fall into that category.
Grandad
December 21st, 2010
8:13 pm
northcyde
Just because Big Jason does not get his share of rebounds
does not mean he is not effective on the boards.
You said:
“Matchup Collins on Varejao, and we’re asking for problems
from a rebounding standpoint”
My question to you is why?
Jason can Box Out (boxing out is a skill) allowing Al & Josh
to clean up the boards.
Jason is one of those players who affects the game yet does not
fill up the stat sheet.
Last game DH had 20 rebs, still BigJC had a +10 3rd highest (+/-).
He is the ultimate glue player.
He understands the offense, sets screens, hits an occasional
mid range stand still (not a jumper), plays Team defense,
leans on the opponents [5 man], takes charges, boxes out,
*bumps cutters *Reddick, quietly is an enforcer,
uses his fouls wisely, is a very intelligent player,
and is a great teammate!
Grandad
December 21st, 2010
8:24 pm
Sautee
I don’t think we should play to the other teams strengths.
Make them play to ours.
Whatever that is?
Personally, I think BigJC @ [5] allows us to be @ our strength.
Opinion only.
I’m an Al @ [4] & Josh @ [3] guy.
When I say that, I’m in no way disparaging Al.
As always;
a basketball player is a basketball player,
*regardless *[no ir] of whatever # you put on them.
I just think a true Big makes us a better ‘Team’.
Jamilliondadon@gmail.
December 21st, 2010
8:28 pm
Slim rudy gay isn’t better than josh smith, are u on something? The only trade we need is for a good point a veteran at that, a leader and maybe a tough big. Ld needs to play jordan cause he’s a future star and get mo out of our rotation.
prison mike
December 21st, 2010
8:45 pm
Man Josh and Dwight on the same team, ATL flyboys. Love horford but dwight is blood.
newkid
December 21st, 2010
9:36 pm
Back in ‘09 some of us started to speculate that it was indeed plausible that Superman might even be eager to return to Atlanta. Not looking as much like wild speculation at this point, is it? Several things will make that more likely, but there’s plenty time for them to develop. One, the woes of the Magic must continue. Superman badly wants to hoist the O’Brien trophy multiple times before his career is done, and he’s not going to hang around Orlando simply to enjoy 80-degree weather in February. Two, the chump Sund has to put affordable pieces in place to complement Superman’s talents, all the way to the O’Brien trophy. Pulling stupid stunts like selling the 1st pick in the 2nd round of a pretty deep draft instead uncovering inexpensive gold nuggets won’t get it done. Haven’t seen anything that says this chump has the juice to get it done. Three, the chump Sund has to create a budgetary situation that allows Superman to get market rate for his talent here in Atlanta. In other words, don’t even think about non-sensical hometown discount. That means learning from the experiences of the Knicks and the Heat in the run-up to the summer of ‘10. Can’t stumble into the summer of ‘12 without having designed and executed a well thought out 2-yar plan to render the ‘12 budget suitable to comfortably take on D12.
Central to that plan has to be what to do about Joe. ASG can’t – or won’t – agree to ‘carry’ the weight of Joe’s mega-salary and keep the very affordable and blooming Horford, while pursuing Superman. Horford is an almost essential ingredient in Atlanta’s chase of multiple championships, so he must be an untouchable. Hawks might win an O’Brien with JJ and Howard, but likely to win multiple rings with Howard and Horford on the front line and someone more affordable at the SG.
What about Smoove? C’mon man.
Rev in Tampa
December 21st, 2010
10:06 pm
Its funny how slow the blog is now that balance has been reaquired in the Hawks universe with the convincing win over the Magic. We even have the luxury of dreaming of aquiring Dwight Howard. Life is good. Open the port and light the cigars (or the Busch Light since it is a tough economy).
On another note, I like the word ‘irregardless’ even if it ain’t a word. Might even use it in the sermon on Sunday.
newkid,
Its not 80 degrees here in Florida right now. Its in the low 70’s – just like a nice air-conditioned room…
Ken Strickland
December 21st, 2010
10:42 pm
I have no doubt the ASG would clear room to sign DHoward if he became available. The problem is, AHorford’s outside scoring ability would make him a much better fit with DHoward than Smoove. However, his close friendship with Smoove would be a major reason for him signing with the Hawks if he decided to leave Orlando.
It’s been rumored that Dallas wants in on the CAnthony sweepstakes, which means they would definitely have to clear cap space. That could make SF CButler, who’ll be a FA after this season, and C BHeywood available. Would any of you trade happy fanatics consider trading JSmith and Zaza for CButler and BHeywood?
Fundamentals
December 21st, 2010
11:21 pm
Marvin’s rebounding is more important to our winning than Collins rebounding. I agree Collins is the glue guy who makes everyone happy, but we can’t win w/o something from Marvin each night.
J from the A
December 21st, 2010
11:27 pm
Among the league leaders in 3-percentage, the Altanta Hawks boast two of the top 20. Care to guess who those two are?
3. Mike Bibby
18. …
Wait for it …
Josh Smith
Reading these blogs, who would have thought?
glw
December 21st, 2010
11:32 pm
With the Carmelo talk heating up again, there are rumors that some teams would be willing to simply get him as rental player for the rest of the season. Could one of those teams be the Hawks?
I could see the Hawks doing this…..would a package of Jamal Crawford, Marvin and draft picks get it done?
J from the A
December 21st, 2010
11:33 pm
@Ken: As much as (just about any) team would covet the Hawks’ J-Smoove, I am just not sure if that move fills a pressing need for Dallas (unless I am missing something). Also, I am not sure how much the combo of Butler/Heywood improves the Hawks, especially after you discount the loss of Josh. (As Hawks fans, at least as far as fans on this blog go, I think many of us are too quick to accentuate the negatives, especially with Josh (and Joe), leaving us with an inaccurate picture of his true value to this team.)
J from the A
December 21st, 2010
11:36 pm
Nuggets are really looking for a quality big (either a C or PF) and draft picks. I don’t think Jamal Crawford or Marvin really give the Nuggets much anything of value (as far as their strategic vision is concerned).
Denver would love Al or Josh, but I doubt any sane person (or most insane people) would give up either Al or Josh for a 1-year Carmelo rental.
J from the A
December 21st, 2010
11:41 pm
Correction to 11:33 post – misplaced parenthesis
Should read:
*As much as (just about) any team …
SteveW
December 21st, 2010
11:42 pm
KenS – Would not do that trade. I’m still hoping LD gives starting ZaZa a try when we go big. Haywood I like, but what a terrible contract he signed over the summer – he’s 30+ with 5.7 years to go at close to 10 mill. per. Phew! That stinks.
That Magic boxscore looked weird tonight. Only 8 played, with Reddick starting, and Bass and Arenas getting less than 20 min. each. And Earl Clark playing 13 minutes, I guess with Allen and Anderson hurt. They still lost, but maybe played a little better than last night.
Jason Richardson stlll looked bad for the Magic. At his rate, JJ still may make the East All Star team. Who else plays behind Wade? Jackson with the Bobcats? Ray Allen? I don’t rule JJ out for 5 straight All Star teams.
SteveW
December 21st, 2010
11:45 pm
i wouldn’t give up Marvin for ‘Melo as a rental as part of a deal. Jamal, Mo’ (expiring contracts for the Nuggets), a 1st and a 2nd pick, yes. But Marvin I would keep unless ‘Melo agreed to the long term deal.
Grandad
December 21st, 2010
11:49 pm
Ken Strickland
Haywood has a 6 yr contract…..no.no.no.no.no.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 21st, 2010
11:50 pm
I would gladly trade everyone on this team for Dwight Howard, who the Hawks might have had a chance to draft in ‘04 had it not been for Terry Stotts’ b-tch azz winning a bunch of meaningless games in March and April to take the Hawks out of contention for him.