Atlanta Hawks: Video: Looking ahead

Grandad

May 17th, 2011
2:17 pm

I graciously accept.

jgsbirds

May 17th, 2011
2:27 pm

for some reason i miss this team all ready!

go hawks–can’t wait until next year!

Trojan

May 17th, 2011
2:27 pm

Do any of you have any confidence that LD will not bench Teague again?
I don’t.

Rev in Tampa

May 17th, 2011
2:27 pm

Hey Grandad,

I eagerly await the first of many “Trades of the Day”

K.W.

May 17th, 2011
2:34 pm

So what’s up with this ASG news?

Grandad

May 17th, 2011
2:34 pm

Mr. Cunningham:

Do you think Joe is in any way tradeable?

Does he [Joe] have any trade value?

Would ASG ever consider trading Joe ?

Would you [..MC..] trade Joe ?
[for an equal value Big man]

Marcus

May 17th, 2011
2:38 pm

MC,
In a dream world (disregarding pending labor agreement issues and players currently under contract with other teams), cherry-pick the best fit of players (talent and intangibles/demeanor/experience) to get the Hawks to the next level …

just interested in your perspective.

I saw on SI.com ‘Truth and Rumors’ where Rudy Gay might be shopped around, and he would be an upgrade at SF for us … but then, would MEM want Marvin’s and would the ASG or a new owner take on Gay’s contract (which is 2X Marvin’s current deal) esp. coming off of injury …. and would Gay *really* address what ills the Hawks have (defense, etc.) or ust be another volume scorer who needs touches and devolves into another iso player?

JSS

May 17th, 2011
2:40 pm

Enter your comments here

Marcus

May 17th, 2011
2:43 pm

by the way .. just checking ESPN and other sites for Class of 2011 NBA FAs …. didn’t see a whole lot to excite me, even if we had ownership willing to go above the the luxury tax threshold…which was the catalyst for the above dream scenario.

JSS

May 17th, 2011
2:43 pm

@ MC…
Sir, you need to update your blog banner pic! That one makes you bigger than Sekou or myself for that matter!!! Enjoy the offseason and go and give Ken Suguira a hand; he was doing a lot of double duty…. Just saying…

Grandad

May 17th, 2011
2:50 pm

Rev

You asked & you shall receive:

G-Dads T. O’ the D.

Josh Smith to NJ Nets
Hawks get in return:
Brook Lopez + filler [unwanted contract such as Travis Outlaw]
-&- NJ’s 1st pick # 27 in the draft acquired from LAL.

mykhalc

May 17th, 2011
2:52 pm

man, what the hell happened to Outlaw??? i actually wanted him for Josh or Marvin when he was in POR!! the cat was ballin’ out there!!! what happened?

dapluva!

May 17th, 2011
3:00 pm

Until we get a real a real Scoring SG and a True Center man the hawks will always lose especially with josh thinking he’s pistol pete shooting those flicked jumpers and 3’s

JoJo the Godfather

May 17th, 2011
3:10 pm

Question for the blog: Would you trade Marvin Williams for Ron Artest and his baggage? I think these guys have similar contracts in terms of $’s and years. If you were thinking of moving Josh in a trade, or playing Josh at the 4 and Horford at the 5, would you do it? Can Artest still hang defensively with James, Pierce, Deng, Anthony, Iguodala, Granger?

Reggie

May 17th, 2011
3:48 pm

MC

Can the Hawks still trade Jamal Crawford around draft time, the deadline to get the players signed isn’t until June 30th, They can still trade Jamal Crawford if they want to before June 30th right?

O'Brien

May 17th, 2011
3:49 pm

Grandad,

Why would NJ give up their young 7′ center, (who is still on a rookie contract) and a first round pick for Horford?

NJ is under the cap next season, and Deron Williams can opt out after one more year, so I think the Nets will be very active in Free Agency (and less in trade).

doc

May 17th, 2011
4:17 pm

myk i remember an article about the blazers and how they gave outlaw special coaching because he has a learning difficulty related to spatial learning. they had to go slowly throughtthe new information out on the floor and had a coach doing it with him as an assignment. i dont know if this figures into it but he had special needs before he left the west coast.

Melvin

May 17th, 2011
4:30 pm

5 Steps: Fixing the Hawks

Despite earning their fourth consecutive postseason berth and recording their deepest playoff run since 1994 the Atlanta Hawks enter the off season facing more questions than ever about the future the direction of the organization. On a national level the Hawks were viewed to have little to no chance of upsetting the number one seeded Chicago Bulls in the second round of this year’s playoffs; however Atlanta fans have been extremely vocal of their disappointment with the six game elimination which in turn may force the Hawks’ front office to initiate some major changes in the locker room. As the salary cap stands today with over $63 million committed on the books for 2012, the Hawks don’t have much flexibility in terms of bringing in a top tier talent without paying the luxury tax – a place where their ownership structure has routinely avoided. Keeping things in total perspective the Hawks’ roster features two established All-Stars, another with All-Star talent, a former sixth man of the year and an emerging young point guard.

There are definitely a plethora of teams around the league in a worst predicament than the Hawks heading into 2012, but nonetheless Atlanta still has work to do in order to keep themselves relevant in the suddenly ultra-competitive Eastern Conference power structure.

1. Free Joe Johnson

Five-time All-Star shooting guard Joe Johnson signed the most lucrative deal during the 2010 free agency period which featured players such as Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Dirk Nowitzki, Paul Pierce and Chris Bosh. The Hawks ultimately believe Johnson is the player who can push the club past the second round of the postseason for the first time in over forty years.
But the time is ticking. Johnson will be 30 next month and is approaching the age where high volume scoring guards typically decline rapidly (see Tracy McGrady and Michael Redd).
Simply put, the Hawks must simply ride his talents more than ever if their postseason luck is going to change in the near future while he’s still in his prime.
Johnson averaged 18.2 points per game this season which was his lowest output since the 2005 campaign. No question it was a disappointing season for the former University of Arkansas standout, but the blame cannot be placed entirely on the veteran.
When head coach Larry Drew took over for the dismissed Mike Woodson last year, there was a growing frustration amongst those following the team that the squad employed too much of a “Isolation Joe” strategy on offense – where the squad would clear out one side of the court and allow Johnson to break his opponent down off the dribble one-on-one.
So Drew promised to abandon a lot of this philosophy by implementing a motion offense focused on ball movement and balanced scoring which took the ball out of Johnson’s hands considerably.
Drew also routinely stated he wished to reduce the wear and tear on Johnson having to carry the team on a nightly basis, which in turn limited his minutes (lowest since 2003) and shot attempts (lowest since 2006). Throw in early season elbow surgery on his shooting arm with the role change and it’s no surprise to anyone who followed the team extensively that Johnson’s numbers were down.
But if Drew’s plan was to keep Johnson fresh for the playoffs, he never unleashed him once the team reached the destination and that’s what the Hawks clearly need before the inevitable decline sets in. Johnson’s shot attempts during the playoffs went up less than half a tenth. While guys like Bulls guard (and league MVP) Derrick Rose (+3.5) and Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (+2.1) increased their offensive aggressiveness tremendously. A return to more of “Isolation Joe” may not be too much of a bad thing if utilized correctly.

2. Decision Time: Al Horford or Josh Smith

There are more than a few teams around the league who would literally trade a good chunk of their current rosters to acquire players with the talent Horford and Smith possess.
Unfortunately the Horford and Smith connection has been somewhat of a gift and curse for the Hawks.
While both players are immensely talented they continue to develop into too similar of a player.
Horford, a two-time All-Star selection, never backs down when asked about his desire to play power forward full-time in the lineup. Horford’s father, Tito Horford, a former NBA player has also chimed in on the issue of getting his son away from center duties in order to preserve his career longevity. On the other hand, Smith is a borderline All-Star in his own right and has clearly established himself as one of the most versatile power forwards in the game even earning All-Defensive team honors in 2010.
The Hawks as a team have absolutely no inside offensive presence because both players’ penchant for perimeter jump shooting.
Horford would likely return more assets in a potential trade, but he has the higher upside and could develop into a 20/10 threat in the next 2-3 years.
While Smith remains a fan favorite in Atlanta (erratic jump shooting aside), his trade value around the league is stable and he could easily yield a solid mix of talent and draft picks for his services.
The Hawks have significant holes in their roster at small forward and some would even argue center since it’s not Horford’s natural position.
View Lang Greene Archive Given the Hawks’ position to the salary cap as a team, a deal must be made because outside of Johnson who is basically untradeable coming off a down year and with his cap number, Horford or Smith brings in the most bang for the buck in the open market.

3. Give Jeff Teague the Keys of the

Offense After playing only nine minutes in the Hawks’ six game elimination of the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs, the second year Teague was thrust into starting duty versus Chicago when Kirk Hinrich suffered a leg injury.
Teague responded in a huge fashion. In the first five games of the Chicago series Teague averaged 17 points per game which included three games of 20+ points. Plus he was tasked with guarding the most explosive scoring point guard in the league in Rose.
It’s become clear Teague plays at a much higher level when he doesn’t have to look over his shoulder at the bench every time he may commit an on court error.
With Hinrich out of the lineup and no other reliable point guard on the roster Teague played the best basketball of his career and 40 minutes per game in the series’ first five contests.
Heading into the 2012 campaign it’s time for the Hawks to finally make the commitment to Teague in order to see if he has the goods to handle the reins full-time.

4. Pay Jamal Crawford

After a pay me or trade me demand before the start of training camp and early season struggles related to pressing due to his upcoming free agent status Crawford handled the situation like a true professional. Overall, Crawford’s numbers were down from his Sixth Man of the Year campaign in 2010 but he was a huge factor in the team’s first round upset of the Magic.
Crawford is 31 and isn’t the player he once was, but he still has a few solid seasons left in his tank.
Winning basketball is about team cohesion, chemistry and unity. It would be extremely hard to integrate someone new into the Hawks’ lineup to fill the large role Crawford occupies in an offseason. The Hawks players trust Crawford and he’s an outstanding locker room presence for the team.
Additionally, Atlanta traded away the emerging Jordan Crawford to Washington when they acquired Hinrich at the trade deadline so the Hawks have no one in place behind Johnson at shooting guard if they let Crawford go in free agency.
There will be a few free agent options available this summer such as J.R. Smith and Michael Redd but Crawford already has the familiarity with the organization, clearly accepts his role and most importantly still has game left.
Typically, it isn’t a wise move to re-sign veterans a little past their prime to multi-year deals but in this case with no other viable options on the roster at shooting guard to develop – pay Crawford or some other playoff team will.

5. Retool on the Fly –

Actively Look to Deal While the Hawks gave up their 2011 first round pick in the Hinrich deal, the club should still actively look to get into the upcoming draft to refill their youth pipeline and find a diamond in the rough.
The club has actively tried to deal forward Marvin Williams in the past but found no takers because of the price tag. The Hawks should revisit this path now since Williams has just two years remaining at $16.9 million (ETO of $8 million in 2014).

Referring to step two, the team desperately needs an interior presence.

Not necessarily a guy who can score 15 points a game, just a guy who wants to live on the interior. As strong as Jason Collins was as a defensive presence this season, he doesn’t have the game at this point in his career to cause matchup problems for opponents. Potential centers on the market this summer (who aren’t commanding huge bucks) are Nenad Krstic, Nazr Mohammed, Spencer Hawes (restricted) and Greg Oden (restricted).
There have long been rumors of the Los Angeles Clippers making former All-Star Chris Kaman available for the right mix of talent.
Now more than ever it’s clear the Hawks need to make a move. The franchise isn’t as far away from title contention most would lead you to believe, but they need to execute the right moves from here forward to get there while Johnson still is a top three shooting guard.

mykhalc

May 17th, 2011
4:38 pm

yo doc…thanks for that…wasn’t aware of his difficulties…liked him as a player in POR tho.

JoeC

May 17th, 2011
4:43 pm

News reports here in North Carolina say Jeff Teague may be involved with an incident while at Wake Forest. Details are just coming out. Today Show is doing a report later this week.

JSS

May 17th, 2011
4:51 pm

Michael Cunningham
May 17th, 2011
3:05 pm
“Ken is great but i think you have the wrong idea.”
Nah, sorry if it sounded “harsh.” I’m just looking out for “Jimmy Olsen.” He’s covered everything and the toilet bowl it seems! He’s done great work with the hardest group this side of the MV7 Falcons (GA State). Just saying’!

JoJo the Godfather

May 17th, 2011
4:52 pm

Is that kid Mozgov going to stick in Denver? I don’t think he got off the bench in the playoffs. Was he hurt? He was a foul machine, but I thought he was a decent rebounder. I think he’s on the books for like $2.5M next year.

Also, what about Fesenko in Utah? He may be a young free agent replacement for Collins. Big dude. Not real mobile.

Grandad’s favorite Alexis Ajinca is an unrestricted free agent as well. He definitely looks the part.

ILL-Logical

May 17th, 2011
5:05 pm

Question:
How many Hawks were painted on the side of a Delta jet or featured in one of their adds? Or, how many Hawks were on a can of Coca-Cola or featured in one of their adverts?
Where am I going with this? Ownership, and their utter and complete failure to market the team in a town chock a block with potential corporate sponsors. This not only reduces the league and team’s revenue generation but hampers significantly the ability to attract high profile free agents who make the majority of their money from endorsements.This is ,in my opinion, the most critical shortcoming of the troubled franchise owners.
So all of the labor economists; arm chair GM’s and fanatical fans can speculate all they want to about the Hawks; until we have regime change, not much good is going to happen here.

The Truth

May 17th, 2011
5:06 pm

From the previous blog:

HAWKS FANS

Let not your heart be troubled, if you believe in the Hawks, then believe also in “The Truth” and a simple fact that the Bulls were the better team. Not so much with one-on-one talent (excluding D Rose) but with depth from the bench. From a resource standpoint, it was the Hawks 7-1/2 man rotation vs. the Bulls 10 man rotation that ultimately killed their chances. A battle of attrition decided the outcome and Hawks came up short.

From a coaching standpoint, clearly the Hawks were overmatched. While Thibodeau was coaching free with a clear consistent strategy and making timely adjustments, LD was doing just the opposite; coaching scared with a short rotation, inconsistent strategy while making no effective adjustments after the surprising game 1 victory. So the fan’s outcry for roster upgrades really becomes a moot point since LD will likely not use them when the games matter the most. His tendency will always revert back to shorting his rotation regardless of his roster makeup, just like his mentor. This was the fate of many potentially useful players on the current roster including Etan, Jordon Crawford and Jeff Teague during the regular season. It has been repeatedly stated here many times, that any Hawks successes would be made despite of the coach. He basically wore out his thoroughbreds with an inconsistent rotation and eventually in the second-round of the playoffs, it caught up with them.

JJ rotating between SG to SF to PG
Josh Smith rotating between PF to SF (sometimes Center)
Al Horford rotating between Center to PF
Zaza rotating between Center to PF
Marvin rotating between SF to PF from starting to inconsistent bench-PT
Teague rotating between bench-warmer to leading PT in the playoffs
K Hinrich rotating between PG to SG
Jamal Crawford rotating between SG to PG
Jason Collins (inconsistent PT)
Etan (inconsistent PT)
Josh Powell (inconsistent PT)
Jordon Crawford (inconsistent PT)

When you put the overly used fatigued weary horses (toggling between multiple positions) up against a furious defense with rotating fresh legs, perhaps this might explain why JJ, Jamal and Horford had shaky offensive performances during crunch time with (at times) subpar defenses.

Given that depiction, you could say that the Hawks winning 2 games in the second round was an over-achieving accomplishment based on their under- achieving regular season performance. My off-season wish for upgrade would be to acquire FA Chris Wilcox from Detroit to spell Josh Smith. If the Hawks were successful in acquiring him, however, I’m sure LD would find a way to botch his PT, so my point is moot as well.

The Truth

May 17th, 2011
5:10 pm

MC: I like the video presentaton in your blog, saves you a lot of typing huh?

Neki Ecko

May 17th, 2011
5:21 pm

I wish that CBA issues gets down as soon as possible because they will go through the same mess as the NFL and they wont be too good for them. For the Hawks, i think that all options needs to be open. If somebody wants JJ for the right pieces and we can re-sign Jamal then go for it or a right trade comes along for Smith or Horford, when we might have to look in to it.

Because this is going to determine if we try to go after DWill, CPIII or Howard next season (if they dont get trade first or re-signed)and try to get over that 2nd round hump.

Rev in Tampa

May 17th, 2011
5:45 pm

“From a coaching standpoint, clearly the Hawks were overmatched. While Thibodeau was coaching free with a clear consistent strategy and making timely adjustments, LD was doing just the opposite; coaching scared with a short rotation, inconsistent strategy while making no effective adjustments after the surprising game 1 victory. So the fan’s outcry for roster upgrades really becomes a moot point since LD will likely not use them when the games matter the most.”

LD’s stubborn refusal to give Teague enough meaningful minutes with the starters during the regular season coupled with his lying excuses and inability to take control of the players caused me to lose confidence in him last December. I still have little confidence. Next year (if there is one) will be a long season with LD as coach. If he is still the coach, the Hawks ceiling in the playoffs will be limited to the 2nd round at best.

ag

May 17th, 2011
5:56 pm

Next season, I if everything stays the same, I would not be surprised if Marvin still starts and Kirk started at PG. I would not be surprised if he still made dumb excuses not to play Teague or bring him off the bench (he doesn’t have any dog!)

drmaryb (*_-)

May 17th, 2011
5:59 pm

Those super stars aren’t coming here to a gutted team with no talent people. Those are the very dynamics they are running away from.

Think people, think!

KevinM

May 17th, 2011
6:12 pm

Guys who are coming here are going to have to be traded here. There will be no joy ride to Atlanta unless you are in Minnesota perhaps.

The biggest concern is will the hapless ASG, who will dump a well supported franchise and then expect the fans to accept them, resign Sund and keep him and LD around. If so, next year is going to be more of the same. Little hype, lots of justification to keep this group together for another .500 season.

With Joe, Josh, Marvin and Al getting their big bucks, getting motivated for a championship run is not on their ‘Atlanta bucket list’.

If they haven’t been motivated to bring their best yet, what makes you think anyone or any move will prompt their sudden surge to championship basketball?

O'Brien

May 17th, 2011
6:14 pm

Ken Strickland,

It appears MC shares your view as to what the starting lineup should be next year.

Teague/Hinrich/JJ/Josh Smith/Horford.

Rev,

I am still not impressed by LD. He struggled to control the team in the regular season, and I think Orlando just happened to be in worse shape than we were (in the playoffs).

In the playoffs, LD made adjustments prior to games, but 1) He took too long and 2) He was unable to make adjustments during the game.

drmaryb (*_-)

May 17th, 2011
6:24 pm

The Balkan!

“He Got Money!”
_________________

Thrashers & ATL Hawks to be purchased by “The Balkan”? – Page 2 …

240 million dollar offer on table for Atlanta Hawks and lease to arena says …
or a separate offer has been made for the Hawks & lease. …
hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=910004&page=2 – 163k – Cached –
__________________

Word on The Street is The Balkan flew to Atlanta on or about
4.29.2011 to make private negotiations on all three properties:

Hawks
Thrashers
Phillips Arena

drmaryb (*_-)

May 17th, 2011
6:35 pm

Tim Tucker said Hawks negotiating hard with an exclusive negotiating period set aside to purchase the Hawks and Phillips.

If this is true? Then The Balkan clearly can’t negotiate to buy all three.
Per Tim Tucker of the AJC (a highly credible writer) has just broke this story in the 6 O’Clock hour. Per Tim, these are serious negotiations to sell the teams separately.

I’ll go fetch that article now.
________________

680 The Fan is blowing up right now!

Rev in Tampa

May 17th, 2011
6:41 pm

“Teague/Hinrich/JJ/Josh Smith/Horford”

I was too busy to be able to read the book-length posts on the previous blog. I know I am missing things that have aready been posted so I apologize in advance if I am re-treading worn out tires.

Who would be the back-up point guard in this lineup? Does this assume that Jamal will still be with the Hawks?

I like this lineup as starters for several reasons. First, Marvin is not in it. Second, Marvin is not in it. Third, I think Hirich and Teague will make a good tandem. It adds a lot of options while maintaining the integrity of the offense. Hopefully having two legitimate guards in the lineup will limit the iso-tendencies.

drmaryb (*_-)

May 17th, 2011
6:57 pm

Spirit also pursuing Hawks sale
By Tim Tucker

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Thrashers aren’t the only team that the Atlanta Spirit ownership group is discussing selling.

The Spirit, in the process of negotiating a deal that would send the hockey team to Winnipeg, also is in talks about a possible separate sale of the basketball Hawks, who would remain in Atlanta.

Two people familiar with the situation, both of whom asked not to be identified because of the ongoing talks, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the Spirit and outgoing San Diego Padres owner John Moores are in an exclusive negotiating period regarding the Hawks and the Philips Arena operating rights. Both people said a deal is not close and that it’s far from assured one will get done.

In 2004, the Atlanta Spirit Group members (including former ASG membe
The exclusive negotiating period means the owners agreed not to pursue the sale of the Hawks to any other prospective purchaser for a prescribed period of time. It is not known when Moores’ exclusivity expires.

Moores did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

Meanwhile, negotiations continued on a possible sale of the Thrashers to True North Sports and Entertainment, a Canadian group that would relocate the team to Winnipeg. True North does not have an exclusivity agreement, meaning the Spirit remains free to entertain offers to keep the Thrashers in Atlanta.

As of late Tuesday afternoon, Thrashers president Don Waddell said no such offers had been received.
“My job is to continue to actively pursue buyers,” Waddell said. “At this time, there are no further developments.”

Moores is not believed to be involved in sales talks regarding the Thrashers.

Having provided exclusive negotiating rights on the Hawks, the Spirit apparently is not in position — at least for now — to package the basketball and hockey teams to a single buyer. While refusing to publicly discuss specific potential purchasers, the Spirit repeatedly has said that no buyer has demonstrated serious interest and the requisite financial ability to make a deal for both franchises together.

⁠
It is not a surprise that the Spirit is discussing a possible Hawks sale, the owners having made it known they are seeking buyers or investors for both of their teams. The Spirit several months ago expressed a “sense of urgency” to sell the Thrashers because of the team’s heavy financial losses. The Hawks are not as big a money-loser, in part because of the NBA’s national TV revenue.

If the Hawks are sold, some of the current owners likely would retain minority stakes in the franchise.

Moores, who made his fortune in the computer-software business, bought the Padres in 1994. He sold the baseball team in 2009 to a group led by former player agent and Arizona Diamondbacks part-owner Jeff Moorad.

The sale was a complex transaction that allowed Moorad’s group to assume control of the Padres on an installment plan over as many as five years. Until the purchase is completed, Moores remains the Padres’ chairman, while Moorad serves as chief executive.

Moorad’s group has taken control of 49 percent of the Padres and still owes Moores approximately $145 million that is due by 2014, according to a recent San Diego Union-Tribune article.

Moores, 66, grew up in Texas and founded BMC Software there. He has an Atlanta connection: From 2005-09, he served as chairman of the board of trustees of The Carter Center.

Unlike the Thrashers, the Hawks are in no danger of leaving Atlanta. The agreement with the city and Fulton County on the bonds that funded the construction of Philips Arena stipulates that the Hawks “have agreed to play all of [their] regular season and playoff NBA home games” in the arena “for as long as the [bonds] are outstanding.” There is not a similar stipulation regarding the Thrashers. The bonds are scheduled to be paid off in 2028.

While the Thrashers have qualified for the NHL playoffs only once in their 11-season history, the Hawks have reached the second round of the NBA playoffs each of the past three seasons. The Hawks had the NBA’s seventh highest payroll this season, about $71 million.

– Staff writer Chris Vivlamore contributed to this article.
___________________

Gitter Sold! Hurr-Up!

drmaryb (*_-)

May 17th, 2011
7:04 pm

Sales Executive!

While my blog fellas are trying to make trades?
I’m trying hard to get this team SOLD!
_________________

Like CWebb said, “the Hawks problem is management.”

Choosen1

May 17th, 2011
7:05 pm

Everbody wants to trade Josh so Al can play PF. I even read that Al has More upside then Josh. But if you ask me when it was time to show some heart and toughness in playoffs Josh showed up and Al was SOFT!!!!!!!! And you need a little toughness in the paint. i know Josh shoots a lot of jumpers but if Drew hire a tough inside former player (Charles Oakley) to be his Assist. (cause his a** not going any where) then may Josh would show some respect. Also remeber his only 25 straight out of high school hell the avg. man dont make good decisions until we turn 30

Najeh Davenpoop

May 17th, 2011
7:09 pm

FTPB

“Najeh,

Are you not sold on Kyrie Irving?”

As a good player, yes. As a superstar, no.

“And you would seriously, be in the lottery the next 2 years.”

In the lottery with Derrick Williams at SF and a free agent role player at SG? No way. Maybe that team won’t be good enough to make it to the second round right off the bat, but I think in as little as two years they would be better than what this team will be in two years.

Melvin

May 17th, 2011
7:11 pm

Holy $hit, Kirk maybe our only PG on the roster next season.

http://www2.journalnow.com/news/2011/may/17/former-wake-forest-student-accused-former-basketba-ar-1041338/?sc_cid=WSJ-NEWS-PMDlyNews

ag

May 17th, 2011
7:13 pm

That lineup also gives you a spot up shooter that Teague can dish when he penetrates. I don’t think we need Jamal. Would not mind Bibby backing up Teague. He will be available and will give us shooters on the court.

Najeh Davenpoop

May 17th, 2011
7:21 pm

“Would you trade Marvin Williams for Ron Artest and his baggage?”

Hell yeah.

ag

May 17th, 2011
7:22 pm

Based on that article, Teague did what? Did not understand why he will not be a Hawk if everything was true. If a woman says no it means no, but did she really try to leave the room? Again, why would the young lady even go into a man’s hotel room?

drmaryb (*_-)

May 17th, 2011
7:22 pm

Melvin

I read that Teague ISH on the web earlier today. I did not post that on here, because it was full-O-Sh!t! That wole story is lame and reveals some one looking fot their “15 Minutes” of fame.

Even the DA in NC passed on this 2 years ago. Move on people, there is nothing to see here.

Teague is good. He did nothing wrong.

Najeh Davenpoop

May 17th, 2011
7:22 pm

“How many Hawks were painted on the side of a Delta jet or featured in one of their adds? Or, how many Hawks were on a can of Coca-Cola or featured in one of their adverts?
Where am I going with this? Ownership, and their utter and complete failure to market the team in a town chock a block with potential corporate sponsors.”

Co-sign. Emphatically.

Melvin

May 17th, 2011
7:24 pm

After the young lady told Teague she likes him, what does he do. Let his teammate get all the glory and he walks her back to the room afterwards. I guess he is passive by nature…LOL

Najeh Davenpoop

May 17th, 2011
7:24 pm

On second thought, I didn’t realize that Artest’s contract extends two years beyond Marvin’s. Artest is clearly a talent upgrade in the short term, but it’s debatable whether he’d be worth it in the last two years of his current deal. Still, it would be hard to pass up a Marvin trade where the Hawks actually receive someone of value.

Najeh Davenpoop

May 17th, 2011
7:26 pm

I’m pretty ambivalent on John Moores. It’s not like he poured his life savings into running the Padres when he owned them. I guess having one majority investor would be a good thing though.

Melvin

May 17th, 2011
7:28 pm

drmaryb,

i thought the article was funny as well. thought she was just another gold digger trying to get some money after the fact…

Najeh Davenpoop

May 17th, 2011
7:29 pm

I guess that girl saw Teague ballin’ in the 2nd round and figured he’s up for a big extension soon.

drmaryb (*_-)

May 17th, 2011
7:31 pm

Hell Yeah!

I would take Ron Artest for Marvin in a NY minute!
__________

Najeh

Looks like the Hawks are really going to be sold. What are your thought about that? What roster upgrades would you make, I mean what position would you address first? Who would you like to see come in here and who would you like to see go?

Najeh Davenpoop

May 17th, 2011
7:31 pm

As far as Teague/Kirk/Joe/Smoove/Al is concerned, I’m fine with that as the regular lineup, but the Hawks would definitely need a big lineup alternative to that. And one problem it would create is a need for a fourth guard in the rotation, which the Hawks may not be able to afford if they also want to find an upgrade at center somewhere in free agency.

hawks_4_life

May 17th, 2011
7:39 pm

I think we the bulls series proved once again we need to get bigger. I dont know how but the reason we lost the bulls series is because we got killed on the boards. Lets get some more size on the inside.

drmaryb (*_-)

May 17th, 2011
7:40 pm

Najeh

So the Moores guy is a tight-wad? Hmmm … Perhaps, it would be easier to negotiate 15 player contracts as opposed to all the players and farm systems of MLB, hugh?

Still, anything is better than the ASKG orangutans. As you can see, I stole your award winning analogy there. (the orangutans – LOL!)
The only concern I have, Najeh, is where the article said the the remaining ASKG owners would still be very limited partners?

I want them eradicated, extinguished and annihilated, sir.

ant banks

May 17th, 2011
8:31 pm

DR MARYB,

i mentioned several blogs ago that asg would sell the team and kincade is supposedly goin’ to introduce the new owner.

the former owner of the san diego padres is in hot pursuit of the hawks. tryin’ to look up his history with the padres

ant banks

May 17th, 2011
8:32 pm

if balkin buys back the team jj is mos’ def GONE!!! belkin and jj was the reason this whole mess got started

Melvin

May 17th, 2011
8:52 pm

Cleveland lost Lebron and the city goes crazy now Unlce David Stern will step in and give them the 1st pick in the draft. Yeah right, the draft is not rigid….LOL

Melvin

May 17th, 2011
8:52 pm

I told yall the Cavs will get the number 1 pick. The draft is rigid..

hawks_4_life

May 17th, 2011
8:53 pm

Good job Cavs, you deserve it.

KevinM

May 17th, 2011
9:05 pm

They get 1 and 4…not a bad start to their offseason. They need lots of help.

I know where you can get an overpriced former #2 pick…..

The Truth

May 17th, 2011
9:07 pm

MC: Did you get a chance to ask Marvin to describe his summer plans? I get no pleasure picking on him but if he says something like:

“I’m going back to UNC to take classes all summer and (just) play pickup games with my dad and buddies”

Absolutely, THE WRONG ANSWER!!

drmaryb (*_-)

May 17th, 2011
9:09 pm

Ant Banks

So “The Balkin” is the same person as Steve Belkin? I understood that “The Balkin” is a code name to provide anonymity to the process, whereas, True North and Moores have revealed who they are.

I’m so confused. Good job ant, I do remember your comments re: this story several weeks back. Today, the irons are getting hot though.

I’m very intrigued with any news of new ownership.

drmaryb (*_-)

May 17th, 2011
9:16 pm

Irony!

Wouldn’t it be ironic if the Cavaliers come back and beat the Heat back from the ECF threshold? You never know.

JoJo the Godfather

May 17th, 2011
9:29 pm

Artest’s stats: 8.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.5 SPG, .4 BPG, 1.1 TPG on 40% FG% in 30 minutes per game (36% from 3). 3 yrs $22M remaining. 31 yrs old.

Marvin’s stats: 10.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.4 APG, .5 SPG, .4 BPG, 1.0 TPG on 46% FG% in 29 minutes per game (34% from 3). 3 yrs $23M remaining. 25 yrs old.

But, I think I take Artest too. He wasn’t asked to do much with the Lakers. The steals and assists are good measures of his activity.

The Truth

May 17th, 2011
9:29 pm

“The exclusive negotiating period means the owners agreed not to pursue the sale of the Hawks to any other prospective purchaser for a prescribed period of time. It is not known when Moores’ exclusivity expires.”

Didn’t Ted Turner get sued by a Texas Auto owner making a similar maneuver that ultimately lead to the sale of the Hawks and Thrashers to the ASG? The Texas owner won the case, Ted tried to appeal, not sure of the current status.

I hope the “exclusivity” terms in this current deal are in writing and not just a southern gentlemen handshake. Otherwise, it seems like easy money to someone claiming to be an interested buyer who’s really waiting for a legal loophole to launch another Hawks lawsuit.

ant banks

May 17th, 2011
9:34 pm

DRMARYB,

irony? lol, dan gilbert DID SAY that cavs would get a ring before lebron. i don’t know if kyrie can do it himself. byron is a good coach though.

ant banks

May 17th, 2011
9:35 pm

balkin, belkin? i don’t know the diff. i figured it was the same person and the ajc did a typo

drmaryb (*_-)

May 17th, 2011
9:39 pm

Exclusivity!

The Truth,

I know, right? The one thing about the exclusivity clause is that it indicates a very serious negotiator. That has to be the 2nd or 3rd level of negotiations – you think?

We need a new owner, bad!!!!!!

ant banks

May 17th, 2011
9:43 pm

‘POOP, DRMARYB,

would either of y’all take a chance on ODEN or THABEET?

ant banks

May 17th, 2011
9:44 pm

THE TRUTH,

david mcdavid, was the original purchaser of hawks. he won the lawsuit against ted, 273million. ted lost the appeal

ant banks

May 17th, 2011
9:47 pm

JSMOOVE TO PORTLAND FOR ODEN/B ROY?

brigadierjerry

May 17th, 2011
9:59 pm

Looking at the remaining 4 teams, which was does the Hawks model after? Is it Dallas or Chicago who has a star player they build around?i dont see that because Joe Johnson I see cannot carry the team like Rose and Dirk can. Is it Okc, who have two young stars?Is it the Miami three stars but not a lot of depth?
I think that the Hawks need to make a move to change the complexion of the team and to me that means either Horford or Smith has to be traded for a player like a Gasol that northclyde mentioned a Garnett that I doubt would happen. I think they need to decide who they are going to build the team around. If it it Johnson than Smith or Horford have to get traded. If Johnson not going to be the future trade him.

Look at the Celtics playoff history with a team of Kenny Anderson Antoine Walker and Paul Pierce before making the trade for Garnett and Allen from 2001-2004

2001 Won First Round (Philadelphia, 3–2)
2001Won Conference Semifinals (Detroit, 4–1)
2001Lost Conference Finals (New Jersey, 2–4)
2002Won First Round (Indiana, 4–2)
2002Lost Conference Semifinals (New Jersey, 0–4
2003Lost First Round (Indiana, 0–4)
2004Lost First Round (Indiana, 3–4)

They didnt make playoffs in 2005 and 2006

They decided to completely change their team by trading Jefferson and picks for Garnett and drafted Rondo and also getting Allen

Hawks have their point guard and again sill have to decide who they are going to build around. It will have to be trough trades since they have little cap space.

What are your guys thoughts on what type of team model should the Hawks follow?

Ra'mon

May 17th, 2011
10:01 pm

Is this the same owner of the Padres, who auctioned off all of their young talent to keep payroll low? Would he be coming in with a closed fist or open check book? If he’d be in the mindset of Blank, than you have to be excited. However if he’s Sterling than we’re in trouble. I’m just happy that the team will be separate of the Thrashers. I do think the Thrashers limited any more being invested in the Hawks than what it was.

darrell starks

May 17th, 2011
10:12 pm

I have never been involved with hockey, but i no there is some one in atlanta that can keep THRASHERS IN TOWN.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!

The Truth

May 17th, 2011
10:17 pm

ant banks

273 million? Really, Dam that’s a lot of money even by Teddy’s standards

drmaryb

Agreed must be some serious rapping going on amongst the parties at this point. Hope it’s not just smoke and mirrors. Yes, we need some fire. We really needed a sale last year, presumably though to some deep pockets.

darrell starks

May 17th, 2011
10:17 pm

Why is there always some one from other cities always buying atlanta sports team, BRAVES, HAWKS, THRASHERS this is absurd, this why the FALCOANS will win a championship before any other sport team in this city, ARTHUR BLANKS the best thing to happen in atlanta since TED TURNER.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

darrell starks

May 17th, 2011
10:22 pm

An owner from san diego buying the hawks, this is worst than ASG, another outer towner who no nothing about atlanta or the tradition of this city is buying the hawks how retarted is that, the THRASHERS, HAWKS are headed for the toilet.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

SteveW

May 17th, 2011
10:30 pm

Big Uh-Oh!! Jeff Teague is in trouble for alleged Accessory to Rape while in college – March 21st 2009.

The alleged victim is going on Good Morning America or some morning show Thursday I believe to make the allegations public.

Police declined to prosecute for various reasons.

But it looks like trouble for Teague.!

Najeh Davenpoop

May 17th, 2011
10:36 pm

“would either of y’all take a chance on ODEN or THABEET?”

I would be willing to take a chance on signing Oden as a free agent. I wouldn’t give up anything in a trade for either of them. I don’t think at this point they have any trade value. I wouldn’t touch Thabeet at all. As far as I’m concerned there’s no difference between him and Saer Sene.

Najeh Davenpoop

May 17th, 2011
10:36 pm

“So the Moores guy is a tight-wad?”

I really have no idea. Just saying, over the last 15 years the Padres have never been known to be a high-payroll team. Seeing as how some of the current DASG members (I’m guessing Gearon is among them) wants to remain as minority investors, I would think a sale to some out-of-towner like Moores would result in Moores determining the payroll level with Gearon continuing to make most of the basketball-related decisions. In other words I doubt such a situation would result in much of an improvement from our point of view. Of course I could be entirely wrong about Moores. Who knows.

SteveW

May 17th, 2011
10:37 pm

Teague article:

“Gary Clark, Jeff Teague Players Accused Of Involvement In Wake Forest Basketball Sexual Assault Scandal

May 17 6:50p by Kevin McCauley

Read More: Jeff Teague (G – Wake Forest), Gary Clark (G – Wake Forest)

On Thursday morning, a former Wake Forest University student will appear on The Today Show on NBC to talk about her alleged sexual assault in March of 2009. According to the victim, whose identity has been kept a secret, she was sexually assaulted in a Miami, Florida hotel room by former player Gary Clark while former player Jeff Teague, now playing for the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA, stood watch.

The victim filed a complaint with the Miami Police Department in May of 2009, after which Clark released a statement claiming that the act the two engaged in was consensual. According to a report released by the Miami Police Department, the victim met Teague in a hotel lobby on March 21. Eventually, Clark joined their conversation. At one point, Teague asked the victim if she wanted to go up to his room with him and Clark, and she agreed. The report says that, after getting into the room, Clark and the victim went into the bathroom while Teague stayed outside. It was at that point that the alleged assault occured.

In June 2009, procecutor Laura Adams declined to file criminal charges due to a lack of physical evidence, a lack of witnesses, and Clark’s denial of the allegations. The University is said to be looking into the matter further.”

I know it is just allegations at this point. But how many times have we seen a case like this re-opened once the glare of publicity shines on it?

Teague is definitely in PR trouble at the very least.

SteveW

May 17th, 2011
10:39 pm

I would take a chance on 7-2 248 lb. Alexis Ajinca – one of Grandad’s favorites.

I think he has real potential. Very perimeter oriented right now, but I think he showed flashes at the end of season and could be developed.

SteveW

May 17th, 2011
10:42 pm

If Coach Drew knew about this all along, and knew about the possibility of it coming out, that may explain alot about his handling of Teague.

We always said, that unless Teague is doing drugs or something, LD’s handling of Teague was inexplicable. Maybe this was it?

MC – I’d be all over this story man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111

Najeh Davenpoop

May 17th, 2011
10:42 pm

^^To clarify, when I said they don’t have any trade value, I should have been more specific. What I meant to say is that there are other players available in free agency who can give you what they produce/have produced/can reasonably expected to produce who wouldn’t require you to give up anything in a trade. Obviously Thabeet was traded at the deadline so he has some value, but Thabeet in particular is a worthless acquisition for anyone in my opinion. I can understand taking a flier on Oden but giving up a borderline All Star for a guy who hasn’t even played half a season yet is a bad gamble.

Ra'mon

May 17th, 2011
10:43 pm

I would take Oden for 4 mil a year, and attempt a trade of Marvin and Zaza for Camby. Have a bench front line of Oden and Camby.

SteveW

May 17th, 2011
10:44 pm

Hey!!! Did I miss something???

Does anybody care about the Jeff Teague thing!!!

It’s blowing up all over the internet

Ra'mon

May 17th, 2011
10:45 pm

SteveW, honestly its hard to care about it too much, when the story didn’t come out the last two seasons when he was glued to the bench. Now that he goes and averages 18 ppg on national television for a series, now the story breaks. Sounds like an attempt at pay day. Would’ve respected it more if it was bigger as a rookie, or in college.

SteveW

May 17th, 2011
10:47 pm

Our “Starting PG” may be facing jail time.

Really….

This is not good people

SteveW

May 17th, 2011
10:49 pm

Ra’mon – I know what you mean.

But I also know that things get re-opened when publicity comes out.

And publicity is about to hit nationally.

Teague is going to be in some major hot water under media scrutiny for quite awhile about this probably. Watch and see

SteveW

May 17th, 2011
10:50 pm

Lot’s of good mid-level FA’s are going to be available – I like the list. We may be able to get quite a few good pieces for the vet min. if that still exists under the new CBA

Najeh Davenpoop

May 17th, 2011
10:52 pm

Seems to me like if Teague is not a suspect in the actual rape, unless he stupidly refuses to talk to the cops in advance and tell them his side of the story and lets it drag out like Mike Vick did, he should be in the clear. I’d be a lot more concerned if he was the guy in the room as the sexual assault allegedly occurred as opposed to the guy standing outside.

Ra'mon

May 17th, 2011
10:53 pm

SteveW, I doubt it. If it he played a part in a rape incident, there’s no excuse for that, and may God have mercy on his soul. But on the legal side, nothing will take place. Very rarely will you see a conviction about a rape case 2-3 years later, especially if there was no physical evidence when it happened originally. To be convicted of accessory, the rape would first have to be tried and convicted on the other party.

SteveW

May 17th, 2011
10:54 pm

Najeh – I think the key term is “Accessory to Rape” That can’t be a good thing. Probably a felony.

Ra'mon

May 17th, 2011
10:57 pm

Big Ben had so much publicity around him because he was a 2x Super Bowl winning QB of a national team. And it was fresh as in happened within 6 months of breaking, not 3 years.

SteveW

May 17th, 2011
11:05 pm

Good Morning America – I’m telling you, when it hits – Teague will be swirling with unwanted media attention.

It’s going to be worse for hm than D-Rose and LD combined I’m afraid.

Time will tell – let’s see what happens.

But I think it’s going to be a very big national story.

Slimjr

May 17th, 2011
11:38 pm

Power Forwards can dribble the freaking basketball with both hands.
Power Forwards can dribble drive then pull up and shoot a mid range jumper on the move
Power Forwards can post up and drop step or head fake to get their shot off
Power Forwards can cross over and take their defender off the dribble to the rack for a photo-op
Power Forwards can play nasty intimidating defense and help defense plus be a rim protector
Allstar-Al= Fake Power Forward can do none of the above??
Shop Al for a Rim Protector asap…..Make it so… Aye Captain…

JeJe

May 17th, 2011
11:46 pm

No thanks @ resigning Jamal

he had a terrible playoffs overall

Slimjr

May 17th, 2011
11:52 pm

“Big Ben had so much publicity around him because he was a 2x Super Bowl winning QB of a national team. And it was fresh as in happened within 6 months of breaking, not 3 years.”

word on the street those boys down in South Georgia destroyed the film evidence against Big Ben.
is the system rigged?? You betcha azz it still is…..
Vic would have gotten life w/o parole……keepin it real….

If the shoe dont fit, you must ….blah blah blah…..

I wish Teague nothing but the best!!!

Something is smelling real fishy up there…

Slimjr

May 17th, 2011
11:56 pm

Dirk appears to be on a roll. 48 pts tonight!! 12-15 fgs and 24 for 24 from the stripe!!

Lets see if he can finally get a ring or he’ll be like Barkley, Ewing and a host of others….

Slimjr

May 18th, 2011
12:07 am

Larry is the weakest link……

Grandad

May 18th, 2011
12:27 am

Jeff Teague has nothing to worry about
other than some bad pub.

Seriously, SteveW do not be alarmed,

Kobe actually consummated the act;
nothing happened.
[well some things happened but nothing he couldn't afford]

Jeff:
What a point guard though,
passing off to his teammate like that.
I’ve got more that are even less appropriate than that one.
I’ll stop before being censored.

Grandad

May 18th, 2011
12:41 am

“The Balkan” is Detroit venture capitalist JB Smith

Grandad

May 18th, 2011
12:49 am

John Moores

In February 2008, Moores’ wife Becky filed for divorce,
citing irreconcilable differences.
As part of potential settlement in the divorce,
it was reported that Moores
is prepared to part with the family home
on a golf course at Pebble Beach, California.
The property is overlooking the Pacific and the 18th fairway
of one of the world’s most glorious golf courses.
The divorce also prompted a major overhaul of the roster
of the San Diego Padres and then a sale of a large portion
of Moores’ interest in the Padres.
Associates say since filing for divorce,
Moores now spends most of his time in Texas
and rarely attends Padres and San Diego State games.

Jason

May 18th, 2011
1:16 am

Too early to bestow this much fame on Teague, now watch the Today show on Thursday morning! What was he thinking?????

Jason

May 18th, 2011
1:19 am

@ Grandad, Teague has nothing to worry about, except bad pub, of course that’s how it usually ends up for the guys, and the jocks! Walked her back to the hotel, and kissed her neck??? Come on, get me somebody else to lead my team!

Grandad

May 18th, 2011
1:20 am

John Moores

“John Moores did not take the precaution
of a prenuptial agreement when he married the girl
from his high school history class at 19 years old.”

The Pebble Beach place:
For a mere $35 million,
Multiple listings describe the 10,500-square-foot residence
as “breathtaking and irreplaceable.”

*[..California Divorce Laws = 50/50 split..]

Jake Peavy speaks:
I just wish them all the best. …
I think the world of Becky and John and Jennifer (daughter)
and all they’ve done for my family, and not just financially.”

John Moores is renowned for his philanthropy.

_________________________________________________________

* Evidently the divorce wrecked an otherwise familial approach toward
‘`team ownership” .

superiorblogman

May 18th, 2011
1:29 am

John Moores:

Is not much of a upgrade over the ASG. He is not loaded with money. He is a penny pincher that has a name for running teams cheaply, put him with Rick Sund and you have even more of a disaster than what we currently have

Grandad

May 18th, 2011
1:34 am

Jason;
I’m not defending Jeff nor sending him to hell.
In the good ol’ US of A;
all are -presumed- innocent until -proven- guilty.
Two key words;
*presumed which is oft times overlooked,
but more importantly *proven.

First of all from the young ladies story,
I’m not exactly sure what he was supposed to do.
Perhaps her father may have taught her not to go in
a room with two men, alone !
What was she thinking?
Were they adults? (of age)?
The DA did not prosecute. Why?
Why is this coming out now?

If I’m Jeff, unless he has something to hide,
I’m thinking besides a little embarrassment
what is there to worry about.

One more piece of advice for Jeff:
“Always tell the truth” -Grandad-

You are I don’t know half what goes on with
young people these days.
Not only athletes and famous people either.
Unfortunately, they don’t always make good and right decisions.
As a father, you do the best you can, then pray alot.

I’m behind Jeff until there is reason otherwise.

Grandad

May 18th, 2011
1:42 am

superiorblogman

He’s got plenty of jack.
Divorce messed him up.

His players and mgr seemed to know him personally.

I would like that if he was involved with the team a bit. [A.Blank]

Grandad

May 18th, 2011
1:43 am

should have been…..[r e, A.Blank]

Grandad

May 18th, 2011
1:44 am

S-blogman

How’s everything, hope all is well.

superiorblogman

May 18th, 2011
1:45 am

That slut bucket is just trying to get paid. That’s the same thing that happened to 2Pac though, he reportedly left a girl in the room while his boys did what they wanted and he ended up in prison. You never know how this type of mess will work out.

Grandad

May 18th, 2011
1:48 am

NBA Source: Hawks GM Sund To Return Next Season

An NBA source told
WSB Channel 2 sports director Zach Klein
‘`Hawks general manager Rick Sund will return next season”

Sund signed a 3-year contract in May of 2008
with an option for a fourth year.
At the conclusion of the season,
the franchise informed Sund the option would be picked up.

superiorblogman

May 18th, 2011
1:50 am

Thanks for asking Grandad:

I am okay man. Feeling really tired lately, but I am at peace, so it really doesn’t matter if I live 2 more days or 20 more years. Hey, they say its all gonna end for us on the 20th. What you think about that? LMAO.

By the way, how are you doing physically?

Grandad

May 18th, 2011
1:56 am

Losing a gallbladder at my age,
took a little more out of me (no pun)
than I’m accustomed.

like you I’m feeling really tired.
My sleep is all messed up.
Can’t seem to get back on sched.

Were you able to pick up that book?

I would like to have an opportunity to meet someday.
Philosophical discussions and the like.

I don’t have any answers, I just ask lots of questions?

Grandad

May 18th, 2011
2:01 am

above…^…@…^…1:56 am…^…was for S-blogman !

superiorblogman

May 18th, 2011
2:33 am

Grandad:

No to the book thing. I was trying to remember the name to it. I will write it down this time. Yes, the meeting thing may be very much possible at some point.

Grandad

May 18th, 2011
3:01 am

‘`Love wins” by Rob Bell

* It’s not a novel

Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell,
and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived

Rob Bell is a theologian / preacher.

It’s not your everyday “church” book.

That’s why I thought you might enjoy.

He goes against the grain of most all that we;
“who believe in fairy tales” [..r e, Stephen Hawking..]
have been taught most of our lives.

Myself, being an open minded renaissance man,
I have found the book to be both challenging and enriching.

Grandad

May 18th, 2011
3:18 am

above…^…post…^…@…^…3:01 am…^…for…S-blogman !

KevinM

May 18th, 2011
4:00 am

Grandad with major news…..as much as I wanted to see Sund leave, now we know how we are headed going into the draft:

- no #1, and Sund is busy compiling his scouting reports for pick 48.

- our head coach next year…..drum roll…….ugh

- the roster as it stands today? We are who we thought we were!

If anyone expects any major changes, we might be in for another Sund type summer….everyone anticipating who our 12th and 13th players off the bench will be.

JC1 and JC2 jerseys are on clearance now at your local Philips outlet.

I guess the only thing worse would be to not have a NBA season.

KevinM

May 18th, 2011
4:08 am

2 things stand out in that WSB article:

Smith has improved his scoring and defensive rebounding each year since 2008, but has fallen in love with the long distance jumper. After attempting zero 3-pointers in 2009, Smith launched 154 in 2010.

Hinrich seemed to have found his groove before a groin injury forced him to miss the entire series against Chicago. He started 28 of the 30-games, but in his absence against the Bulls, Jeff Teague had his coming out party.

Folks, don’t count on Josh not continuing to take those slingshots and look for Hindrich to keep his starting role….Drew doesn’t care what Teague showed…..he isn’t letting the fan base dictate his decisions.
After all, the coach got us to play .500 ball for the entire season.

Have a little faith y’all…..

vava74

May 18th, 2011
4:35 am

MC,

could you start posting these videos on youtube so international fans like myself can watch them?

SteveW

May 18th, 2011
8:14 am

And Teague with the assist!

He’s just got a PG mentality – follows him wherever he goes

JoJo the Godfather

May 18th, 2011
8:43 am

Cleveland with their lotto luck, likely just found their SF & PG for the future. They’ve got a young PF in Hickson, and a hustle center in Verejao. If they’re looking to pair that group with an impact player, maybe they would make the following trade: Joe Johnson for Antawn Jamison’s expiring contract, Manny Harris & Semih Erden (spelling). Hawks could then flip Jamison’s expiring & a 2nd rd pick to Detroit for Rip Hamilton & Ben Wallace. This gives the Hawks a veteran/young duo at SG & C. This also clears about $2M in salary and almost opens up an MLE level addition for that 13th & final roster spot. Not a perfect team, but a lot more flexible with Wallace, Hinrich, Sy, Harris & Erden on expiring deals in 2012, and Smith, Pachulia, Teague & Hamilton expiring in 2013. Williams in 2014.

Teague / Hinrich
Hamilton / Harris / Sy
Smith / Williams
Horford / Rolle
Wallace/ Pachulia / Erden

JeJe

May 18th, 2011
8:44 am

He credited some late-night shooting sessions he put in during Dallas’ nine-day wait for this series, and the confidence boost of hitting his first few shots.
-Dirk

^Yeah, you won’t see anyone on the Hawks putting in late-night shooting sessions

FIRE LD

Also, why would Gearon want to sell the teams? Can never see a lifelong Hawker selling them

KevinM

May 18th, 2011
9:00 am

I think DMB has been pining for Prince and Hamilton for awhile now. I would take Rip in a pinch. I think he has a lot of basketball left in him a la Ray Allen.
Moving that JJ contract is the key to any major move this offseason. We don’t need a 18M SG that does less in an LD offensive scheme. JJ has also shown year after year the playoffs are not for him. Hamilton/Bynum for JJ…..
I see Minnesota wants to move their 2nd pick for veteran help. Someone wake up Sund and get home to offer All-star Al if he is tradeable or Josh for Jonny Flynn / 2nd pick which ends up being Enes Kanter.

Teague
Hamilton
Kanter (much cheaper and a future all-star) – you cant passion this guy.
Al OR Josh
Marvin/Damien/??

terrell

May 18th, 2011
9:01 am

Heard Minnesota doesnt want that @ pick.
Send em Al/Marvin for #2 pick and a couple of throwins(Telfair/Darko).
Teague/Joe/Derrick Williams/Josh/(FA)Dalembert
Telfair/HinrichDamien//Zaza/Darko

terrell

May 18th, 2011
9:03 am

lol. Anything to get rid of Marvin. lol

KevinM

May 18th, 2011
9:05 am

That’s ‘pass on’ not passion haha…

JeJe

May 18th, 2011
9:36 am

Sund is returning next?!

An NBA source told WSB Channel 2 sports director Zach Klein that Hawks general manager Rick Sund will return next season. Sund signed a 3-year contract in May of 2008 with an option for a fourth year. At the conclusion of the season, the franchise informed Sund the option would be picked up. In his three years in Atlanta, the Hawks have reached the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals every year and have averaged close to 50 wins per season. Following the 2010 playoffs where they were swept by the Orlando Magic, the Hawks did not offer head coach Mike Woodson a new contract and decided to go in a new direction by promoting assistant Larry Drew. “Over the last few years, a number of teams have had success hiring from within and we feel he is more than ready for the challenge,” said Sund when Drew was hired on June 8, 2010. WSB Channel 2

JeJe

May 18th, 2011
9:38 am

Sund will go on the radio and talk about how we are one of three teams to make it to the 2nd round 3 years in a row

HEY SUND HOW ABOUT YOU TALK ABOUT OUR CAP SITUATION

WE CAN’T SIGN !@#$ THIS OFFSEASON YOU MORON

JeJe

May 18th, 2011
9:42 am

Wake Forest president Nathan Hatch sent a letter to the Wake Forest community acknowledging that a NBC “Today Show” segment airing Thursday morning will feature a former student who alleged that two former Wake Forest basketball players sexually assaulted her in 2009. Hatch said that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) would prevent the university from discussing the specifics of the case. But he added that “I can assure you the University takes these issues seriously, has a well-established Code of Conduct and has procedures for hearing alleged violations of that Code of Conduct. In addition, Wake Forest offers significant resources to support our students in times of need.” The attorney for the two former Wake players said Tuesday night both of his clients were cleared of any wrongdoing by a school hearing and an investigation by the Miami police department into the alleged assault hours after the Demon Deacons were upset by Cleveland State on March 20, 2009, in the first round of the NCAA tournament in Miami. ESPN.com
Rumors tagsAtlanta Hawks, Law, Jeff Teague | share Share on FacebookShare on twitterComment on HoopsHype forums

Winston-Salem attorney Mike Grace told ESPN.com he represented former players Jeff Teague, now a member of the Atlanta Hawks, and Gary Clark, in the case that was adjudicated two years ago but is now coming to light again when the alleged victim appears on the Today Show. Grace said Teague’s agent, Mike Conley, has endorsed Grace speaking on the matter. The alleged victim also participated in the campus hearing, according to Grace. The alleged victim’s allegations prompted multiple statements by the highest-level of the Wake Forest administration and athletic department Tuesday. ESPN.com
Rumors tagsAtlanta Hawks, Law, Jeff Teague | share Share on FacebookShare on twitterComment on HoopsHype forums

O'Brien

May 18th, 2011
10:00 am

According to hoopshype, Minny is open to moving the #2 pick for some veteran help (and it helps that they are way under the cap next year) .

I wonder if the Hawks have anything that interests them? Would you trade JJ to Minny for the #2 pick and filler?

Najeh,

Artest and Marvin have very similar contracts remaining. 3 years, $22 mil for Artest (including a player option the second to last year), and 3 years, $22.5 mil for Marvin, including a player option the 3rd year).

Artest is not the defensive player he once was, but it would be interesting to see what effect he has on the team’s weak mentality. Also, maybe he does something crazy like opt out of his deal in 2012.

I would trade Marvin for him, but I dont think the Lakers are interested.

Astro Joe

May 18th, 2011
10:21 am

The only thing that concerns me about the Teague story is that supposedly there was a police file with his name in it back in June, 2009. And we drafted him in June, 2009. At that time, it was probably too “wide open” to know for sure of there was going to potentially be a real legal issue. Assuming that the Hawks paid for a background check (I know, huge F’ing assumption) they missed the police investigation in Miami. That, I find very disturbing.

Interesting to see that Sund’s deal was only extended for a single season and he now can go at the same time as LD. I think we’re looking at a lame-duck season as the ASG looks to sell off this team (not to mention the uncertainty of the labor negotiations). A new owner could have a fresh start in 12-13 with a new GM, new head coach and new CBA to navigate personnel moves. Meanwhile, I bet we maintain a fairly status quo course.

Hawks Fan

May 18th, 2011
10:22 am

Trade joe johnson for a lottery pick and resign jamal crawford and get tayshawn prince and more bench with the money from JJ’s contract

Melvin

May 18th, 2011
11:09 am

““This league has a habit, and I am just going to say habit, of producing some pretty incredible story lines,” Kahn said. “Last year it was Abe Pollin’s widow and this year it was a 14-year-old boy and the only thing we have in common is we have both been bar mitzvahed. We were done. I told Kevin: ‘We’re toast.’ This is not happening for us and I was right.””

When the NBA decides to show the entire lottery process (loading the correct amount of balls into the machine and making the 3 selections), I will back away from my “Rigged” conspiracy.

darrell starks

May 18th, 2011
11:21 am

Keep TEAGUE, JOSH, HORFORD and let JOE go.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!

ILL-Logical

May 18th, 2011
11:28 am

The return of Sund; the possble return of the local ASG partners and the bio of the prospective new partner does not inspire feelings of joy in me. I will resist the impulse to characterize the proposed changes to the Hawks’ organization as re arranging the deck chairs on that infamouse unsinkable ocen liner but I just can’t feel good about the strong possibility that the new order of business will be to punish the innocent and reward the guilty.

ILL-Logical

May 18th, 2011
11:29 am

*ocean*

vava74

May 18th, 2011
11:35 am

Hawks Fan:

“Trade joe johnson for a lottery pick and resign jamal crawford…”

Yeah, and ride a guy who will be 32 next year, shot .333 from the floor and .170 from 3 point land against the Bulls whilst playing no defense and not giving us anything else significant in any other area of the game.

He did well against the Magic but don’t get carried away by that series.

JJ may have not put up a superstar performance against the Bulls but it was nothing like last year’s dud performance.

darrell starks

May 18th, 2011
11:36 am

Here are some teams that could be interesting in joe.
LAKERS PAUL FOR JOE
LAKERS STARTERS BLAKE, KOBE, JOE, LAMAR, BYNUM.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

darrell starks

May 18th, 2011
11:40 am

GRIZZLIES TONY, RUDY FOR JOE
GRIZZLIES STARTERS CONLEY, MAYO, JOE, ZACH, MARC
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!

darrell starks

May 18th, 2011
11:46 am

HORNETS TREVOR, PAUL FOR JOE, TEAGUE,
HORNETS STARTERS TEAGUE, GREEN, JOE, WEST, OKAFOR
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!

KevinM

May 18th, 2011
12:31 pm

Here is lots more details about the Teague incident and it has been addressed to what looks like a full extent by the authorities….

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=6561839

Andy Katz gets the details from several people to help clear matters. I am sure JT was thinking all of this was behind him. Sure glad he wasn’t directly charged. That could have derailed where he is today.

Slim

May 18th, 2011
12:57 pm

Cleveland with their lotto luck, likely just found their SF & PG for the future. They’ve got a young PF in Hickson, and a hustle center in Verejao. If they’re looking to pair that group with an impact player, maybe they would make the following trade: Joe Johnson for Antawn Jamison’s expiring contract, Manny Harris & Semih Erden (spelling). Hawks could then flip Jamison’s expiring & a 2nd rd pick to Detroit for Rip Hamilton & Ben Wallace. This gives the Hawks a veteran/young duo at SG & C. This also clears about $2M in salary and almost opens up an MLE level addition for that 13th & final roster spot. Not a perfect team, but a lot more flexible with Wallace, Hinrich, Sy, Harris & Erden on expiring deals in 2012, and Smith, Pachulia, Teague & Hamilton expiring in 2013. Williams in 2014.

Teague / ***
Joe Johnson / John Salmons
Josh Smith / Williams
Larry Sanders/ Drew Gooden {Josh Smith
Andrew Bogut/

Ben Wallace is considering retiring. Hamilton as well. They have no trade value and pigeonhole this team even further. I like a move to put Erden on this team.

Furthermore either Danny Ainge is crazy or the NBA is rigged. In 2008 he set the blueprint Pierce at the 3 with Garnett’s and Perkins both close to 7′6 wingspans. Then they had bigs like Scott Pollard, Leon Powe, and PJ Brown coming off the bench.

Ainge traded Perkins for offense and what happened in the playoffs. Miami waltzed into the paint.

Now the Bulls are waltzing on Miami. Anybody who thinks any combination of small ball can beat the Heat is wrong. Not enough all star talent to circumvent a small ball lineup. Only in fantasy land.

Teague>Bibby/Chalmers
Hinrich<<<Wade
Johnson<<<<Lebron
Smith<<Anthony

Check Horford’s measurements and then watch the tapes. He plays exactly like Amare Stoudemire with shorter arms. A shorter wingspan = more jump shots, less post play, less dunks, liable to get blocked in the paint.
Too bad he doesn’t have 6′11 wingspan like Blake Griffin or a 7′2 like Amare. as is he is a more robotic version of David Lee.

Trade Horford and Marvin and Hinrich for Sanders + Bogut + Gooden + Salmons.

JoJo the Godfather

May 18th, 2011
1:01 pm

Teague is still a very young man. I don’t know him from Adam, but when I see his interviews and watch his mannerisms, he can sometimes come across as immature even for his age. Hopefully he’s got a good support group around him that can help him get through this situation. With playing time and development, I think this young man will be a heck of a player in a couple years. He can get by without a jumper if he’ll practice that floater about a 1,000 times a day, add some upper body strength, and focus on his ball handling and defense.

vava74

May 18th, 2011
2:03 pm

SOMETHING TO CHEW ON:

OK, so let us rewind a bit on Horford and recall his performances in the playoffs, including his “best years”:

2008 PLAYOFFS

He was very good – in particular for a rookie – against the Celtics, fresh from his Gators’ days.

However, it was Zaza who brought the “cojones” to the table with some serious head butting on Garnett.

2009 PLAYOFFS

He was decent/good against MIA, but got kind of punked by a broken down Jermaine O’Neill and by old man Magloire.

It was Zaza (again) to the rescue with a real man attitude in the boards and almost head butting half of the Heat team in a decisive game that got us going.

He was injured against CLE, so a non factor. Now we can start to doubt: was his injury so serious that he could not have produced better than he did, grinding it out? Or was he being soft?

PLAYOFFS 2010

He was severely punked by Kurt – I’ve been around since Tutankhamon – Thomas, in particular in the games which we lost. There were very clear signs of Horford shying away from the playoffs physical play.

He was reduced to cinders against Howard prompting him to cry saying that he was too small and preferred to play PF.

PLAYOFFS 2011

Punked by Bass (6′7”) and by Anderson (not exactly a force) and kept himself as further away from Howard as he could.

Collins and again Zaza to the rescue…

Punked by Boozer, Gibson, Asik, Noah, …

Again, Zaza was the most physical guy down low giving us some presence and some rebounding…

Aren’t you all seeing a very worrying trend? Am I being biased?

ALSO:

There is nothing “blue collar” in Diaper Al, IMO.

Diaper Al is – clearly – a competent “white collar”/ “office worker”:

steady, disciplined and dependable like an accountant but if you need heavy lifting and getting dirty, he checks out.

My goodness, I am reaching the conclusion that Tr..th Ser..m was right all along

bigdave

May 18th, 2011
2:05 pm

lol

Rick Sund

May 18th, 2011
2:06 pm

The ASG likes me and I like the core. Looking forward to another exciting season JUST LIKE THIS PAST SEASON…

Slim

May 18th, 2011
2:26 pm

Or I think ATL would want defense and rebounding after getting blown out multiple seasons by elite rebounders.

Or do we still say yay! All Star Horford he’s undersized but he averages 10 boards!
Then get blown out in the playoffs?

Dwight has yet to sign an extension. New York and Miami will be getting centers attention.

1) Hinrich, Horford and Williams must go to get Bogut and Larry Sanders and Teague playing time and add combo guard Salmons and Drew Gooden to the bench.
2) Over the season Teague and Sanders develop and veterans Smith and Johnson all set the tone in working hard and putting late nights shooting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjLJ6OlnXr4
Smith loses weight at the 3 then proves his worth as a Shawn Marion or is traded for 28-year old Danny Granger or maybe volume shooter Rudy Gay if possible.
I believe the Smith trade will not be necessary. This team has several good players but Williams must be packaged to progress and we need a center to compete with Noah and Miami and a bench, to compete on the boards.

+Al Thornton ($2 million max)

+ John Salmons, Gooden, Sanders, Bogut for Horford, Williams, Hinrich

superiorblogman

May 18th, 2011
2:46 pm

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=6hu9z2k

Joe Johnson to Minny for

Martell Webster
Pekovic
Wayne Ellington
Jonny Flynn

and the 2nd pick

Melvin

May 18th, 2011
2:58 pm

Call David Kahn crazy but I think he’s on to something. Do yall remember the New York Knicks envelope with the folded edge during the year Patrick Ewing entered the draft? Hmmm

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/David-Kahn-hints-at-lottery-malfeasance-remains?urn=nba-wp3409

Slim

May 18th, 2011
3:03 pm

@superiorblogman

We’re not rebuilding yet are we? Just looking at the trade Atlanta receives a foul prone big man and inexperienced inefficient guards with no discernable advantages outside of youth.

Flynn is young but we have Teague who already seems more competent on defense and in the pick and roll.

Replacement by committee yet the trade machine projects a net loss of 6 games. Pekovic is not an elite center and not good enough for Joe Johnson.

If we’re trading Johnson we still don’t net a center or bench rebounding.

Milwaukee trade is best for WINNING. + John Salmons, Gooden, Sanders, Bogut for Horford, Williams, Hinrich

Atlanta as a franchise has yet to prove their commitment to winning.

New York has D’Antoni and still wants a center. Miami is getting worn down blown out by Chicago’s frontcourt and we still want Marvin Williams as a 3.

Crazy never seen a franchise so content with losing while bankrolling near $70 million.

superiorblogman

May 18th, 2011
3:15 pm

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=6hu9z2k

Joe Johnson to Minny for

Martell Webster
Pekovic
Wayne Ellington
Jonny Flynn

and the 2nd pick

Trade Flynn to Sactown for a 2nd rd pick to get rid of his contract
Keep Ellington for shooting
Buy out Martell Webster
Keep Pekovic for the end of the bench

So, we are only keeping about $6 million in salary. Add the number 2 picks salary and we have cut like $9 million from next years cap.

PG Teague
SG Hinrich
SF Josh Smith
PF Derrick Williams
C Al Horford

Go from there with a emphasis on getting a starting level C and SG.

Najeh Davenpoop

May 18th, 2011
3:47 pm

^^Assuming the Cavs take Irving and Derrick Williams is available at #2, I like this idea a lot.

Ryan

May 18th, 2011
3:56 pm

Personally, I wanted Matt barnes and still do. I also agree on a bogut trade.
Jt/jj/barnes/Horford/ bogut

KevinM

May 18th, 2011
4:06 pm

Let’s keep it simple: if Al isn’t tradeable, then the other 2 captains gotta go:

But if I pick that high in the draft, I’m not asking for another PF. It is C or C….the biggest hole we have right now.

Why keep Al in the middle when you know he wants bigger help than what is being given to him.

The PF is the easiest position IMO to pick up in this league. So many good ones don’t even get on the all-star team because of the depth.

Gotta get out of the Billy Knight/versatile mentality. We need skilled basketball players.

Sund needs to go get that #2 pick and let one the captains be the bait.
Pick one, it doesn’t matter…send Josh or Joe, a #2 and Flynn/Ellington would get it done.
It gets more complicated with Joe and equalling out his 18M. With Rubio coming in this year, they have to open up roster slots and surround lil Ricky with vets.

Joe/Love/Webster/WesJohnson/Rubio

A respectable lineup based on where they were a year ago. Perhaps Joe fits the triangle?

Sund only needs to go get Kanter with any draft trade. Our greatest need for the next 5 years.

Magic Johnson

May 18th, 2011
4:51 pm

“if Al isn’t tradeable”

Al is the MOST tradeable. JJ is 30+ and has the largest contract. Smith has his DPOY candidate but he is 6′8 and he and Marvin Williams will not net you a defensive center.

Horford for Tyson Chandler would be great but then we would have a hole at PF.

Bogut has a lengthy injury history, but the most recent he is one year removed from (arm and hand injury).

Horford has All Star nods and a 3rd All NBA team nod. He’s a tweener on offense/defense but Horford, Williams and Hinrich for Sanders, Bogut, Gooden and John Salmons helps the team win now.

@Kevin M
“The PF is the easiest position IMO to pick up in this league”
a small center or an oversized forward or a skinny center.
next to undersized shooting guard power forward is the easiest to fill.
However, Horford is able to play a bit of center and has experience to help Milwaukee run and gun and they are not wanting to win now.
So that small losing style suits them. Atlanta cannot tolerate having the 15th ranked defense and bankrolling $70 million once again and get blown out by elite teams like Chicago rebounding or Miami’s scoring.

Atlanta need to make a move for a center now. They are close to elite but not yet.
Also watch out for Dwight Howard moving to power forward in New Jersey or twin Towers in Orlando maybe.

Either way Atlanta is setting themselves up for disaster with Marvin Williams or trading Josh Smith and expecting a competent defensive center.

And no one wants to rebuild through the draft.

SWAT Native

May 18th, 2011
5:08 pm

@ Melvin – I remember that dog-eared envelope in the Ewing lottery. I’m not mad at the NBA. Having a likeable, sick kid on the lottery panel to receive the 1st AND 4th picks in the draft for the Cavs who many people feel were done wrong by LeBron? As the kid would say, “what’s not to like?” I kenw the Cavs would get the 1st pick as soon as they introduced him.

Grandad

May 18th, 2011
5:15 pm

When you get old & they put you out to pasture;
the health betrays you and you cannot do what you enjoy most,
coach basketball, well 2nd most, thank goodness for 1st most,
a crusty ol’ fart spends alot of time pondering and studying, his passion.

“Having said that”, G-dad’s Trade O’ the Day:
[..This one is doable & maybe even probable..]

Josh Smith to PHX
Atl;
in return receives:
Marcin Gortat + filler + # 13 pick in 2011 draft.

Why PHX does the deal:
PHX covets Josh Smith
PHX will try and give Nash a component to compete.
They think & rightfully so that Nash will do for Josh…..
similarly what he did for Amare. (prediction = Josh all-star)
# 13 pick not as valuable this yr as most.

Why Atl does the deal:
We move one of our supposed “have to” moveable pieces.
We get an above avg. Big. = legit 7 ftr. + 7-4 wingspan
Gortat athletic for a Euro (white guy) & tough + he rebounds !
filler = unimportant [not Childress]
# 13 pick;
Chris Singleton, Fla St., Plays [2], [3] & [4].
a natural [3] and would compliment Al.
CS = best defensive player in draft.
We replace Josh’s defense with defense & get a legit Big.

Singleton can guard all five positions.
“the Chicago Way” ?
-talk the talk the walk the walk-

Bash away blog cohorts !

JeJe

May 18th, 2011
5:18 pm

Co-sign Vava’s 2:03 pm post

Trade Horford

Never thought I’d see Joakim overtake him as a player, but it has happened. And this soft guy WANTS TO ADD RANGE

LOL

SOMEONE IN THE HAWKS ORGANIZATION PLEASE WAKE AL UP

CANT BELIEVE HE WAS AN ALLSTAR

Magic Johnson

May 18th, 2011
5:24 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP7p49Sf5QE

no Grandad lol. Shooting comes and goes. Horford needs to go. and Gortat should not cost Smith. Smith/Horford should net us a top player. Defensively and rebounding wise preferably.

Man Man

May 18th, 2011
5:26 pm

Trade Joe Johnson for a Lottery pick.Resign Jamal Crawford and Sign Tayshwan Prince or Wilson Chandler and get a 7′0 who can rebound and is a bully on the court and add to the bench

Magic Johnson

May 18th, 2011
5:29 pm

last post here.

Marvin Williams (sg/sf) + Horford (pf/c)+ Hinrich (pg)
for
Sanders (pf/c) + Bogut (c) + Gooden (pf/c) + Salmons (pg/sg/sf)

+Al Thornton (sg/sf)

Atlanta can go big Milwaukee can go small.

Slimjr

May 18th, 2011
6:03 pm

Al for #2 pick Derrick Williams!

Slimjr

May 18th, 2011
6:15 pm

Key to living healthy is to increase oxygen in the body!!

Most Cities in the US have an oxygen content down to roughly 10%! Which is unacceptable to sustain a healthy human body….The word disease means “lack of”…….
Cancer thrives in a low oxygenated environment as well as a host of other diseases…..
You want to feel better at any age, increase energy reserves, be in prevent mode? Check out this book called “The 1 minute Cure”.. Its a mind blowing read……

Slimjr

May 18th, 2011
6:17 pm

Sund and Larry= 2012 lottery Pick………….. …Wow…

Najeh Davenpoop

May 18th, 2011
6:19 pm

“Josh Smith to PHX
Atl;
in return receives:
Marcin Gortat + filler + # 13 pick in 2011 draft.”

a) A #13 pick in this draft is like a #25 pick in a normal draft.

b) What the hell is this blog’s infatuation with Marcin Gortat? Any big man is going to look good catching passes from Steve Nash. When has he shown that he can be a defensive impact player? When has he shown he can be a go-to option in the post?

He’s a good rebounder. Beyond that there is nothing special about him. Just because he plays well against the Hawks doesn’t mean he’ll play well against everyone else.

Najeh Davenpoop

May 18th, 2011
6:25 pm

“Call David Kahn crazy but I think he’s on to something. Do yall remember the New York Knicks envelope with the folded edge during the year Patrick Ewing entered the draft? Hmmm ”

For the most part I don’t believe in NBA conspiracy theories (the four rings on Tim Duncan’s fingers are the biggest counter-argument to the NBA being fixed in my opinion) but if there is one conspiracy theory I can believe it is that the lottery is fixed. The Knicks get the #1 pick when Ewing enters the draft. The Cavs get the #1 pick and get a chance to pick their home grown superstar. The Bulls get the #1 pick and get a chance to pick their home grown superstar.

(Of course Stern didn’t show the Hawks the same love in ‘04… typical.)

And really, what incentive does the NBA have to NOT fix the lottery? Nobody is there to watch the actual ping pong balls.

KevinM

May 18th, 2011
6:51 pm

Magic, the only way there is going to be cap relief and for you to improve your team on the cheap, you most likely have to do it throughout he draft.
Let’s look at teams and their elite player(s)
How did the Spurs end up with Duncan, Ginobili and Parker? All draft picks.
LALakers-draft picks Kobe
Celtics-Rondo…is teams’ most important piece
Mia-Wade
Dallas-Nowitski
Chi-Rose

Point is and sloppily pointed out by me is the best way for your team to have an elite player is you have to draft him…..we need a guy tomhelpmusnthatncomes out of the draftband who will grow wtth us. We aren’t winning with our 3 captains leading the team. We need a bigger star for the A-T-L like a Dominique. The Thrashers were on the verge with Heatley and Ilya, but circumstances didn’t allow the hockey team to be successful. We know the main cause.

On trading Al, I thought his new contract prevented him from being traded for a period of time….that is why I mentioned that earlier. Josh and Joe may be our only shot to get that high draft pick. Our salary limitations dictate this type of thinking.

We move Joe, we have options like the bulk of the league, but we might have to drop back a bit and reload with different talent. I don’t think Sund has it in him, so my hopes are faint here for anything major to happen before June 30. We are at a crossroads where we have to find relief just to field an entire roster.
Think it’s tough now? Wait til you see the league present a sizable cut to players’ salaries where a Blake Griffin may have reached his top salary earnings in a couple of years.
This formula limits us to have to make the right decision 9 out of 10 times instead of missing on 3 or 4 top 6 picks in a 5 year period.
This team doesn’t use the FA market nor the MLE exception. It is draft, trades and projects.
Sund is looking for lightning to strike and the odds are not good.

KevinM

May 18th, 2011
6:54 pm

I known that Nowitski and Kobe were not draft picks, but were draft day deals.

Our Pau was a total disaster but that was 3 regimes ago…..imagine that.

Our growth/improvement is tied to this year’s draft.

Grandad

May 18th, 2011
6:55 pm

Najeh

I never mentioned MG’s offense.
His rebounding after going to PHX was very good.
He is an above avg defender.
I would never trade Josh for Gortat 1 on 1.

However with Singleton returning as a defensive specialist,
and gifted athlete as is Josh,
plus local for fans,
he is the codicil to Gortat that makes the trade worthy.

The more I read about Singleton;
I wish for a way to get into the 1st round
[..between 10 & 16..] in order to get CS.
quote, -Steve Kyler- Hoops World;
‘`Singleton is going to be a monster”

—So—
My trade accomplishes 4 objectives.
(1) acquires a Big
(2) acqires a young athletic defender of five positions.
(3) gets two starters for one.
(4) balances line-up

* Singleton projects better than Taj Gibson at the same stage.

** I would prefer to trade Joe than Josh;
but, ‘`Que Sera Sera” ?

drmaryb (*_-)

May 18th, 2011
6:59 pm

The Fix?

IDK about fixes? It seems the 28 teams would be up in arms if there were no checks and balances within the process. Are the teams not represented behind the curtain to verify the ping-pong balls?

I’m just wondering.

Grandad

May 18th, 2011
7:01 pm

Listen to me;
if I’m wrong I’ll certainly admit to it.

Two obtainable talents on draft night:
* Chris Singleton, would need to trade for a pick between 10 & 16.
* Justin Harper (..Richmond..), late 1st eary 2nd.
** maybe get someone to flip 2nd round picks ?

Grandad

May 18th, 2011
7:02 pm

eerily misspelled…..* early 2nd.

Grandad

May 18th, 2011
7:18 pm

I just read Mr Bradley’s column,
and realized I scooped him by a bit more than 12 hrs.

Sautee

May 18th, 2011
7:41 pm

KevinM,

“Why keep Al in the middle when you know he wants bigger help than what is being given to him.”

Maybe because despite what T-s and Vava think, he was just named third team All-NBA. Do y’all think the sportswriters are just stupid ?(well, other that Mr. Conspiracy theory). Which reminds me, if T-S theory is that all coaches are puppets, who is pulling the strings? And if they are all puppets, who was it telling them last year to vote for Al so we wouldn’t look for another center? Remember that nonsense?

Sorry guys, believe what you will, but I’m not buying that Horford is so awful if he’s named All-NBA and only 18 players got more votes for All-Defensive team.

Yes he absolutely sucked in the playoffs, but remember Dirk sucking in the playoffs other years? Where would Dallas be today if they had thrown him away then?

vava74

May 18th, 2011
7:58 pm

Sautee,

Please review my “Diaper Al in the playoffs summary” and see if you can find any glaring holes.

All-NBA teams are simply that: selections made by journalists AND votes were cast before the playoffs. You can bet that after these playoffs the voting would have changed.

What would you prefer TODAY? Al Horford the All NBA 3rd team or Z-BO?

Just as an example of how unreliable is the opinion of journalists, we have Hollinger who is a complete and utter idiot who relies on his “analysis” on a deeply flawed metric he has created (PER).

I could list dozens on guys who spew gallons of nonsense on TV, internet and press.

Diaper Al’s performance in the playoffs was inexcusable and the Dirk Nowitski example is a bad one: his Mavs got jobbed by the refs in the finals and the following year the choker was Avery Johnson who instead of keeping the same starting 5 and scheme that allowed the Mavs to lead the league played down to the Warriors style.

vava74

May 18th, 2011
8:00 pm

Also, look at Dirk’s playoff career stats:

Career – 114 114 41.4 0.465 0.386 0.886 1.7 8.9 10.6 2.6 1.1 1.0 2.19 2.91 25.8

PPG and RPG above his career averages, shooting averages just about the same.

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/dirk_nowitzki/career_stats.html

So, Dirk sucking in the playoffs where?

Grandad

May 18th, 2011
8:03 pm

Sautee

Al was less than stellar;
sucked should be reserved for Marvin or Mo Evans,
perhaps even Joe Johnson depending on the year.

Sautee

May 18th, 2011
8:38 pm

Vava,

I don’t care to argue. Apparently you missed where I said “believe what you will”?

And about Dirk, if and when Al has played as many playoff series as Dirk, his numbers will likely even out as well. Overall numbers when you have played 114 playoff games do not prove that Dirk hasn’t had poor playoff performances.

I said he played awful in the playoffs, and I call him out when he plays poorly, but I’ll stick by what I believe. And if and when he starts turning things around, you’ll be on the bandwagon again, because you are a true Hawks fan. But your over the top rhetoric regarding Al is starting to sound like a jilted lover. Just so you’ll know.

Did this turn of attitude come about because Big Ray called you out?

Sautee

May 18th, 2011
8:39 pm

Grandad,

OK, he played poorly. Better?

vava74

May 18th, 2011
8:59 pm

Sautee,

Nope, I have been on Al since a while now, so it wasn’t Ray.

I am coining the “Diaper Al” nickname and launching my line of T-Shirts where a cartoon of Al will say a few of his favorite mantras about adding range, needing bigger bodies along side him, saying that he is a natural Puff Forward, etc…

darrell starks

May 18th, 2011
9:16 pm

JOE contract must go.
Joe for Paul gasol and then resign jamal and sign free agent Al Thorton
STARTER TEAGUE, DAMIEN, JOSH, HORFORD, PAUL
BENCH HINRICH, JAMAL, AL THORTON, MARVIN, ZAZA
RESERVE PAPE SY, COLLINS
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sautee

May 18th, 2011
9:16 pm

“All-NBA teams are simply that: selections made by journalists AND votes were cast before the playoffs.”

So I guess you think that Kobe, DHoward, Rose, Durant, etc. are only media creations? C’mon vava you’re sounding like you know who, here.

And it’s still my opinion that your Diaper Al schtick makes you sound like a jilted lover. Over the top, dude. But yet you sound like you are proud of it.

Preen on, buddy, preen on. But you’ll be back in time, and at some point you’ll realize how silly you sounded.

I use to take your posts seriously. Now I guess I can do like drmaryb and get my scroll on. Sad that you have become Slim III.

darrell starks

May 18th, 2011
9:25 pm

Joe contract must go.
Joe for Rudy Gay, Tony Allen sign and Trade Jamal for Dalembert and sign free agent Al Thorton
STARTER TEAGUE, RUDY, JOSH, HORFORD, DALEMBERT
BENCH HINRICH, TONY, AL THORTON, MARVIN, ZAZA
RESERVE PAPE SY, COLLINS
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

darrell starks

May 18th, 2011
9:36 pm

Joe contract must go.
Joe, Teague, for Chris Paul, Trevor Ariza sign and trade Jamal for Dalembert and sign free agent Al Thorton.
STARTER CP3, TREVOR, JOSH, HORFORD, DALEMBERT
BENCH HINRICH, DAMIEN, AL THORTON, MARVIN, ZAZA
RESERVE PAPE SY, COLLINS
This the best trade, CP3 IS A TRUE LEADER AND DEMAND PERFECT.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ant banks

May 18th, 2011
10:52 pm

DARELL STARKS,

put down the pipe, sir. while in the effin’ world would anyone tie an anchor around THEIR necks to help the hawks by takin’ jj’s contract? 30+ years old, 5 years at 20mill, none performance durin’ playoffs?

got damn y’all killin’ me wit’ these trade proposals where only the hawks benefit…smgdhif

JeJe

May 18th, 2011
10:58 pm

Besides ZaZa, this team is soft like toilet tissue, from top to bottom

No hard fouls

Grandad

May 18th, 2011
10:58 pm

Sautee

Nah, sucked is fine.
I only wanted to point out to all the Al lampoonists
[is lampoonist a word] ?
that there are worse players in the world than Al,
that have sucked hind tit durin’ the play-offs.

drmaryb (*_-)

May 19th, 2011
1:38 am

Scooped!

“I just read Mr Bradley’s column,
and realized I scooped him by a bit more than 12 hrs.”
- Grand-Daddy -
______________________

Me too! Hey Grand-Daddy, I just read Mr. Bradley’s column and I realized that ‘ole T.S. Jacked my I’d last night and posted this bull:

drmaryb (*_-)
May 17th, 2011
7:45 pm

Please keep both teams in Hotlanta so I can see those big, manly MEN in person!! Quick, somebody hose me off!!!
____________________

Know, yawl’ knows that ain’t me. LOL!

northcyde

May 19th, 2011
2:29 am

LOL @ MC calling JJ “not so good of a perimeter defender”. All that dude did was guard 3 positions at times this year. Having said that, Teague and Hinrich together would make for an interesting defensive backcourt. And with JJ at the 3, that trio would be pretty good defensively.

jamillion

May 19th, 2011
2:39 am

IS IT ME OR DO I FEEL LIKE JAY-Z WHEN HE SAID “DO YOU GUYS LISTEN TO MUSIC OR DO YOU JUST SKIM THROUGH IT?”
FOR ALL HIS SO CALLED FAULTS JOSH SMITH IS THE ONLY HAWKS PLAYER TO SHOW UP IN TE PLAY OFFS CONSISTENTLY THE LAST FOUR YEARS,NOT YOUR BELOVED AL HORFORD, NOT JAMAL CRAWFORD”WHO OUTSIDE OF BAD COACHING SHOT US OUT OF EVERY GAME”,OR MR. DISAPPEAR IN THE SECOND ROUND JOE JOHNSON.
AND WHAT DO YALL WANNA DO TRADE HIM AFTER PUTTING UP GOOD NUMBERS AGAINST THE BEST D IN THE LEAGUE.
HE AND TEAGUE SHOULD BE THE ONLY HAWKS WITHOUT ?S BY THEIR NAMES. JOSH WANTED TO WIN,TEAGUE WANTED AND BELIEVED THEY COULD WIN AL,JJ, JAMAL DIDN’T,PS I”LL KEEP ZAZA HE GONE FIGHT WITH YOU,SO WILL DAMIEN,AND CAPTAIN KIRK.
LOOIN AT THE SERIES WIT CHICAGO ONLY 3 PLAYERS BROUGHT IT THE WHOLE SERIES, ROSE,TEAGUE,& JOSH SO IF THE HAWKS WOULD A PLAYED DEFENSE & MADE THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS OF KEEPING JT IN AS LONG AS ROSE IS IN AND NOT SHOOTING THEM SELVES IN THE FOOT BY GOING WITH WHAT IS NOT WORKING,JJ AND JAMAL AS OPPOSE TO WHAT IS WORKING JOSH & JT WE WOULD A HAD BETTER RESULTS, LOOK AT HOW WE LOST GAME 5 JT BRINGS US BACK AFTER JAMAL SINGLE HANDLY LETS,KEITH BOGANS AND ROSE ABUSE HIM ONLY TO REINSERT HIM AND JJ AND FREEZE JOSH AND JT OUT WHEN THEY BROUGHT US BACK,BUT LOOK WHAT TT DID LET HIS NON PRODUCTIVE STARTERS STAY THEY ARSE ON THE BENCH WHILE THE BENCH WHO BROUGHT HIM BACK AND GRINDED STAYED IN THE GAME NOT ONLY IS THAT COACING IT IS COMMON SENSE,USE WHAT IS WORKING TILL THEY STOP IT DONT SWITCH IT UP IF IT AINT BROKE DONT FIX IT, AND THE ONLY THING THAT ISN’T BROKE IS JT,JOSH,ZAZA THESE GUYS PLAYED TOUGH,SMART,AND WITH HEART.
THE REST OF THESE GUYS PLAYED LIKE COWARDS AND JEALOUS B!TCHES TRYING TO BE SUPERMAN,SEE WHEN JOSH GAME IS OFF HELL HE’LL START PASSING,PLAYING D, REBOUNDING, WHEN JJ OR JAMAL GAMES ARE OFF THEY’LL JUST KEEP SHOOTING AND WHEN AL GAME IS OFF HE WORSE THEN JOSH HE THE CENTER CAMPED OUT AT 17 FEET WTF?LOOK LETS CHILL AND PRAY WE GET A COACH & A OWNER WHO WIL SHED THESE BAD CONTRACTS,MARVIN,JAMAL

northcyde

May 19th, 2011
2:46 am

As for the Draft Lottery . . I’ve always thought that these teams should PLAY for that #1 spot ONLY. Or at the most, play for the #1 and #2 spots. I’d achieve that in a single-elimination type tournament. I’ve kicked around various ideas for this.

One idea would be to take the 14 non-playoff teams, and play them against each other in a 1st round qualifying game. But I would weigh it as to where the best team plays the 2nd best team in the 1st round, knocking one of those teams out. And go down the list until the worst team plays the 2nd worst team. Team with worst record is at home. If we did it by records, it’ll look like this: ( who I think would win in parenthesis )

13) Minnesota @ 14) Cleveland . . ( Minnesota )
11) Sacramento @ 12) Toronto . . ( Toronto )
9) LA Clippers @ 10) Washington . . ( LA Clippers )
7) Golden St @ New Jersey . . ( New Jersey )
5) Utah @ 6) Detroit . . ( Utah )
3) Phoenix @ 4) Charlotte . . ( Phoenix )
1) Houston @ 2) Milwaukee . . ( Milwaukee )

Then you play off those 7 teams, with the worse seed ( Minnesota ), getting a bye to the semifinals, playing the lowest remaining seed. Lowest seeded teams are at home.

So it would be

1) Milwaukee @ 3) Phoenix . . ( Phoenix )
5) Utah @ Jersey . . ( New Jersey )
10) Washington @ 12) Toronto . . ( Washington )

Next round . . high seeds play each other, low seeds play each other

3) Phoenix @ New Jersey . . ( Phoenix )
10) Washington @ 13) Minnesota . . ( Minnesota )

3) Phoenix @ 13) Minnesota . . ( Phoenix )

Phoenix would get #1 pick . . Minnesota #2 pick . . and you’d order the rest according to record

northcyde

May 19th, 2011
2:59 am

Jamillion . . how in the world did Josh Smith show up in the playoffs when only Marvin had the lowest offensive rating out of any regular rotation player on the team?

He shot 40% FG – 60% FT – and 13% 3FG . . but he gets praise like he balled during the playoffs? Come on now.

Even in the past 3 years, Josh’s game has been just as schizophrenic as anybody else. People just need to keep it real around here.

JJ fluctuates from bad to great, looking like a superstar one minute, and straight garbage the next.

Smith fluctuates to bad to good, to great at least one game in a playoff year. But he hasn’t shot over 43% in 3 out of 4 years in the playoffs/

Horford has averaged over 10 rebounds or shot over 50% in just one year, and tends to play softer than he did in the regular season ( even before this playoff year )

Just keep it real around here

vava74

May 19th, 2011
5:55 am

northcyde,

“Horford has averaged over 10 rebounds or shot over 50% in just one year, and tends to play softer than he did in the regular season ( even before this playoff year )”

Yep. Softer and softer and softer each year that passes.

Last year he was manhandled by Kurt Thomas.

This year he struggled against Bass who is 6′7” at best!

vava74

May 19th, 2011
6:49 am

Sautee,

Being a fan involves emotions. So when a player betrays our “trust and love” in his game, then we react accordingly.

I was shocked to verify that Horford is in fact soft. So I feel dejected.

It’s an unfortunate fact, but a fact. I now can see that he has gone softer every single year and LD’s new offensive scheme has allowed him to accelerate his conversion from an undersized C who battled down low, getting 11 and 10 with actual blue collar work into a 15 and 9 who gets further away from the basket by the day.

That is not a formula for success and you know it. See how CHI and MIA are fighting like cats on amphetamines for every single possession and every single loose ball.

Or didn’t you realize that we lost the CHI series due to a general lack of hustle and in particular down low???

“Blue collar” is the completely wrong expression to define Al’s game right now and the tendency is for him to go even softer.

He balked at playing C when he is effective against 99% of the Cs in the league simply because he feels that he “suffers too much of a beating” after failing to cope with Kurt Thomas and Howard’s physicality last year.

He fell in love with his jump shot and he intends to extend his range and his dribble drive (both would be fine additions) but he says absolutely nothing about improving his inside game.

Keep deluding yourself. Unless Al mans up and starts to play again near the rim and get back into his overalls, he will be, as I said, nothing more than a little accountant in his Macy’s suit getting his numbers right when in fact he should be getting his hands dirty and doing heavy lifting.

The Bad Boys and the Billups’ Pistons would have eaten this Al alive and he would be crawling under his bed.

Even during the regular season he has been showing signs of softness, often shying away from contact against the most physical players in the league.

Just go and check his season splits and you will see that.

For instance, against:

DET’s old man Ben Wallace his rebounding average in 4 games (37.8 minutes per) was only 8.5
CHI’s Noah, 3 games (36.7 minutes per), only 8.7
BOS, 3 games (33.3 minutes), only 8.7
CHA who had some big bodies, 3 games (30.7mpg), only 7.3
HOU who has some serious hustlers, 2 games (43mpg), only 7.0

The list goes on and on. Agains tough, physical teams, his hustle/rebounding numbers dip dramatically.

vava74

May 19th, 2011
6:50 am

http://espn.go.com/nba/player/splits/_/id/3213/al-horford

KevinM

May 19th, 2011
7:01 am

All stars should compete like all-stars no matter the situation.

Very rarely do you see mediocre numbers from all-stars game after game.

All opponents have to do against us is stop Joe Johnson. He is our driver, and it was so obvious in this year’s playoffs. He attempts so many tough shots, there is no way he can consistently succeed. Deng had him perplexed as much as you will ever see Joe frustrated.

Going forward, Al and Josh cannot carry this team on the inside. These 2 cannot patrol the inside well enough. Personally Al vs Noah seemed like a no-brainer to me, but that didn’t take place…why? Al doesn’t want to deal with the energy Noah brings? Al vs. Boozer? Al doesn’t do perimeter defense well enough.

I am going to seperate it this way; either Joe and Al lead us or we rebuild around Josh and get he and Teague help. We just don’t go forward with those 3 and their salaries will impact the rest of the roster way too severely. Time to bring in MLE guys who are bigger contributors.

All 3 captains still have value in the league; the question is which brings back the biggest benefit?

Sund asks: What’s a MLE? Billy Knight never told me about that option!

O'Brien

May 19th, 2011
7:54 am

I think the Hawks will have to choose between Josh and Al. Next season, we are over the cap already, and have ~$3 mil to fill 4-6 roster slots (assuming we dont go over the luxury tax). Therefore, the best way to improve this team is via trade.

We would like to trade Marvin, but imo, nobody wants him (unless we are taking back another bad contract). With 5 years, $107 mil left, JJ (imo) is almost untradeable (unless we take back another bad contract, or trade him to NJ or Minny and not get equal value in return).

That leaves Josh and Al as our most valuable trade chips. And since they both want to play on the perimeter, I think a change down low is needed. I think ASG should trade one of them (whichever brings the most returns).

If they are unable to find good value for them, here is a thought. If LD can get Josh to cut down on his jumpers, what about starting a front court of Josh/Al/ZaZa? ZaZa tends to play better with extended minutes, and he is willing to bang down low (although his defense is soft at times).

Hank Aaron

May 19th, 2011
8:13 am

@Sautee — re. Allstar selections/All NBA honors

Basketball is won/lost on the court. Not in the opinions of others. This isn’t figure skating.

terrell

May 19th, 2011
8:39 am

HEAT in 6.
MAVS in 5.

terrell

May 19th, 2011
8:50 am

The draftt has always been fixed. Ever since NY got Ewing. Doesnt really matter one way or another imo. Gotta get the fans excited if you want to make $. After all, that’s what it’s all about. Cleveland got shafted by Lebron. Everybody and their Mama shoulda known they’d get #1 next year. Btw, still gotta get it right. Theirs a ton of #1’s, 2’s, and 3’s, who’ve been busts.(Marvin) Or just havent been as good as expected(Al).

KevinM

May 19th, 2011
9:04 am

OB, I disagree JJ is untraceable. Arenas was tradable, anyone is tradable. Willow get an all-star in return? Probably not. I will say he is a key to return more pieces.
Al is at a peak for value IMO. He has a very fair contract.
It jus depends on what is more valuable to get in return. We lose Joe, we lose our main scoring threat. I think if we are looking to contend now, we determine how much Al or Josh can bring us in return.
We need energy off the bench for a scoring punch and we need a defensive big man with some offense. It would be up to Josh and Joe to get us our points when needed most.
Now OB, when you say cut down on Josh’s love for jump shots, do you know he shot 154 3 pointers versus ZERO a year earlier. We have to getmhim off the perimeter period or move him.
I would take a Aldridge for Al/Josh if we can’t get a top draft pick, but that doesn’t fix our need for a bigger defensive presence.
Rick Sund should earn his paycheck this year if he truly wants a contender. The window is not closing yet, and this roster probably has 2-3 years left in it to battle for 2nd tier status.
We just aren’t build for the playoff we have to get through, and I don’t think home court has anything to do with it.
Joe needs to be produce more this year if we don’t make any major moves. Marvin can then get his number of shots back to try and prove himself one more time.

Havent we been down this road before?

joey1

May 19th, 2011
9:36 am

hawk owner are a joke.. they just have money and are too cheap to go into luxury tax to actually make a team that can compete for championships… the hawks have been a top 8 the last 3 years we need a center and to trade marvin williams then this team will succeed..

imagine trading marvin williams and horford for andrew bogut, then sign free agent al thorton to small forward..

starting lineup teague,joe johnson, al thorton, josh smith, andrew bogut

KevinM

May 19th, 2011
9:58 am

Untraceable s/b untradeable…..

JeJe

May 19th, 2011
9:59 am

JAMAL’S ONE RESPONSIBILITY ON THIS TEAM IS TO SCORE THE BASKETBALL AND HE HAD A BAD CHICAGO SERIES

DO NOT RESIGN A ONE-DIMENSIONAL PLAYER WHO CHOKES AGAINST GREAT DEFENSE

O'Brien

May 19th, 2011
9:59 am

KevinM,

imo, JJ is tradeable, if a) We take back another bad contract (like Arenas for Rashard Lewis) or b) If we don’t get equal value in return (like JJ to NJ for Morrrow, filler, and pick).

If we start Teague/Hinrich/JJ, that gives us good defense on the perimeter, so maybe we can get away with starting ZaZa at Center. At PF, we would have Al or Josh (depending on who we trade). And the pieces we get after trading Josh or Al would (hopefully) dramatically upgrade our bench.

JeJe

May 19th, 2011
10:01 am

JAMAL FAILED TO REACH DOUBLE FIGURES 3 OUT OF THE 6 CHICAGO GAMES. 2 OF THE GAMES HE SCORED 11 AND 12 POINTS. I BLAME THIS ON LD FOR NOT MAKING OFFENSIVE ADJUSTMENTS AS WELL AS JAMAL FOR TAKING WILD SHOTS

FIRE LD

KevinM

May 19th, 2011
11:55 am

If we have to make a sacrifice, I lean towards moving captains Al or Josh. Would you be surprised if Sund is intent on keeping Al since he just signed him to a long-term deal?

A move has to be made other than just allowing Jamal to walk. Since the FA period is going to be non-existant until the CBA is resolved, Jamal may be left hanging out there much longer than he wants. This group would shock me if they signed him this late in the process.

I expect very few moves until this CBA is agreed upon.

BILLY KNIGHT

May 19th, 2011
12:55 pm

KevinM the hawks need keep both player Josh, Horford but they need a center.

drmaryb (*_-)

May 19th, 2011
12:58 pm

Move It!

“I expect very few moves until this CBA is agreed upon.”
____________________

Try, none.

BILLY KNIGHT

May 19th, 2011
1:10 pm

A list of centers in free agent market
1.Kwame Brown
2.Tyson Chandler
3.Nene Hilario
4.Yao Ming
5.Samuel Dalembert
6.Kyrylo Fresenko

BILLY KNIGHT

May 19th, 2011
1:12 pm

Kyrylo Fresenko Could be the hawks best option, Kyrylo 7′1 280pounds and is only age 24 from Russia.

BILLY KNIGHT

May 19th, 2011
1:19 pm

Starte Teague, Joe, Josh, Horford, Kyrylo
Bench Hinrich, Damien, Marvin, Wilcox, Zaza

BILLY KNIGHT

May 19th, 2011
1:21 pm

Two free agent the Hawks can sign Chris Wilcox, Kyrylo Fresenko.

JudasOverstreet

May 19th, 2011
1:56 pm

Many fans out there are WONDERING how exactly did the Hawks ADVANCE PAST THE MAGIC when in year past, particularly last year we got CLOBBERED BY THE MAGIC. A lot of folks speculate, but i say that its BELIEF and BELIEF IN YOURSELVES. The Hawks felt that they were the dominant team over the Magic. The Hawks dominated them during the regular season so they felt the matchups were favorable in their favor and that they could exploit the magic and beat them. If you believe something in your mind, that belief will TRANSFORM ITSELF ONTO THE COURT. Pure and simple thats it. When the Hawks began the series with the Bulls, the Hawks were high on belief. The Hawks went up 1-0, eventually tied the series at 2-2, and I think when the Bulls went ahead 3-2, it shattered the fragile belief of the Hawks and it appears to me that the Hawks quit after that. The Hawks never truly believed again that they could get back into the series and beat the Bulls. Of course, they said all the right things, but the body language of the Hawks and the sloppy play with all the turnovers and lathargic play indicated to me that of a DEFEATED CLUB. In reality, the Hawks have better athletes than the Bulls and better personnel. Its just that the Bulls are coached better and thats why we were unable to beat them. If the Hawks could have sustained the belief over the Bulls for just a couple more games, the Hawks would have prevailed in the end. Next year, I hope the Hawks know that they could #1:beat ANYONE in the league and #2:make it to both the ECF and the Finals. Hopefully the Hawks will believe as much because that much is true. When the Hawks are clicking on all cylinders AND everyone on the team is playing up to their potential, the Hawks are one of the ELITE teams in the league, capable of winning a championship. ITS THAT SIMPLE.

terrell

May 19th, 2011
2:51 pm

” I’d take Aldridge for Josh or Al.” lol. Who wouldn’t??

terrell

May 19th, 2011
3:00 pm

How exactly did the Hawks advance past the magic you ask? First of all, the Magic traded away both of their Hawks killas. Next, Horford cant guard Dwight, but Collins can. Finally, starting Collins at center moved Marvin to the bench. SIMPLE.

Al Horford is a tweener

May 19th, 2011
3:01 pm

” I’d take Aldridge for Josh or Al.” lol. Who wouldn’t??

Lamarcus Aldridge is a taller version of Al Jefferson. His defense is probably better at center but is still pretty bad. No thanks.

Bogut+Sanders+Gooden+Salmons for Horford+Williams+Hinrich.

We get 3 bigs; a DPOY type center, a 3 sot blocks per 36 minutes PF who may become a 2 way player with 10 more pounds and a backup in Gooden who is like a 30 yo Taj Gibson.

Salmons can play big point guard next to Joe and punish Rose in the post/iso and draw fouls.

Hopefully we can package Pape Sy and the late second round for Semih Erden.
Sign Al Thornton.

terrell

May 19th, 2011
3:16 pm

If Joe(Roy) went down, do you think Al or Josh could lead us to a top 5 seed out West? I dont.

terrell

May 19th, 2011
3:18 pm

Sorry. I meant a top 6 seed. I still dont.

bigdave

May 19th, 2011
3:20 pm

how much money will Wilson Chandler demand on the market?

terrell

May 19th, 2011
3:23 pm

Nope. But Aldridge he has HEART. Something Al seems to be lacking, as of late..

bigdave

May 19th, 2011
3:24 pm

*would a Wilson Chandler

he’s my prized free agent acquisition.. gritty player. can give you a lot on the offensive end; mid range, 3 ball, post up. plays off the ball well, slashes and finishes. not to mention the ability to guard to successful defend sg,sf, and pf positions.

Grandad

May 19th, 2011
3:24 pm

So Al is soft and all of a sudden Aldridge is a tough guy ?

bigdave

May 19th, 2011
3:26 pm

oh my..

*ability to successfully defend 3 positions..

bigdave

May 19th, 2011
3:28 pm

ha.. scratch that.
pipe dream

dude is going to simply going to demand top dollar as he’s pretty much the best swing man available.. not to mention 23.. oh my Marvin you are trash.

bigdave

May 19th, 2011
3:29 pm

wouldnt surprise me if he ended up at the crib in Chicago and started @ the 2 ..
the way he defends, would fit right in..

Sautee

May 19th, 2011
3:31 pm

Hank Aaron,

about this: “@Sautee — re. Allstar selections/All NBA honors

Basketball is won/lost on the court. Not in the opinions of others. This isn’t figure skating.”

Clever retort, but it’s not at all logical. DHoward lost in the first round. Kobe lost in second round just like Al.

Does that mean they are not worthy of All-NBA? LMFAO!

As I said in my earlier post, believe what you will. It’s my opinion that those honors were not fabricated, but earned. Al certainly did NOTHING in the last quarter of the season and the playoffs to show he was worth those honors, but he earned them nonetheless with his overall play. I do agree with vava that if the voting were taken today the results would likely be different.

But if those honors are so worthless, why does the league put so much stock in them? If winning is everything, then why not just name all the players on the Finals winners as All-NBA?

Daniel

May 19th, 2011
3:33 pm

This is going to be a very interesting off season for the Hawks. We don’t have a CBA, the team might be sold and we need to infuse this team with talent. We can pretty much expect nothing until both a new CBA is reached and the ASG sales the Thrashers (and the Hawks?).

I would offer the opinion that the Hawks have had pretty decent success of late, but the real short coming (besides Marvin/Sheldon picks) has been overvaluing our own talent. see Marvin/Joe contracts. Therefore, NO WAY do you resign Jamaal Crawford to anything more than a MLE (I actually doubt that he will get a much bigger offer somewhere, unless maybe NY again?)

Also, you have to trade Josh Smith, after that last 3 games his value is as high as it will be for quite awhile. We have to risk it moving forward. Would Golden State be willing to part with Steph Curry?

Daniel

May 19th, 2011
3:36 pm

Sautee: to back up your argument. If you just looked at the last series, casual fans would say that Josh Smith is more valuable to the Hawks than Al Horford, but those that really follow this team know that Al has a higher value than what is easily seen, while Josh’s value is less than what is easily seen.

JeJe

May 19th, 2011
3:36 pm

I’m leaving the country for 10 days.

FIRE LD

JeJe

May 19th, 2011
3:37 pm

BUY OUT MARVIN’S CONTRACT

WORST PLAYER IN THE NBA

JeJe

May 19th, 2011
3:41 pm

Pape Sy showed more promise in the final 2 minutes of the ECF, than Marvin did the entire series

DinasaurFenton

May 19th, 2011
3:42 pm

THE MAGIC USED TO KILL THE HAWKS WHEN THEY HAD JEFF PEITRUS AND RASHAD LEWIS AS 3-POINT SHOOTERS. THOSE WERE TWO OF THE MOST DEADLY 3-POINT SHOOTERS THE LEAGUE HAS EVER SEEN. Proof? those 2 guys helped the Magic reach the finals two years ago against the Lakers. The Magic even could have beaten the Lakers because Orlando was up 2-1 in that series. All the Magic had to do was win game 4 and they would have won the NBA Finals. Instead, you all know the story.. The Lakers won 3 straight games to win the series 4-2 and give Phil Jackson the first of two straight titles. EVERYONE KNOWS IN THE FINALS YOU DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO TO GO UP 3-1. ONCE YOU GO UP 3-1 THEN HISTORY IS ON YOUR SIDE. 100% OF THE TEAMS WHO HAVE GONE UP 3-1 IN THE FINALS HAVE GONE ON TO WIN THE NBA TITLE. MY POINT OF THIS STORY IS THAT RASHAD LEWIS AND JEFF PEITRUS MADE THE MAGIC A “FEARED” TEAM AROUND THE LEAGUE. Without those 2 deadly 3-point shooters, the Magic are know a bunch of “CHUMPS” who can be beaten by, you guessed it, THE LOWLY ATLANTA HAWKS. THE MAGIC MANAGEMENT TEAM SHOULD ALL BE FIRED FOR RUINING A CHAMPIONSHIP QUALITY MAGIC TEAM.

ButcherStevenson

May 19th, 2011
3:56 pm

We dont want Ron Artest for Marvin Williams. Ron Artest is a WALKING TIME BOMB ready to explode at a moments notice. You all remember when Artest was with the Indiana Pacers, in a game against the Detroit Pistons, Artest exploded and went after a fan in the stands because that fan accidentally spilled WATER on Artest. Artest got so hot he exploded and the only thing that cooled him off was a 60 game suspension. TO PROVE ARTEST DIDNT LEARN HIS LESSION FROM THAT INCIDENT, Artest grabbed JJ Berrea around the neck and collared him in game 3 in the playoffs THIS YEAR right before the Lakers were eliminated in the playoffs. ARTEST IS HUMAN WASTE AND WE DONT NEED THAT HEADCASE ON OUR SQUAD WHEN WE ARE THIS CLOSE TO WINNING A CHAMPIONSHIP.

Sautee

May 19th, 2011
4:03 pm

Daniel,

If Horford had played well in the playoffs, this wouldn’t even be fodder for discussion. Fan is short for fanatic, and we have lots of those here (including me). Some fans are much more emotional and reactionary than others. Some of those are the ones who LOVED Al after the first Chicago game in the reg. season, and despise him now. Go figure.

As I’ve said before, no one ever said that fanhood was logical.

I get it. Their feelings are hurt. Poor dears. They want Al to be tougher, when they can’t be. Where’s Department of Unintended Irony when we need him?

Daniel

May 19th, 2011
4:16 pm

Sautee- I can’t blame them because I am one too. This team drives us fans crazy. It is sooooo difficult to accurately read them. We all suffer from what I call “the highlight syndrome”. I mean I have found myself agreeing with JEJE sometimes so you know I have lost my mind.

Rod from College Park

May 19th, 2011
4:17 pm

Grandad,

“So Al is soft and all of a sudden Aldridge is a tough guy ?”

This year yes. It depends on your definition of tough. If carrying your team for most of the season, and stepping up battling guys in the post an getting yours in the playoffs makes you tough Aldridge would be that guy.

If shooting all jumpers, and never wanting to guard anybody bigger than him is not soft, I don’t know what is. Aldrige is much better than Josh or Al, but Josh is much more versatile than Aldrige, and he is a better post defender. Al is not better in any facet of the game. I really am starting to see a big comparison in Al and David Lee.

LarryNance

May 19th, 2011
4:25 pm

Al Horford is SOFTER THAN TISSUE PAPER. I cant believe how many times that guy got the ball in his sweet spot (shooting range of 15′ and in) and every time the ball touched Horford’s hand, he kept looking to the left and right and didnt know who to pass the ball to instead of just drilling the ball home into the basket. AL HORFORD FORGOT THAT HE IS A 64% SHOOTER FROM THE FIELD. Had Al shot every single time the ball came to him, the Hawks would have blitzed the Chicago Bulls by 30 points each game and swept them out of the playoffs. Al go home for the summer look in the mirror and I hope that mirror cracks. You are softer than charman bath tissue.

Sautee

May 19th, 2011
4:36 pm

vava,

Allow me to punch holes in this argument regarding Al:

You said: “Even during the regular season he has been showing signs of softness, often shying away from contact against the most physical players in the league.”

“Just go and check his season splits and you will see that.”

“For instance, against:

“DET’s old man Ben Wallace his rebounding average in 4 games (37.8 minutes per) was only 8.5″

OK vava, I’ll show you in just this example, though it would apply to all of them. And some you mentioned had Al rebounding higher that 8.5 per game.

Al averaged 9.3 rebounds per game in the regular season. Had he kept his average for the 4 games, he would have snagged 37.2 rebounds. His “paltry” 8.5 average netted him 34 rebounds.

So because he got 3 fewer rebounds over 4 games, he’s suddenly soft and avoiding contact? Hell, in a sample size that small, that could be just from the Pistons hitting a higher amount of second free throw attempts, which would give him fewer opportunities. I’m not arguing that he didn’t play soft at times this year. I just don’t think those splits you mentioned proved it.

I understand your frustration. Just don’t try to reach to prove he’s soft when the numbers don’t add up. And those numbers proved nothing.

Think about this: Even the 8.5 average that you disparaged as soft was more than “tough guy” Nene averaged for the season.

Najeh Davenpoop

May 19th, 2011
4:39 pm

Why the hell do people on here complain about perimeter D and softness and then turn around and advocate trading the team’s best overall defender for Steph Curry? Makes no sense to me especially since the Hawks already have a very capable young point guard who is as good or better than Curry at everything except shooting.

Najeh Davenpoop

May 19th, 2011
4:43 pm

Chris Bosh is as soft as tissue paper and averaged nearly 11 boards per game last year. Just sayin’. I don’t see how rebounds per game suddenly became a fool proof metric for toughness.

Sautee

May 19th, 2011
4:49 pm

Najeh,

Bingo!

terrell

May 19th, 2011
4:49 pm

I liked the Woody Josh and the Woody Al a whole lot better than I like the LD Josh and the LD Al. BUT AT LEAST JOSH SHOWS UP IN THE PLAYOFFS YEAR AFTER YEAR. Al played like this was his 1st year in the post season. Never played like that under Woodson. Who knows, maybe if Woody plays Collins last year vs Orlando instead of continually trottin out sorry azz Marvin………………………. Albeit Collins was a TAD out of shape, and Orlando was better, but still. All I know is, LD has turned our inside guys into softies. Especially Al.

terrell

May 19th, 2011
4:50 pm

Woody was bad, but LD is worse.

Buddy Grizzard

May 19th, 2011
4:51 pm

The Rick Sund Glue Factory Committee would like to commend the Atlanta Hawks organization for providing the Old Horse a one-year contract extension per our recommendation. The Committee recognizes that Sund has put the Hawks in the best possible position to win next year on the basis of talent acquired, having retained Joe Johnson, drafted Jeff Teague and traded for Kirk Hinrich.

The Committee fully expects that Sund will, if necessary, continue to save Las Vegas Lame Duck Larry Drew by declining to resign Josh Powell, widely regarded as the worst player in the NBA, and declining to extend a washed-up Jamal Crawford.

Sautee

May 19th, 2011
5:02 pm

“If shooting all jumpers, and never wanting to guard anybody bigger than him is not soft, I don’t know what is.”

“Never” Rod? Hyperbole again, my friend. I certainly get your point, but I seem to remember Al guarding Roy Hibbert, Chris Kaman, Andrew Bogut, and many other bigger centers. Hell, if he ONLY guarded centers his size or smaller he’d be limited to Chuck Hayes and Joel Anthony, right?

Try to at least be fair in your criticism. Al’s play since Griffin knocked him down certainly deserves criticism, but to say he “never” wants to guard bigger players is not only untrue, but not defensible.

GarbageCollector

May 19th, 2011
5:10 pm

The hawks should package a trade with the Dallas Mavericks and trade Al Horford, Marvin Williams and Kirk Hinrich for Dirk Norwinski. Dirk is the greatest shooter of the basketball in the history of the NBA and would be a welcome addition in an Atlanta Hawks unform.

Buddy Grizzard

May 19th, 2011
5:11 pm

The Committee further recommends that the Hawks Organization now take the opportunity to sh1t can Lame Duck and hire Dwayne Casey, the Old Horse’s original preference. Lame Duck Larry has demonstrated in front of a national TV audience that he is such a pathetic excuse for a coach that he can’t even properly employ ECF-level talent when provided with it.

To wit: Josh Powell first big man off the bench? All-NBA Al sat for an entire half of a playoff game with Sund’s and Lame Duck’s jobs on the line? Starting Jason Collins against CHI’s fast, athletic big men? Subbing out Teague in Game 6 to let Jamal Crawford run point and put the Hawks in an insurmountable double-digit first quarter deficit? Leaving Jamal Crawford in for the entire fourth quarter on a 1-for-9 shooting night while Zaza, with the best +/- of any Hawk in the playoffs, sits the entire 4th?

The committee considers the case against Hollinger, Bradley and Big Ray-endorsed Las Vegas Lame Duck Larry Drew to be open and shut. Having locked the Hawks into the current personnel for the foreseeable future, the only additional move Sund can make at this point to improve the team would be to fire Lame Duck and sign an actual, professional-level NBA head coach.

Sautee

May 19th, 2011
5:18 pm

Buddy Grizzard,

Did you ever go back and accuse Big Ray of using a straw man?

Oh yeah, that’s right, you don’t really know what one is. Sorry I asked.

Rod from College Park

May 19th, 2011
5:18 pm

Sautee,

If you want to continue to nitpick, which you have the right to do, you can, but the fact remains that Al has turned soft. At the end of this season, and in the playoffs he played soft as wet baby thighs. Rebounds do not prove your toughness, when you are one of two rebounders on the floor. Guess what, when Josh and Al are on the floor together, they are the only two guys who can rebound besides Joe. It’s like Jordan Crawford, he might really be a good player, but can we make that determination based on the end of the season with the Wizards? With the team they put on the floor, somebody has to score. With the team we put on the floor, somebody has to rebound. Al never guarded Dwight Howard, and rarely guarded Noah. I can’t think of any other All Star, All NBA center in the league, who would have not wanted to accept that challenge in some way. Al has become soft period. If Dirk Nowitski has been considered soft for this many years because all he does is shoot jumpshots, then Al fits that description.

Sautee

May 19th, 2011
5:36 pm

Rod,

I believe (without checking) that I have mentioned Al playing soft in every post about him today. I also co-signed Najeh’s post about rebounding not equating to toughness, so I don’t get that point from you.

“Al never guarded Dwight Howard, and rarely guarded Noah.”

His choice or LD’s? I know for a fact that he guarded Howard at times, so “never” is once again hyperbole. If that’s nitpicking to call you on it, then I’m guilty. I think I care more about language than many on this blog, but that’s my own cross to bear.
.
It seemed to me that Al was switched onto Boozer in some of the games because Josh was having trouble with him. Perhaps I’m “misremembering” and some other bloggers will remember it better..

And I’m sure you’ve seen me post that I want the Al Horford from 07 to 09 back. Don’t try to paint me as some kind of Horford apologist. My criticisms of him in many posts today, fly in the face of that notion. I’d just like criticism on the blog to be fair, and not overly exaggerated.

Rod from College Park

May 19th, 2011
5:39 pm

In my opinion, this Al is a natural 4 stuff is hogwash. He is listed as 6′10, 245. He is not a natural 4. He has no post moves, and his lateral quickness for a 4 is lacking. It will be much harder for him to be a dominant 4 than it will for him to be an above average center. He is the same height as Kendrick Perkins. I don’t hear guys like D. Wade, and Ray Allen whining about having to play the 2 at 6′4, and 6′5, having to play against guys who are a inch or two taller than them, and stronger than them, like Joe Johnson and Kobe Bryant. A 4 at 6′10, 245 would be bigger than most 4’s and should be able to dominate in the post, or on the perimeter, like Dirk. We know that Al can’t do that right now.

Rod from College Park

May 19th, 2011
5:46 pm

“It seemed to me that Al was switched onto Boozer in some of the games because Josh was having trouble with him. Perhaps I’m “misremembering” and some other bloggers will remember it better..

Yeah you were misremembering. Josh Blocked Boozer a couple of times. Al did nothing.

Sautee

May 19th, 2011
5:57 pm

Rod,

In my opinion, he’s a center. An undersized center against much of the league, but a center. If I coached him, I’d send him into the paint and feed him til he learned how to survive. I’m glad that he has a good jump shot, but we have LOTS of jump shooters, while we need inside scoring, particularly if Josh is hanging on the perimeter as well (both of them should be in the paint MUCH more, IMO).

Before this year, he had his baby hook going against bigger players, which make me wonder if Drew gave up on posting Al. Even in our debacle against the Magic last year, he hit some baby hooks over DHoward. But he is too slow setting it up, and has no left hand counter so he makes himself easy to guard down low.

He desperately needs a better post game and a better left hand. I told Najeh one time that my wish for the off season would be for Josh and Al to play one-on-one every day ONLY with their off hands. And only post moves, no jumpers.

Of course, Josh would dominate Al at first, but he’d get better, and so would Josh.

Hey, a guy can dream, can’t he?

Rod from College Park

May 19th, 2011
6:02 pm

“He desperately needs a better post game and a better left hand. I told Najeh one time that my wish for the off season would be for Josh and Al to play one-on-one every day ONLY with their off hands. And only post moves, no jumpers.

Of course, Josh would dominate Al at first, but he’d get better, and so would Josh.”

No arguments from me!!!!!

Najeh Davenpoop

May 19th, 2011
6:20 pm

That is a great idea for both Smoove and Al. Smoove needs to develop his right hand in the worst way and Al needs to develop a go-to post move.

Sautee

May 19th, 2011
6:29 pm

“Smoove needs to develop his right hand in the worst way and Al needs to develop a go-to post move.”

Actually, I’d rather that Josh develop his right hand in the “best” way.

What a strange language we have, eh?

Grandad

May 19th, 2011
6:59 pm

Najeh;

agreed Al needs a go to post move,
regardless if he’s a center or a left.

On the other hand,
Steph Curry;
as much as I like Teaguer,
I would trade Jeff for Curry straight up.
Personnally, I think SC is gonna be a star.
Maybe even a SS.
Nonetheless, jeff gets him with speed qicknee and defense,
while Curry is both a marvelous passer and shooter.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,
and rarely do I choose offense over defense,
I just think this kid is special.

Grandad

May 19th, 2011
7:01 pm

crap, I need to learn to type or start editing my crap.

Mike is back

May 19th, 2011
7:08 pm

MC, you were being candid about Jamal…but you were on point with everything you said.

To Jamal, I know you read the blogs…I agree that it’s time to go a different way…your SPECTACULAR PLAY…WAS GREATLY APPRECIATED…heck, you will probably end up winning a title…like that dang Bibby…opssssssssss…anyway it’s gon be gooooood folk.

Peace OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grandad

May 19th, 2011
7:17 pm

R from CP

On L.Aldridge;
I’ve always liked the kid.
(wished he were a Hawk)
But he has always been soft;
by definition of *those on this board.
*[vava]
Yes he had a break out year.

Your post sort of proved my attempt at………
satire or irony ?
(or one of those words I should have distincted in college)
[instead I stunk in college]

Dept. of Unintended Irony

May 19th, 2011
7:22 pm

“crap, I need to learn to type or start editing my crap.”

Editing your crap. Isn’t that what a colonoscopy does?

Dept. of Unintended Irony

May 19th, 2011
7:28 pm

“I think I care more about language than many on this blog, but that’s my own cross to bear”.- Sautee

“Before this year, he had his baby hook going against bigger players, which make me wonder if Drew gave up on posting Al.” – Sautee

Maybe you still don’t care enough.

Grandad

May 19th, 2011
7:28 pm

I can’t top that.

Sautee

May 19th, 2011
7:32 pm

LOL At DOUI

Maybe I need a colonoscopy!

Grandad

May 19th, 2011
7:57 pm

I sure hope we don’t get that soft ass Mark Gasol as a FA.
7-1, 265 lbs and only avg 7 rebs durin’ the reg season.

Okay, okay, you say he avg 11 durin’ the post season !
So now he’s mean, tough, hombre ?

Obviously he converted;
had an epiphany.

Will he stay epiphanized…..or will he go the way of Al ?

Or, maybe the play-offs were a fluke?
(21 game sample)
maybe he really is deep down a soft ass?

Al’s career;
always been a fan favorite.
Until that villain Blake Griffin took him down.
(remember how we gushed when he rose up to hit those FT’s)

How about as late as Jan 28th when he had 14 rebs -vs- Amare?
Including;
19 pts on “only” 12 shots, 6 assts, 1 key blk -v- Amare late.

What did we think of Al that night?

Then he just woke up one morning and said;
” I think I shall become a sissy ” !

Well, so much for al’s epiphany !

Oh, by the way, Al is 24 yrs old will be 25 in June.
Gasol is already 26 as of last Jan.
In case you were gonna say Gasol is young.

* clue…..I never could distinct between the two?

Grandad

May 19th, 2011
8:03 pm

For Sautee -&- Dept.o U.I.

Way too much talk about colonoscopy !

I think I heard Doc say that was next on my agenda ?

Bottoms up…..and I’m a teetotaler !

Dept. of Unintended Irony

May 19th, 2011
8:29 pm

“and I’m a teetotaler !”

I do that at Cracker Barrel waiting for my food.

LorneGreen

May 20th, 2011
10:39 am

I dont know why some of the bloggers out there are brain dead. Josh DID NOT SHOW UP IN THE PLAYOFFS OR WE WOULD HAVE ELIMINATED THE BULLS. JOSH HAD ONE GOOD GAME AND THAT WAS IT. JOSH PLAYED HIS ENTIRE SEASON TO HAVE ONE GOOD GAME IN THE PLAYOFFS AND HE PUT IN HIS WORK FOR THE YEAR. JOSH CAN PLAY LIKE THAT EVERY GAME IF HE WANTS TO. JOSH’S PROBLEM IS THAT HE IS TOO LAZY AND TOO UNMOTIVATED TO WORK HARD. THAT IS AN ATTITUDE PROBLEM THAT CAN ONLY BE FIXED WITH THE RIGHT COACH GETTING ON HIM. THE COACH’S NAME IS JERRY SLOAN. BRING JERRY IN HERE AND THE HAWKS WILL WIN A TITLE IN HIS FIRST SEASON.

DinasaurFenton

May 20th, 2011
11:28 am

Every Hawks fan right now is in hog heaven. They all know just how great this team is about to become. I will give you five reasons why Hawks fans should be more than excited. #1:Jeff Teague-Teague was unleased in the playoffs and showed himself to be as good as Deron Williams or Chris Paul.#2:Jamal Crawford-Even though Jamal slumped in the Chicago series, Jamal was awesome in the Orlando series and when he is on can shoot the ball like “Pistol” Pete Maravich;#3:Al Horford-Big Al had slumped for the majority of the playoffs including the Chicago series, but when Al wakes up, that sleeping giant will remind us all of Wilt Chamberlain;#4-Josh Smoove-Although Smith is erratic, turnover prone and uncoachable, when he is on he is every bit as good as LaBron James or D-Wade; and #5:Joe Johnson-Joe Johnson proved in the Orlando series that he is still the second best closer in the game behind Kobe Bryant and a certain FIRST BALLOT FUTURE HALL OF FAMER.

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Atlanta Hawks: Video: Looking ahead

276 comments Add your comment

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