Atlanta Hawks: NBA draft live blog (Update: Hawks select Oakland U. center Keith Benson)
The Hawks are not on the verge of being sold. Josh Smith has not been traded yet, unless Rick Sund made a deal right before I just saw him get some chicken here in the team’s offices.
This is the place to talk about these things and any other developments throughout the night.
Oh, yeah, there’s also the draft. The Hawks have the No. 48 pick.
UPDATE: The Hawks selected Oakland (Mich.) University center Keith Benson.
Here’s his NBADraft.net profile. DraftExpress has an interview with Benson.
Below are some excerpts from Benson’s teleconference with reporters. I’ll update the blog after Sund comes out to talk.
UPDATE II:
- Sund said the Hawks explored trading into the first round but didn’t want to get into specifics about those discussions, including the reports about Smith and the Timberwolves.
- Hawks assistant GM Dave Pendergraft said the team had Benson rated as early second round. He said there wasn’t much temptation to draft Josh Selby because several other players who were available were rated above Selby and those players also better fit the team’s needs.
- Pendergraft said Benson’s strengths include his athleticism, shot-blocking ability and scoring touch. His weaknesses are his strength, though Pendergraft said Benson is “wiry strong” and could put on some more weight. “I don’t think he will ever be 250 or 260 but he could be 235 or maybe a little bit more,” Pendergraft said. “The trend in the league is is more long, wiry athletic types.”
- Pendergraft said he’s not concerned with the level of competition Benson faced because Oakland played a tough non-conference schedule. “It’s not like he’s just going to be overwhelmed,” Pendergraft said.
- Hawks coach Larry Drew said Benson can play power forward and center.
KEITH BENSON
(questions about strength)
“I’ve been out in Vegas working out with the weight trainer there and getting stronger. I’ve put on about five pounds since the Chicago event. I’ve been working out three times a week, working every day to get stronger.”
(potential to add weight)
“I think I have the frame to put on a lot of weight. My game will really increase once I put on that weight and some strength. I think I can put on 20 or more pounds.”
(what he knows about the Hawks, why he thinks he’s a good fit and which Hawks does he look forward to playing with)
“I’m looking forward to playing with Al Horford. He’s developed into the really good ‘bigs’ in this league. I like watching Joe Johnson. They are an athletic team and I think I can contribute to that. They have some youth and like to get up and down. I watched them a lot this year.”
(how much did he weight when he got to Oakland, and what does he weigh now)
“I was 190 when got to Oakland, and 6-9. I grew a couple inches. And I’m about 224 now.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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967 comments Add your comment
Grandad
June 25th, 2011
4:58 pm
Here’s another thing about Al;
stop with the [4] or [5] stuff.
That’s so overblown it makes me nauseous.
Al said “one” time he thought the [4] might be his best pos
or something like that…..and he and Josh needed some help;
which we all say !
My response:
(1.) Offensively, [4] or [5] he’s gonna play the same place on the floor.
no matter what. (mostly high post or short corner)
He has the same skill set offensively…..regardless !
(2.) Defensively, [4] or [5] he’s gonna take the best match up for the team,
no matter what.
We still need a 7 ftr who can defend the rim & Rebound…..Regardless !
_____________________________________________________________
I’ve said this before;
call them [Josh & Al] that is::
a [1] & a [2] or a [5] & a [6] or an [11] & a [12] / or a shortstop & a punter,
it matters not……………….
just let them play basketball. / It’s not a math contest.
brigadierjerry
June 25th, 2011
5:00 pm
The only problem i see for Benson is getting some playing time. We saw with Drew not playing Teague only when Kirk got hurt. Is it going to take Smith or Horford to get hurt for Kirk to play?I hope not. I was thinking as well which might be easier for Benson to get more playing time backing up the 4’s or 5’s. What do you guys think?
SteveW
June 25th, 2011
5:02 pm
This kid is just a little lighter than Noah when coming into the League. Now he doesn’t have Noah’s motor, but he does have offensive skills Noah doesn’t also.
I could easily see Benson becoming a 10 ppg and 4 or 5 boards a game, and a block per game in 2 or 3 years as a solid backup, Kind of a cross between Taj Gibson and Thad Young.
People forget Taj came in the league at like 25, so give Benson 2 or 3 years to get there.
If LD will play him.
And whoever said get Micheal Cooper in to school Pape Sy, co-sign. Sy has 1 NBA skill, and that is putting his head down and driving to the hoop. I think he can develop into a solid defender (Cooper) as well, and maybe get some other aspects of his game cooking as well.
Slimjr
June 25th, 2011
5:06 pm
The Playoffs exposes your weaknesses big time:
ALLSTAR- AL unable to score points in the box with one hand and his midrange “SETSHOT” not “JUMPSHOT” failing him.
His foot speed/reaction time not allowing him to protect the rim or be in position to take a charge for the team…
Josh: underdeveloped “SETSHOT” mis-firing time and again!
ISO being double team and waiting too long to give up the rock because he does not trust his less skilled teammates and who can blame him…..
Mike Bibby unable to guard his own shadow…LOL
Jeff Teague rusting on the bench for games on end. Until a season ending injury forced Larry’s hand.
Our bench?? What bench? D-Leaguers?
Marvin?? Who??
JC1 walk, better yet run…..LD RUN! SUND RUN! Take those other stiffs with ya…
on and on…42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49. DARE I say 50 years!!! Wow………
Theres many reasons why this team went 13-26 against above .500 teams and only played .500 ball in the playoffs. PLAYOFFS?? Does anybody have the record against Western Conference teams?? Its probably dismal? You can HANDLE THE TRUTH!
I just gave a sampling.
SteveW
June 25th, 2011
5:06 pm
Grandad – As bad as I’ve dissed Kwame Brown, and dreaded if the Hawks ever got him, he really is a good skill set fit for us right now. Athletic, 6-11 270, can play body up D like Collins (maybe not quite as well).
He’d be a good, but not great fit for the Hawks. Are there better fits? Sure. But for what the Hawks are willing to pay, which is vet min. at the max. probably, he may be available for that.
Ray
June 25th, 2011
5:11 pm
If anything I’d give it one more year for Horford and Smith before we talk about trading either one. I’m just going to say this though for certain if we trade to Orlando let it be Al Horford I wouldn’t want J-smoove and Howard teaming up they’d wreck havoc on everyone in sight especially if Smith plays PF that’s going to be scary.
As of right now if you can get J. Thompson or Dalemebert away from the Kings I’d be happy with that I’d rather want J. Thompson at 24 years old seems like he’s only going to get better.
SteveW
June 25th, 2011
5:18 pm
Al’s strength’s – He can position himself to rebound and defend well. Has a great mid range jumper.
Weaknesses – Slow of foot, no handle’s (rarely he’ll flash some), doesn’t like to bang. Doesn’t crash the offensive boards enough (but that’s Larry’s system to my understanding), not a good shot blocker, doesn’t give hard fouls, insufficient low post game.
Intangibles – Doesn’t whine and complain. Doesn’t take time off on the court. Good leader. Good team player. Good passer. Smart
He’s a solid piece on a team. He’s no superstar, but he’s solid, and has great intangibles. He’s not a #1 option, but he’s got 10+ years of solid basketball left in him. Above average player.
I’m at the point of telling Josh – work like crazy on jumpers all off season. Work on your maturity big time. Get lean and mean, move to the 3, move Al to the 4 (even though he’s too slow for the 4 in my opinion, at least the pounding won’t be as bad for him), move Marvin to the bench full time, and get us a legit Center, and let that Center and ZaZa handle the 5 every night.
You could do worse than having Kwame (or somebody), Al, Josh, JJ, and Teague starting, with ZaZa, Marvin, Wilkens, and Hinrich off the bench.
SteveW
June 25th, 2011
5:20 pm
The Kings wanted Teague for Thompson straight up in November, and Sund said no.
Smart move by Sund.
I wish we could have traded them Larry Drew for somebody. He’s the weak link in the chain to me, unless he’s really, really improved this off season.
Grandad
June 25th, 2011
5:20 pm
Benson is strictly a [5].
The Hawks (even Woodson) have been more inclined
to play Bigs than guards.
So, I’m thinking he gets some regular minutes.
I would not mind a Zaza / Kito – rotation – @ the [5]
[12 fouls, 6 head butts, 2 or 3 blk shots, & call it a nite]
with Collins in reserve for “Double Wides”.
SteveW
June 25th, 2011
5:26 pm
And as somebody that’s into health, I’m really concerned about Josh’s knees. His thick upper body, and his ability to sky, isn’t a good combination as he get’s older.
2 of the reasons I think of trading Josh sometimes are his knees, and his contract. I think he goes where Dwight is in 2 years, and he will be unrestricted this time, so I’d rather get something for him than let him go for nothing.
But my trade of JJ and Al for Dwight still stands. I’d do that everyday. If Orlando wants some combination of Marvin and Hinrich for Arenas and Hedo, I do that as well. Build around Dwight, Josh, ZaZa and Teague. Seems to be alot of wings to grab like Dunleavy, Hill, Battier, TMac, and those types.
SteveW
June 25th, 2011
5:27 pm
Grandad – I think LD may play Kito at the 4 some. He’s got good speed and length. And a decent mid range also.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 25th, 2011
5:28 pm
“Whether you trade Al or Josh, that trade is the most important one in the history of the Hawks!”
Why does either one have to be traded? They may each be most comfortable at power forward but their games are not that similar to each other. It’s not like they don’t complement each other or can’t play alongside each other.
The problem is not Smoove or Al. The problem is a) a front office that isn’t smart enough to acquire good complementary pieces and b) a prevailing mindset among players and coaches that Joe has to be the focal point of the offense.
Grandad
June 25th, 2011
5:33 pm
Slimjr
You want to talk about set shots;
I disagree that Al’s jumper is a set shot.
-BUT-
One thing I’m sure of;
your boy D.Williams, most assuredly has a set shot.
-or-
As Jay “dick” Bilas called it a “stand still jumper”.
I saw the sports science vid also.
I’m not completely certain, that I agree with *all;
that they said.
* -His release point-
did not seem to matter to them as much as revs per sec ?
As a shooting instructor, he has some flaws in his shot.
How mant 3’s did he attempt this yr. to achieve his %.
Kawhi Leonard ROY = better Defender & Rebounder !
Grandad
June 25th, 2011
5:35 pm
As a shooting instructor, he has some flaws in his shot.
*Should have said:
As a shooting instructor, *[I noticed] some flaws in his shot.
Grandad
June 25th, 2011
5:37 pm
SteveW
No, no, no, no no Kwame Brown = girl hands.
I think Al is quicker than you give him credit for.
KevinM
June 25th, 2011
5:38 pm
KenS, been asking to get Cousins from the get go. Dalembert? Not so much based on history with him.
I think the Kings also are one of the few teams that could use an upgrade at PF.
SteveW
June 25th, 2011
5:45 pm
Grandad – i hear you – Just wondering who else we could get at 5 that’s available for ASG’s price, and probably the new CBA’s price, which is the minimum.
I would like to see us get Troy Murphy or Josh McRoberts for the bench. But I don’t think that’s happening.
Grandad
June 25th, 2011
5:47 pm
Najeh @ 5:28 pm = Co-Dad-Gum-Sign !
Maybe the *new owners will have a *new vision.
One that does not include JJ Maxx;
then that prevailing mindset of Joe being the focal point
will vanish / will have to vanish / must vanish – pick one.
[in other words - trade Joe - not Al or Josh]
Grandad
June 25th, 2011
5:51 pm
SteveW
Troy Murphy’s askin’ price will be purty low.
His stock is rock bottom right now.
He has always been a rebounder / I’m a fan.
-stretch- [4,5]
SteveW
June 25th, 2011
5:52 pm
And Grandad, I thought the same thing about Al, until I saw him play against 4’s on a consistent basis. He’s a step slow for the 4 spot it looks like to me. That’s just the eye test, looking at it.
brigadierjerry
June 25th, 2011
5:53 pm
Grandad,
Good evening sir. I want to ask you if you feel the Hawks are better as an up and down team or a half court team?
Also on another topic I noticed that I have always felt Kareem is one of the most underrated players of all time. I think it has to do with his personality if anything else , What are your thoughts on him?
SteveW
June 25th, 2011
6:03 pm
And this will shock some of you, but I wouldn’t trade too much of value for Pau Gasol right now. He just didn’t look right in the playoffs. Way off his game. Way off. I don’t know if it’s the beginning of the end for him or not, but I don’t want to find out with him on the Hawks if I had to trade Al or Josh for him. I wouldn’t trade Josh or Al straight up for him right now.
I would JJ just because of the contract #’s involved, but of course the Lakers don’t need JJ, they have Mr. Fire in his belly Kobe playing the 2 spot.
Now the Lakers wouldn’t do this, but I would give them Hinrich (they need a PG), Marvin (they want to get younger), and a 1st pick for Pau.
But again, the Lakers aren’t that stupid.
Slimjr
June 25th, 2011
6:04 pm
I hear ya Grandad. But doesn’t 56.8% sound pretty good? Even @3foot shorter distance? And by the way he can shoot on the move and go shoot the “mid-range” Jumper also…
I never been a shooting instructor so you have my respect Sir.
Seems like Reggie Miller had flaws in his shot but it kept going in? lol
BTW: neither ALL NBA AL or Josh can dribble drive then pull up into a JUMPSHOT on the move. They stand and hoist em…Doesn’t work in the playoffs..we saw it fail….jmho.
SteveW
June 25th, 2011
6:04 pm
I wouldn’t trade Josh or Al for Bynum or Odom either. Bynum’s knee’s concern me, and Odom’s getting old.
SteveW
June 25th, 2011
6:07 pm
Slim D Williams looks pudgy to me. Maybe that’s why I’m struggling to see this emerging superstar in him. Wayman Tisdale perhaps?
He’ll probably shock me and be some stud of a player.
I see a very good player there, but a super star? I’m struggling with. We’ll see.
And slim, you may never have called him a super star, i can’t remember, I just know your high on him.
SteveW
June 25th, 2011
6:07 pm
Slim, not high in a marijuana sense, but high in an esteem sense!
Slimjr
June 25th, 2011
6:08 pm
All NBA Al will get dismantled at the 4 on a nightly basis…Sorry…..Too slow of foot at that position in the NBA…and has no repeat no left hand at all…
SteveW
June 25th, 2011
6:12 pm
BJ – I’m not Grandad, and I have high esteem for Grandad also, but just to throw my opinion out there, the Hawks are a better transition team than half court hands down.
They stink at half court most of the time. Sometimes they get the rock moving, or are hitting insane J’s (think Crawford and Smoove), but especially with Teague at the helm, they are great at transition.
But actually Teague helps them in the half court as well. I think LD starts Hinrich this season, but I think Teague is an 11 ppg and 5 apg guy given a chance, with solid D this season, and better in the future.
I wait to hear Grandad’s take – didn’t mean to jump in line!.
Ra'mon
June 25th, 2011
6:15 pm
SteveW, I think the Lakers may would take JJ for Gasol. A line up of Al, Gasol, and Josh would be the best front line in the league. And it makes so much since because Al gets to be Al. And Josh gets to cut and drive. To put them with Teague and Heinrich would be even better because both could penetrate and dish (especially if Teague works on his shot).
Slimjr
June 25th, 2011
6:20 pm
@Ray, I agree that AL and Josh get one more year.. Then jettison the core Scottie.
Aye Captain….
brigadierjerry
June 25th, 2011
6:27 pm
SteveW,
Anyone can answer that question. I think one of the problems the Hawks have had other than coaching is the fact that in the playoffs the games slow down and you have to execute in the halfcourt and the hawks to me dont run good set plays and go iso and then jumpshot. Things always seem so forced. Dallas runs excellent set plays usually for a wide open jumpshot. Think about Dallas for a minute. They dont have any great inside players. They have a great scorer in Dirk, great assist guy in Kidd, decent penetrator in Barea, Marion provides a bit of everything not running any plans for him and Chandler and Stevenson provide defense and Stevenson with an occasional 3.
Now the Hawks didnt run it as much this year and I think that has to do with why they didnt win as many games but to me the proof is always in the playoffs how you execute. Hopefully that will change this year but I am not sure with LD
Ken Strickland
June 25th, 2011
7:03 pm
KEVINM-We couldn’t do a straight Cousins for JSmith trade because of the disparity in salaries. Including Zaza would ease the pain of them losing a center in Cousins, and including Dalembert would make the trade work salary wise.
Grandad
June 25th, 2011
7:05 pm
Slimjr
Larry Bird didn’t shoot textbook jumpers,
but to try & change him would get a man fired.
I had a kid once that was so stubborn;
would not take his left thumb off the ball.
finally, I left him alone, he was my leading scorer
for two years.
Sometimes, you just leave ‘em alone.
Too many people messed with Andrew Jones swing.
Finally fixed him to where he couldn’t hit at’all.
Ken Strickland
June 25th, 2011
7:17 pm
What would any of you say about a person’s basketball IQ, or overall IQ for that matter, when they:
1-Think any college or international player will automatically be as successful as he believes he’ll be as long as said player meets with his approval,
2-Believes any college or international player that meets with his approval will immediately and automatically out perform a proven NBA player that’s been to 2 time All Star gms and been selected 3rd team All NBA in his 1st 3yrs.
3-suggest we trade the NBA’s 3rd best center, as voted by players and coaches, for someone who’s closest association with the NBA is attending NBA sanctioned workouts and getting drafted.
sam'l
June 25th, 2011
7:21 pm
Stevie NICKS, not Stevie Knicks, although this is a basketball blog…..
Really, the most interesting item is the SALE OF THE HAWKS….I have long felt that this team had the talent to go all the way IF they also had the brains. New owners with BRAINS could make a lot of difference. Who is buying the Hawks? Why? Staying here? Teams have proven before they can break leases and virtually go wherever they want.
Hating LeBron. I don’t hate LeBron but he is as arrogant as he is talented. I blame the NBA for giving him extra foul shots. The person who might really hate LeBron is Pat Riley for sitting back and watching Dallas take the championship. The perfect punishment for LeBron would be to trade him back to Cleveland.
I think Mary B once promised a guard named Sessions would join the Hawks last year……that never happened…..
So I’ll wait and see about the SALE…..
Why do I care about this team at all? That guy who wants all teams to move out of Atlanta….it’s easy to tell him to move, but he is right……there does seem to be a curse on the teams here. Give him credit for catching that.
.
Ray
June 25th, 2011
7:22 pm
No go on the D. Cousins he’s basically Josh Smith earlier on except he actually plays Center lol.
We don’t need more growing pains then we got J-smoove and Horford both improve every year let’s see where they take us this year, but I do agree I’d build around Horford, Teague, and Smoove if I were the GM(glad I’m not we wouldn’t see the playoffs lol)
If we didn’t pay Joe so much I wouldn’t be so mad with him right now cause he’s baiscally Robin we went through this before we need Batman on this team, but it’s looking like Teague, Smoove, Horford will have to become it.
Honestly I know people will shoot me down left and right for this one, but I think Josh has what it takes to be that Batman he humbles down a bit and becomes more mature, and get someone to get in his mind and become a team leader we’d be a great team.
sam'l
June 25th, 2011
7:25 pm
one quick thought about the “curse”…..
the ability of owners to think for themselves and come up with creative solutions and see potential problems before they crop up would go a long way toward ending any so-called “curse”
Go Hawks.
Grandad
June 25th, 2011
7:30 pm
brigadierjerry
* {1st Question}:
The Hawks;
always seemed to be runners…..but……
To answer your question = No.
They – as presently constructed are not.
# 1 problem = Joe Johnson, he ain’t gonna run for nobody.
That’s why Joe loved Bibby so much,,,
Bibbs would walk it down for Joe.
# 2 prob = Cap’n Kirk & Teaguer are different pgs.
Teaguer will run / while KH functions best in the half ct.
*Note – Josh & Al want to get it and go !
# 3 prob = Rebounding:
this is the Biggest obstacle;
“you must acquire the ball before you can run”
- John Wooden – said the above, I wish I had said it 1st.
This is our Biggest need / I’ve been begging for rebounding
for over a year.
I always taught that thare are 5 parts of defense:
“the 5th and final component is rebounding”
So, if you play your butt off for 23 seconds but give up an off reb,
it just kills you !
That’s why I was so outspoken for Faried & Kawhi Leonard.
Sorry, I got to preachin’ there for a min.
___________________________________________________
* {2nd Question}
Kareem Abdul Jabbar:
One of the Five best to ever play the game.
* Wilt
* Russell
* Kareem
* Jordan
* Shaq
In that order / 4 of the 5 are Centers.
People forget how good Shaq was when he was young.
I have Kareem 3rd all-time / I hope this answers your question.
I preached so long on # 1 that I ran out of gas on # 2.
I can follow up if you like.
Ray
June 25th, 2011
7:31 pm
Ken S.
I keep saying this about Horford he’s great at Center for a reason he’s much quicker then probably all the Center’s in the league just doesn’t have the weight to be at advantage to a Dwight Howard of Bynum.
If Horford moves to PF expect there to be some really bad games and the blame to shift from Smith to Horford and also I doubt he gets an All-star unless he improves a lot at the 4.
I mean he’s got to go against Amare, Garnett, Dirk, Gasol, Aldridge, Duncan, Dejuan Blair, Bosh, Boozer, Zbo, Blake Griffin, and the list goes on.
He’s lucky he plays in the east as he really worries about Amare, Garrnett, Bosh, and Boozer plus a few others, but still Amare already chumped him out in NY I even saw that and was disappointed.
Grandmaster JeJe
June 25th, 2011
7:32 pm
Qyntel Woods is attending our FA Mini-Camp.
Is there any chance we’re inviting Shawn Kemp, Vin Baker, J.R. Rider, and Damon Stoudamire too?
SMDH
Buddy Grizzard
June 25th, 2011
7:38 pm
“How effective and productive he becomes will depend on LDrew” – Ken S.
I don’t think anything long term depends on LD because I don’t see him being the Hawks coach beyond next season. I’d say Benson’s future depends more on the Hawks training staff.
brigadierjerry
June 25th, 2011
7:39 pm
Ken Strickland,
I see where you are going with that. I have asked some constructive questions in regards with that questions you brought up. I think dk will be a solid player but as you have seen in my posts I am not sure he is going to have a better career than smith or horford. Derrick Williams reminds me of a more athletic Boris Diaw. I already have a friendly wager for a cold one that he wont average those #’s suggested his first year
brigadierjerry
June 25th, 2011
7:50 pm
Grandad,
Thanks for the response. Interesting you have out of Jordan the rest centers and Shaq in there as well. I cant argue with that. I wish Shaq cared about his body like Lew Alcinder i mean Kareem did, he might’ve been the best possibly. Another question. Would you rate D Wade as the third best shooting guard of all time behind jordan and kobe?Also where would you rank jason kidds in point guards of all time?
Also would you agree the NBA is changing to more of scoring point guards then ever before as oppossed to pass first point guards?
Najeh Davenpoop
June 25th, 2011
7:56 pm
Qyntel Woods did the exact same thing as Mike Vick and got 80 hours of community service instead of 2 years in jail.
SMH
Najeh Davenpoop
June 25th, 2011
8:04 pm
Some guy named Damian Saunders is also coming to Hawks mini camp. I have no idea who that is.
brigadierjerry
June 25th, 2011
8:05 pm
wow qyntel woods talk about a blast from the past. i remember when he played on the knicks. why not bring back eldrige recasner and tyrone corbin and doug edwards and priest lauderdale and the great shareef abdul raheim
JoJo the Godfather
June 25th, 2011
8:36 pm
Saunders played at Duquesne. SF. All defense, no offense.
Ray
June 25th, 2011
8:41 pm
Where is Mario West these days I actually liked him with the hawks had no offense, but man if you need defense he was there.
Ken Strickland
June 25th, 2011
9:17 pm
GRANDAD-you have to include Hakeem the Dream Shake on that list.
I might play around with trade ideas from time to time, but I’m a proponent of keeping our core together for the upcoming season. This idea of everything having to go through JJ is crazy. We need to start sharing the wealth, because it’s been far too easy for teams to disrupt us offensively by double teaming him. And what’s sad is we haven’t come with an way to make them pay.
The Bulls successfully used that strategy against us in the playoffs and we didn’t come up with a way to make them pay. Part of the problem was both JJ and Jamal’s reluctance, or unwillingness, to effectively pass out of those double teams in a timely manner. Far too often both players tried to beat those double teams with tricky ball handling.
In the end, they ended up forcing shots to beat the clock, or passing to someone else who ended up taking a bad shot to beat the clock. We need to have the ball primarily in the hands of someone who doesn’t need clearouts and time consuming ball pounding to get a good shot or get someone else a good shot. That someone should be Teague or Hinrich, not JJ.
MWilliams has proven he’s talented to be effective defensively, and average 15PPG and 6RPG. With Bibby and Jamal gone, hopefully LDrew will focus more on getting him more involved in the OFF, whether he starts or comes off the bench. Actually, if we can get last yrs production from him off the bench, while playing fewer mins, it would be great.
I really like this team and I believe we’ll be noticably improved, and here’s why:
1-Our perimeter DEF will be much improved without Bibby and Jamal,
2-Our interior DEF will be improved because of #1.
3-While I don’t know how much our OFF will improve, I do know it will be different. We’ll run more and won’t be as jumpshot or half court dependent.
4-Teague, Hinrich, Benson, and whoever we sign to replace Jamal, will make us quicker, faster, deeper and more athletic.
4-
Grandmaster JeJe
June 25th, 2011
10:20 pm
D. Williams was taken #2 overall in the NBA Draft.
I’m not talking about Deron Williams #2 to the Hawks in 2005.
I’m talking about Derrick Williams #2 to Minnesota in 2011
FIRE BILLY KNIGHT