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Atlanta Hawks: Camp candidates (Update: Full roster)

4:43 pm June 26, 2011, by Michael Cunningham

The Hawks are among the teams squeezing in a minicamp for draft picks and “street” free agents before the pending lockout. They haven’t released the full roster of names because they want to make sure the players invited show up but the following guys are expected to attend in addition to second-round draft pick Keith Benson:

Update:The Hawks released the full roster today. In addition to the players above, it includes the following free agents:

CBA rules don’t allow players under contract to participate in workouts before July 1 so Pape Sy and Magnum Rolle won’t be at the camp.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat

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Worldwide Clyde

June 26th, 2011
10:37 pm

Horford played pf in the Chicago series and still couldn’t stop anyone. Boozer was clownin’ him.

brigadierjerry

June 26th, 2011
10:42 pm

For the Thabeet and Jordan Hill believers:

“Was able to confirm reports by the Houston Chronicle that the Rockets are indeed interested in acquiring Warriors center Andris Biedrins. Houston, with Yao Ming and Chuck Hayes as their expected center options next season, are in need of a big man since Yao’s ability to play again is still suspect and Chuck Hayes, while valiant and completely useful, is probably not a starting center on a playoff team.

For Warriors fans, who have been hoping for Biedrins’ departure for some time, that means the Warriors just may be able to move Biedrins. That was once thought to be impossible considering the drastic decline in his production and the three years, $27 million he has left on his contract. But apparently, Houston is a taker.

So why is Biedrins still a Warrior you ask? While this may seem the perfect answer to the Warriors’ ills, Golden State, according to multiple sources, are not at all enamored with the Rockets’ offer thus far.

I’ve been told the Rockets have offered Hasheem Thabeet and Jordan Hill. Haven’t confirmed if they were offered as a package, but the figures add up. Thabeet, a former No. 2 overall pick, is widely regarded as someone who simply not good enough to play in the NBA and probably won’t be. There is still some hope for Jordan Hill, but he’s got a Post-It note on his back that says “stiff.”

Bottom line for the Warriors: that’s not enough.”

http://www.ibabuzz.com/warriors/2011/06/25/warriors-arent-just-giving-away-biedrins/

Hoops

June 26th, 2011
10:56 pm

What the Hawks need is a real good trade!!! Check this one out and tell me what you think! I believe the Bulls would go for it!

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=3rhwtto

Worldwide Clyde

June 26th, 2011
10:56 pm

Horford = Pretty Boy

We need more hard-nosed blue color players on our roster. Sign Jeff Foster.

SteveW

June 26th, 2011
11:11 pm

I thought Al couldn’t rebound against Chicago, because for most of the games, he was rebounding 1 against 3.

Josh Smith, whether it was LD’s get back on D or whatever, just didn’t block anyone out in some of those Chicago games.

I complained long and hard against Al, but he’s not guilty as charged on that count.

SteveW

June 26th, 2011
11:16 pm

In the Chicago series, I will say there were games where I had never seen a poorer defensive rebounding performance by any team from college to pros. The Bulls would shoot, and it was 1 against 3, the one usually being Horford.

Unless Josh was just missing assignments, I actually attribute that to poor coaching. Gibson, Noah, Boozer, Asik, and sometimes Deng looked like they were running some type of drill in practice, not a playoff game.

Weird if you ask me. It was bad.

Buddy Grizzard

June 26th, 2011
11:21 pm

Nevermind… looks like Hansbrough already has a contract to play in Germany.

Mike is back

June 26th, 2011
11:25 pm

Hoops, dude did you missed the ECF…or sumin…we had better talent than Chicago…they where just better coached…that trade still want get you out of the 2nd round of the playoff…CUZ ain’t no shot blocker in that group…Oh, I for got…at lease we still get rid Josh.

Now if you could some how get us Noah…now you talking…please spare me with low foyers for Josh trade already.

hawksfancents95

June 26th, 2011
11:34 pm

wow! have you seen the cream of the crop the hawks have coming to mini-camp? joe alexander, qyntel woods, donald sloan, vernon goodridge, marcus landry. r u kidding me? i would be ok if we signed joe alexander as maybe our 13-15th man as he is very athletic and can provide a couple minutes if damien gets hurt or if we wise up and choose to not let marvin suit up.
we need to get a quality backup PF and SG/SF.
PFs-josh mcroberts, jeff foster, chris wilcox,jared jeffries,troy murphy
SG/SF-jason kapono,mike dunleavy,jamario moon, al thornton

any of the above would give us some quality minutes and provide a different playing style which we could despeatley use.
also id like to acquire sebastian telfair to be a great backup PG in case teague or hinrich get injured, or if we want kirk to play more of a backup 2 while still playing some backup 1 and thatd give telfair some minutes without having to wait for jeff or kirk to get hurt

SteveW

June 26th, 2011
11:34 pm

Just checking the stats in the Chicago series in rebounding:

Gm 1 – About even Offensive Rebounds and Total Rebounds

Gm 2 – Chicago out rebounded us 58 – 39 and out Offensive rebounded us 14-10

Gm 3 – ATL out rebounded 47-34, and out offensive rebounded 18-9

GM 4 – Rebounds about even, but we were out offensive rebounded 12-7

Gm 5 – Rebounds about even, but we were only out rebounded on the offensive end 10-8

Gm 6 – we actually out offensive rebounded them 9-6, while tying in total rebounds.

I thought I remembered us getting pounded in some of those games.

SteveW

June 26th, 2011
11:41 pm

Wanamaker, Lighty , McCamey, Hazell – We’re on the right track.

Supposed to have about 20 guys there at the mini-camp.

Sund does want Collins back, that’s good.

Hope he get’s Wilkens, or another of those older wings that are available as well..

I still see us looking like this next season:

C- Al/ZaZa/Collins

PF – Josh/Rolle/Benson

SF – Marvin/Wilkens/Sy

SG – JJ/Mini camp guy or vet min. player

PG – Teague/Hinrich – but probably not in that order.

That’s 13 guys. We may go 14 if we are impressed with another mini-camp person. I doubt we hit 15, at least not to start the season

Najeh Davenpoop

June 27th, 2011
12:52 am

I would like to see Michael Redd, Tracy McGrady, or Josh Howard be one of those veterans minimum players the Hawks get to fill out the bench. Low risk, high reward.

And of course if they can trade Marvin for a center who can provide quality minutes or sign a center in free agency who can provide quality minutes that would be ideal.

Najeh Davenpoop

June 27th, 2011
12:54 am

I wouldn’t even mind Iverson, although his inability to play the 3 unlike those other three players mentioned above means that opportunities for him to play will be limited as the 4th player in the back court rotation, and he may not be cool with that. With Redd, T-Mac, or Josh Howard you could throw one of them out there at small forward at times while also allowing them to serve as the backup shooting guard.

QB/PG

June 27th, 2011
12:54 am

They should bring in natives of Georgia, Justin Brownlee (TIFTON) St. John’s, Casey Mitchell (SAVANNAH) W. Virginia and Kevin Anderson (Peachtree Ridge) Richmond. Not because these kids can PLAY!

The Truth

June 27th, 2011
1:29 am

FA Hawks’s players that will likely not return:

Josh Powell – F
Etan Thomas – C
Hilton Armstrong – C-F

Their replacement will likely be:

Magnum Rolle – F
Keith Benson – C/F
Upgraded bulky tough veteran frontline player – FA market (?)

“Drew said Benson can play both center and power forward. Drew said he wants the Hawks to take a “very aggressive approach” to defense next season, and Benson could help that process”

I don’t expect Benson to be ready to contribute until late in the second half of the upcoming season (if there is a season). Hopefully Magnum will be ready sooner as I am really intrigued with his background as noted from this link and the bloggers comments:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/585361-rolle-call-why-magnum-rolle-deserves-to-be-playing-in-the-nba

The Hawks seem to be silently assembling some good pieces for the future but still lack a veteran athletic “brute” in the middle to claim a “very aggressive approach” toward immediately upgrading the defense. Collins will likely be resigned but he’s a liability against some athletic frontlines. So the greenest of Magnum and Benson could be exposed against some teams if an additional “short-term” frontline acquisition is not made.

Also, while LD is occupied with upgrading the defense, I hope he doesn’t overlook the offense because as of now, the biggest gorilla in the room is Jamal Crawford situation. His scoring production must be replaced somehow if he is not resigned. Teague maturation and Captain Kirk will help but more offense will still be needed at the next level. So in addition to a big splash on defense, the Hawks also need a bold move on offense since their offense got exposed by a very good Chicago defense in the playoff. Definitely, more offensive depth is required to make a run at the ECF.

A two-for-one FA signing would be extra nice, (a FA signee that brings both a defensive toughness and an offensive game). This type of move would be radically different for the Hawks since it would shifts capital spending of the roster from the backcourt to the frontcourt. In other words, replacing Crawford scoring with a scoring “brute” in the middle would be a seismic shift. Such a move could make the Hawks ECF ready.

Buddy Grizzard

June 27th, 2011
4:22 am

“I’m with decriz. Adelman would be the ideal coach for this team among everyone who is available.” – Najeh

Also co-sign decriz. I wanted Casey and I think we all know Adelman is out of the ASG’s price range, but it’s nice to dream of the Hawks having a competent head coach.

“At some point, it should become obvious that LDrew will be our HC this season, and RSund will be our GM.” – Ken S.

Yes yes… you and Big Ray can stop reminding us ;) It’s Lame Duck and Slippery Slope for one more season. Well, maybe they last the whole season. If there’s new ownership by the time next season starts, there’s a real possibility they clean house and bring in their own people. Those two being on one year contracts makes it very economical for a new regime to come in, let them go, and install their own people right away.

“We need more hard-nosed blue color players on our roster. Sign Jeff Foster.”

Co-sign Worldwide Clyde.

“I would like to see Michael Redd, Tracy McGrady, or Josh Howard be one of those veterans minimum players the Hawks get to fill out the bench. Low risk, high reward.” – Najeh

No co-sign on T-Mac. He was one of the instigators of the Detroit mutiny. No co-sign on Iverson either… dude’s Lambroghini is still sitting in police impound. Not the sharpest tool in the shed.

yodaddy

June 27th, 2011
6:31 am

pack of scrubs

Big Ray

June 27th, 2011
6:44 am

Horford just wants to play on the offensive end. He cares nothing about defense. Hawks got beat by Chicago because we could not keep them off the boards and when Rose drove we moved out the way.

Well now, that’s interesting. Seems to me that Horford led the team in rebounding with over 10 per game in that series. And I recall seeing Rose glide past Josh Smith a bunch of times, just like he did everybody else….

Big Ray

June 27th, 2011
6:46 am

Also co-sign decriz. I wanted Casey and I think we all know Adelman is out of the ASG’s price range, but it’s nice to dream of the Hawks having a competent head coach.

You aren’t the only one who wanted Casey. I know I did (though I entertained the idea of the taskmaster-ish Avery Johnson), and I have good reason to believe that Sund did as well. But he ain’t the boss. He’s the desk puppet.

Big Ray

June 27th, 2011
6:53 am

SteveW ,

You hit the nail on the head. Al was getting 10+ boards per game, but he was by himself for the most part. Zaza was a help when he was in the game.

Here’s the deal with Smith. He averaged nearly 9 boards per game himself, but with Josh it’s all about the positioning. Dude does NOT block out, he outjumps guys for rebounds if he happens to be in the vicinity of the ball. That’s literally how he gets many of his rebounds.

On occasion, he will block out, but it’s somewhat of a rare occasion. Chicago is a highly fundamental team, especially when it comes to rebounding. If you don’t use fundamentals against them, you have no chance. Noah, Gibson, Boozer…none of those guys has a top notch standing vertical. But they position themselves very well, and they “team rebound.”

We don’t do that all the time, not even most of the time. To be honest, we are at our best in rebounding when Hinrich and Johnson are in the backcourt, Zaza and Al are down low, and Smith decides to get into the act. Otherwise, we struggle. Those guys are our best rebounders. Even Joe has to commit to it, despite the fact that he’s one of the best rebounding 2s in the league.

Big Ray

June 27th, 2011
7:02 am

Ray ,

Those that keep the Al vs. Josh thing alive I’m telling it’s Josh everyday over Horford.

All you got to do is look at both stats Josh wins in most categories. Still though I’d rather keep both then lose either one.

I’m still on the side that believe if Chicago had got into Josh’s head we get swept no questions asked, or if Josh doesn’t even play that series swept out of the house like we were with Orlando.

Really? Here are a few thoughts for you:

1) I find it strange that “Josh over Al anyday” is your conclusion. Yeah, I know Josh does a whole bunch of things. Never denied that. Look at the stats, you say? Ok. Why is Al a two-time all star and an all nba pick by the League’s coaches, but Josh still isn’t an all star? With the fans, it’s a popularity contest. With the coaches, it’s not.

2) Chicago didn’t need to get into Josh’s head. He doesn’t have it attached half the time. Rather than ask how the series would have been if he’d played worse, ask what would have happened if he had played BETTER? Again, I wonder how closely people are looking at the stats.

I agree that Horford’s offensive stats were reprehensible. But are we supposed to be overwhelmingly pleased with 15.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists with 42% shooting? Not a bad stat line, but if he’s the best guy on the team in the playoffs (like so many here keep saying he was), then that is clearly a losing team. The man should have averaged 20 ppg or more against the Bulls. They would not have been able to stop him in the post. But they didn’t have to. They guarded Al, instead.

I don’t like the idea of giving away either guy’s talents, but I also understand why some say that Al will get you back more in a trade. Because he’s the guy with the credentials.

Big Ray

June 27th, 2011
7:09 am

He may be hated for his contract, but the guys who gave the Bulls the most trouble were Jeff and Joe. Joe had 19.7 ppg, 3.2 apg, and 48.9% shooting. Teague was averaging 17 a game with over 4 assists per, on 53.7 % shooting before getting hurt in game 6.

But instead we’re talking “Josh vs. Al”. Heh…

Big Ray

June 27th, 2011
7:14 am

http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-hawks/hawks-horford-looks-to-988877.html

Say what you want, but at least the man knows his post game needs some work.

As for defense, he’s not a shot blocker, and if you didn’t know that when he came into the League, then you weren’t paying attention. What he is, is a body-up position defender.

Last I looked, defense was not just blocking shots, or guys like Thabeet would be in high demand. Tyrus Thomas would be all-nba, along with losers like Sean Williams. Yeah, you need somebody who can challenge at the rim, but you need more than that.

Part of our problem is the roster. Al is a position defense type who does not block a lot of shots. Josh is a weak-side shot blocker who has trouble closing out on stretch 4s and does not always do well in position defense. Zaza is a guy who can lay a hard foul, but practically never blocks shots and is sometimes to slow to even play position defense. Collins plays excellent position defense but gets destroyed on pick and rolls (also is not a shot-blocker).

And with the ASG/Sund doing what they usually do, I don’t know that this will change.

Big Ray

June 27th, 2011
7:15 am

And I realize that nobody else is awake…

Big Ray

June 27th, 2011
7:19 am

Someone twittered on Hoopshype that we and the Phoenix Suns are interested in bringing David Lighty to camp.

I’d welcome that over some of the names we have invited to camp…

O'Brien

June 27th, 2011
7:24 am

Clyde,

Horford how about improving your defensive game..

Did you know that Horford received the same amount of votes as Josh did for the All NBA defensive team?

Fans don’t come to see Horford shot 17-foot jumpers either..

They are not coming to see Josh shoot 3-ptrs either. Hawks ranked in the 20’s for attendance.

And they wont come to see Sean Williams sit on the bench, and wonder if he is high or not.

O'Brien

June 27th, 2011
7:27 am

If Rick was any good at his job, then our financial situation would have allowed us to actually be competitive in the FA market.

But instead, here we are, shopping at the bottom of the barrell for guys who were undrafted, played in the D-League etc.

Worldwide Clyde

June 27th, 2011
8:05 am

There yall go defending Horford again. From what I saw last year he was a liability on defense down low like Bibby was on the perimeter. Horford never gets called out but Bibby got traded.

“As for defense, he’s not a shot blocker, and if you didn’t know that when he came into the League, then you weren’t paying attention. What he is, is a body-up position defender.”

In other words he tries to push someone out the paint and if his defender rises up and shoots over him then he’s out of luck. Right? Exactly what Greg Oden did in the College Championship and what people are doing to him in the NBA.

Mike is Back

June 27th, 2011
8:16 am

Big Ray, what’s up Bro…u been on some kind of vigil…with AL…if the Hawks are going to do anything…they are going to do it as team…I thinks that’s the point Al was trying to make…HE IS…right on that point…this team could dramatically improve in every statistical category…IF THEY PLAYED…as a team.

That’s been echoed by Bibby since he got here…The rest of chatter about AL versus Josh…is follies…It’s too many exciting things going on with this organization…for us to still be stuck on the Chicago series..Things are looking up…surely we can agree on that.

Now I read a comment on blog about the Hawks bring in Aaron Gray… I like that idea…he is a BIG BODY that takes up a lot of space…Rolle and Benson can give us what would have got from Armstrong… what is your opinion…on Gray??

Trojan

June 27th, 2011
8:26 am

Al wants to play PF. But he is most effective against most centers. I hope he can be quite, develop his game and contribute to both PF and center. The Hawks can out run most teams with Al and Josh on the court at the same time.

The Hawks need ONE more TRADITIONAL center (better than Collins) and a wing shooter and they will be fine (assuming LD coaches better).

Teague and Hinrich will be the main difference in this year’s Hawks team.

Mike is Back

June 27th, 2011
8:28 am

I should throw in a disclaimer on my comment of Gray before they start to pounding me…that’s if you can’t get a Samuel Dalembert…or someone of quality…I know I beat him name up.lol

Worldwide Clyde

June 27th, 2011
8:34 am

“I thinks that’s the point Al was trying to make…HE IS…right on that point…this team could dramatically improve in every statistical category…IF THEY PLAYED…as a team.”

They gotta play as a team on defense too. If a guard gets beat Horford has to be there to help defend the basket instead of standing around looking.

Vol_In_Ohio

June 27th, 2011
8:44 am

It just seems impossible to tell who will be good in the NBA after college outside of maybe a handful of players each year. Alexander and Landry were so good in college.

David Lighty was only going to work out for a limited number of teams (supposedly two) and the Hawks were one of those. Seems like a Damien Wilkins kind of guy that could catch on.

John

June 27th, 2011
8:54 am

Big Ray,

Al was an All-Star and All-NBA 3rd team because he can be listed as a center. There is not way he makes either if he has to be listed as a PF. At center, his only legitimate competition is Dwight Howard. Al is a very good player, but I think 100% that Josh is ultimately the better player despite his occasional lapses.

Slimjr

June 27th, 2011
9:01 am

“drmaryb, it will be interesting to see if the Hawks can truly improve toward contending for an ECF..

Two indicators will give us some insight:

1- Will they take that abysmal 13-26 record against +.500 teams and flip that? Say 26-13?
2- Will they be able to compete out West and come away with a winning record against that superior conference..

I say no to both if the core is still intact to lace it up next season…

* Link
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Slimjr

June 27th, 2011
9:03 am

“Also, everyone says Al is a better defender one on one than Josh. But Josh has a bigger impact on the game defensively than Al. So how is Al a better defender? In my mind at BEST for Al they’re a wash offensively (even though I think Josh is a better play maker and passer). Al has a better jump shot of course. But Josh is a better post player and seems draws more fouls than Al and Joe combined. They’re the same age. And truly in the last 3 years you can say Josh has improved more than Al has. I truly don’t see Al being more than Okafor, except for with a jump shot. So if one must go, he goes first.

Also everyone questions Josh’s IQ. But if Al can’t see he’s CLEARLY more productive at the center position than when he’s at the PF position.

Also anyone who thinks that Chicago designed a defense to stop Horford is on something serious. Chicago just played Horford up tight and gave him the drive with Carlos Boozer. If Horford can’t beat Boozer off of the dribble consistently, then what other PF can he beat from the elbow?”

@Ra’mon, interesting observation..You nailed it Sir!!
Some will never get it, IQ and all..Pride has a way of blinding…But its their right to dream on about this dude….

Josh is a superior defender. Sund should have shop All NBA for that #2 pick!

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Slimjr

June 27th, 2011
9:06 am

“They gotta play as a team on defense too. If a guard gets beat Horford has to be there to help defend the basket instead of standing around looking.”

ALL NBA is too slow of foot/reaction time to make a difference in the paint

O'Brien

June 27th, 2011
9:51 am

Clyde,

It’s not about defending Al. Its about stating facts. The fact is, Al received votes for All NBA defense, and he received the same amount of votes as Josh.

So why would he receive votes if he was a “liability on defense down low like Bibby was on the perimeter.”?

It is your opinion that Al is not very good on defense. But it is also your opinion that Sean Williams should be playing in the NBA.

For what its worth, I do think Al needs to work on his overall game, but he is not the only one with room for improvement, and he is not the only reason why the Hawks lost.

The entire team has issues (Ownership, Management, Coaches and players).

Michael Cunningham

June 27th, 2011
10:01 am

Blog updates with full camp roster.

hawks_4_life

June 27th, 2011
10:24 am

M.C. did anyone stand out of the crowd so far?

Michael Cunningham

June 27th, 2011
10:37 am

#hawks_4_life: “M.C. did anyone stand out of the crowd so far?”

they haven’t opened up the camp yet.

Melvin

June 27th, 2011
10:39 am

Looking at the roster invitees, seems as if the Hawks are looking for help at SF. I like the kid from Illonis Demetri McCamey. He may left school too early but he has some skills…

hawks_4_life

June 27th, 2011
10:42 am

Roger…..

hawks_4_life

June 27th, 2011
10:43 am

M.C. by the way you missed an awesome beerfeast here in the land of the beers (Belgium).

Melvin

June 27th, 2011
10:57 am

I wouldn’t mind seeing the Hawks pursue Vince Carter. Put him at the 2 and Joe at the 3. Vince could be the other scoring threat to take some presser off of Joe.

Prison Mike

June 27th, 2011
11:18 am

MC,

Please keep us updated on Bensons current weight if applicable, than you sir.

Ken Strickland

June 27th, 2011
11:22 am

CLYDE-You’re my boy, but you’ve got to get a grip and get beyond your delusions, or whatever personal issues you have. Anyone who would prefer SWilliams over AHorford is definitely delusional. Is this the same SWilliams who wasn’t good enough to make an NBA roster, or did I miss something? Evidently I missed the part where he used his time at the rehad facility to elevate his gm to NBA levels.

And to say AHorford, who led the team in rebounds, tied for assists, and was 2nd in blocks, was the cause of the Hawks demise against the Bulls proves you’re missing something. If you feel rebounding was our main problem against the Bulls, why would you criticize our leading rebounder and blame him for the problem? WHERE’S THE LOGIC?

BIG RAY-you’ve been on a roll my friend. It’s too bad it will all fall on the deaf ears of those who need to embrace and understand it the most.

CLYDE-I’ve much rather be accused of defending AHorford, a 2 time All Star and 3rd team All NBA, than be accused of defending SWilliams, a, well, a, recovering addict.

vdunkndunk

June 27th, 2011
11:27 am

I think Joe Alexander and Brad Wannamaker are interesting invites.

terrell

June 27th, 2011
11:37 am

Didnt know Alexander was in the D-League. Wow! And we like to cream our picks. lol! Come to think of it, we’ve got a #2 overall who’ll probably be out of the League when his contract is up. Forgot about him. Haha

SteveW

June 27th, 2011
11:43 am

League Coach’s gave Al 3 votes for 1st team All Defense. And 1 vote for 2nd team.

As much as I like you guys, I’m going to take the opinion of the Head Coach’s who watch game film for hours, and actually play their teams against these guys, and see them from courtside, over any blogger here’s opinion.

It’d be one thing if Al received 1 or 2 votes, but 4 Coach’s that think he’s one of the best defender’s in the NBA? I’ll take their word that Al is a very good defender.

And only 42 guys received any votes at all, of over 400 guys in the League on 30 teams.

We had 4 of those 42. Al, Josh, JJ, and Kirk

Only 34 guys received 1st place votes from these 30 teams.

We had 3 of the 34 – Al (3 1st team votes), Josh and JJ with 1 each.

Maybe that’s why we were 9th in the League in points allowed. And we can be even better, alot better, I think everybody here will acknowledge that.

But stop with the Al is a bad defender stuff. He’s not. But he sure needs to be about 10 lbs. heavier, and a step quicker if he’s going to be elite. But he’s very fundamentally sound.

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