Atlanta Hawks: Camp candidates (Update: Full roster)
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:
- Joe Alexander (6-8, F), the 2008 lottery pick by the Bucks who didn’t have his rookie contract extended and later was traded to Chicago. The Hornets waived him last November and he ended up with Texas in the D-League.
- Qyntel Woods (6-8, G/F) is the 2002 first-round pick by Portland who last played in the league for the Knicks in 2005-06. He most recently played for the Polish club Asseco Prokom.
- Marcus Landry (6-7, F), the Wisconsin product who had three brief NBA stints in 2009-10. He played for Reno last season.
- Donald Sloan (6-3, G) is a Texas A&M product who played last season with Reno of the D-League.
- Vernon Goodridge (6-9,F) was the fifth pick in the 2010 D-League draft. He played for Maine and Springfield.
Update:The Hawks released the full roster today. In addition to the players above, it includes the following free agents:
- Zach Graham (6-6, G), the Peachtree Ridge High product.
- Demonte Harper (6-4, G), whose name sounds painfully familiar.
- Jeremy Hazell (6-5, G) of Seton Hall.
- Dontell Jefferson (6-4, G), a five-year vet of the D-League.
- Ivan Johnson (6-8, F), who has played 94 games in the D-League.
- David Lighty (6-5, G), who was ranked No. 35 among 2011 prospects by DraftExpress.com.
- Demetri McCamey, who was the No.50-ranked 2011 prospect by DraftExpress.com.
- Eniel Polynice (6-5, G), who played at Seton Hall last season after transferring from Ole Miss.
- Matt Rogers (6-11, F), who played last season for Texas in the D-League.
- Omar Samhan (6-11, C), the St. Mary’s product who played for Zagaris in the Euroleague last season.
- Damian Saunders (6-7, F), who was ranked No. 69 among 2011 prospects by DraftExpress.com.
- Malcolm Thomas (6-9, F), who was ranked No. 60 among 2011 prospects by DraftExpress.com.
- Brad Wanamaker, who was ranked No. 41 among 2011 prospects by DraftExpress.com.
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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218 comments Add your comment
EmirS ("One of my main objectives this summer is to take a very aggressive defensive approach" -Larry Drew)
June 26th, 2011
4:51 pm
FIRST!
EmirS ("One of my main objectives this summer is to take a very aggressive defensive approach" -Larry Drew)
June 26th, 2011
4:51 pm
Alright finally got one!
Grandmaster JeJe
June 26th, 2011
5:00 pm
FIRE SUND
DHD
June 26th, 2011
5:02 pm
Big news. I will have to tell all my friends. We’ll party.
Grandmaster JeJe
June 26th, 2011
5:06 pm
Wow @ us having Pape Sy, Magnum Rolle, and one of these no-names on our roster next year.
Might as well Write It Off as a 1st round exit and 44 win season.
SMMFH
Ray
June 26th, 2011
5:12 pm
Some these guys I’m okay with but the Woods guy are you serious what is that a joke.
decriz
June 26th, 2011
5:16 pm
can we get Rick Adelman already!
it’s not the players! it’s the coach!
Buddy Grizzard
June 26th, 2011
5:31 pm
No Ben Hansbrough? We need a shooter with JC1 gone.
Grandad
June 26th, 2011
5:37 pm
Joe Alexander is interesting.
He had a very good year in D-League.
Really athletic for a white guy.
[not racist, only statin' a fact]
* I’m whiter’n bleached milk.
(but don’t hold that against me)
Big Ray
June 26th, 2011
5:42 pm
Lol @ Grandad
Najeh Davenpoop
June 26th, 2011
5:48 pm
I’m more interested in the undrafted players from this year who are attending, which the Hawks apparently don’t want us to know. So far I have heard Demetri McCamey, Damian Saunders, and Jeremy Hazell.
JoJo the Godfather
June 26th, 2011
6:01 pm
And David Lighty was to choose between Atlanta & Phoenix.
decriz
June 26th, 2011
6:03 pm
Joe Alexander is a great invite! remeber this guy was a lottery pick. people have written him off but he still has a chance to make it. he could be a low risk spot on the roster who could pay off huge later on.
Greg Smith wasn’t drafted by any NBA team he should also be invited to camp.
Hey the coaching staff only usually needs 6 fouls from his position so he could fit the bill. But he has great potential and could be better than powell & armstrong (motivation problem) or thomas (over the hill). Twin has to stay, he’s damn too effective and useful to let go.
decriz
June 26th, 2011
6:07 pm
Joe Alexander yoohoo!!!
decriz
June 26th, 2011
6:11 pm
hey Atlanta Hawks! grow the balls to get Rick Adelman over!! dammit!
after getting Rick Adelman, you’re gonna get a whole better team.
yes, that means:
1. a better Joe Johnson
2. a better Al Horford
3. a better Jeff Teague
4. a better Kirk Hinrich
5. a better Marvin Williams
6. a better Josh Smith (maybe not, hehehe)
that’s all the personnel you need right there!
can even survive losing Jamal.
Come on! get Rick Adelman!!!
ILL-Logical
June 26th, 2011
6:16 pm
Thanks for the update MC. With the impeding lockout and sale of the club, this summer promises to be an interesting time. Continue your good work!
decriz
June 26th, 2011
6:17 pm
Remember, Rick Adelman is the guy that turned a team that just lost Yao Ming and T-Mac and made them still play competitively.
He’s the guy who can effectively utilize an undersized, 6-4 without shoes, average wingspan, bad foul shooting center in Chuck Hayes.
He’s the guy who can guide young talented point guards to the light, just like he did with Aaron Brooks (most improved player) and Kyle Lowry (vastly improved).
Offensive genius AND he can utilize the great passing skills of our big men, Al and Josh who are some of the best passing bigs in the league right now! He’ our cure for ISO-Joe (the man without “scoring balls” and i mean cojones).
Get this genius on board.
He may cost some but he’s every bit worth the penny!
Ray
June 26th, 2011
6:29 pm
Maybe during the mid-season @ decriz cause I’m not really behind LD either it seems he just talks the talk, but can’t really walk the walk.
I know that sounds unfair, but I’ll give him one more season at most if he doesn’t discipline these guys when they do retarded things like Iso(Joe looking at you), or jack up jumpers(Josh), don’t play hard enough(Al somewhat) then I expect him to be gone, and also develop our players. Teague is that one time I’m glad we didn’t get rid of him cause I can see him going somewhere and just take off like a Rocket(no pun intended).
UGA
June 26th, 2011
6:47 pm
I read Lighty is coming this week to the Hawks
Justin
June 26th, 2011
6:58 pm
Landry could play some ball in wisky. Wouldn’t mind his defensive effort as a practice guy. Never been high on Alexander. Not crazy about drew, but the real problem is Rick Sund. That guy is an idiot. No doubt in my mind anyone who has the slightest knowledge of the NBA and a pulse would do a better job.
Justin
June 26th, 2011
7:02 pm
Ray, I strongly disagree that Al doesn’t play hard enough.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 26th, 2011
7:35 pm
Brad Wanamaker is also coming to Hawks free agent camp.
Nathan
June 26th, 2011
7:38 pm
We really needed that trade to get Josh out of here. I like Al better at the 4 and we could of traded Josh for alot of centers in the NBA. If Chandler goes in FA get rid of Jamal and get him. Im sure Hinrich and MArvin can get the job done off the becnh and teague starting. I like larry Drew i just hope to see more Sy this year too.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 26th, 2011
7:40 pm
According to @AlexKennedyNBA, it’s the players mentioned above in MC’s post as well as Wanamaker and Demetri McCamey. I don’t know where that leaves Jeremy Hazell, Damian Saunders, and David Lighty who have all been rumored to be a part of this camp.
Worldwide Clyde
June 26th, 2011
7:51 pm
FIRE SUND
They need to invite Sean Williams to camp.
Worldwide Clyde
June 26th, 2011
8:00 pm
TRADE HORFORD
In that new article on AJC Horford is talking about improving his offensive game. “Horford said he plans to focus on improving his post game by developing a counter-move to go along with his right-handed hook shot.”
SHAKING MY GOT DAM HEAD
Horford how about improving your defensive game. You are near last in blocks and taking charges among starting centers. When guards drive to the basket you move out the way instead of blocking the shot. Your offensive game is alright but you really need to work on how to help protect the basket this off season. Hit Dikembe Mutombo on twitter or something.
Grandmaster JeJe
June 26th, 2011
8:09 pm
Co-Sign Worldwide Clyde @ 8:00 pm
FIRE LD
Ray
June 26th, 2011
8:17 pm
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.
decriz
June 26th, 2011
8:18 pm
idiot idea to consider giving away josh smith. losing him will put the hawks several years back.
Josh Smith is the only reason Atlantans come to see any Hawks games. They never show up to watch iso-Joe and his boring, over rated play. Fans come to see Josh play, hustle and excite. Teague could be another crowd drawer now, depending on the idiot Drew.
Worldwide Clyde
June 26th, 2011
8:21 pm
Fans don’t come to see Horford shot 17-foot jumpers either.
FIRE LD
decriz
June 26th, 2011
8:24 pm
What this team and Josh really needs is a veteran coach with excellent credentials who is capable of commanding respect and really does command respect to guide them to the next level.
The guys will respect his history/resume/track record.
The guys will respect his basketball intelligence and will facilitate them into buying into the systems offensively and defensively.
They will find themselves listening to his guidance and maturing as ball players.
Man, I can keep goin on and on…get Rick Adelman already!!
It’s the best personnel move the Hawks can make right now!!
Ray
June 26th, 2011
8:28 pm
I don’t care who the hawks get at HC just someone not from within is all. This is assuming that LD is cut loose after this season.
decriz
June 26th, 2011
8:28 pm
just try…
try imagining it…
Rick Adelman as Hawks head coach…
How do you think Teague will play?… think vast improvement. How do you think he utilizes and makes the most of Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, Kirk Hinrich even Al Horford? Maximizing offensive talent.
How do you see him getting maximum hustle from Josh Smith like he gets from Chuck Hayes?
RICK ADELMAN to ATLANTA!
decriz
June 26th, 2011
9:02 pm
Kito Benson is a damn good pick at 48!
I hope the idiot at head coach lets him play, learn and grow into THE Hawks Man-in-the-Middle of the future.
Steven A.
June 26th, 2011
9:04 pm
Hawks will sign free agent center Aaron Gray immediately after the lockout
to replace Hilton Armstrong….
Dap01
June 26th, 2011
9:20 pm
With all of these names being floated, I expect the tickets sales to really pick up. Great news! This is an exciting time to be a Hawks fan.
Our management is sluggish, our coaching is 2nd rate and our owners are cheap, cheap, cheap.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 26th, 2011
9:26 pm
I’m with decriz. Adelman would be the ideal coach for this team among everyone who is available.
Ken Strickland
June 26th, 2011
9:41 pm
At some point, it should become obvious that LDrew will be our HC this season, and RSund will be our GM. I guess anyone crazy enough to want AHorford traded could have trouble giving LDrew a chance to finish the last yr of his contract. He’s had a yr to adjust to being a HC, impliment his MOTION OFF, and deal with certain players and situations from a HC perspective.
If he learns from his mistakes, gets more proactive with his players, and overcomes his bias against rookies and younger players, we could end up with something special.
Mike is back
June 26th, 2011
9:43 pm
Grandad, I agree Alexander is intriguing…he can score the basketball…I think if he has improved defensively…he could have a shot.
Prison Mike
June 26th, 2011
9:48 pm
This particular group, I don’t know man but min. players are out there like Earl Boykins would be good signings. Jeff Foster could probably be had for the vet minimum as well.
Prison Mike
June 26th, 2011
9:49 pm
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=FreeAgents-11-12
Prison Mike
June 26th, 2011
9:50 pm
You know what Telfair would be a very good signing if we can get him under radar.
drmaryb (*_*)
June 26th, 2011
9:54 pm
It Takes Two!
Well, Mike is Back, and I for one am always glad to see that!
Mike, we’ve had a Christain, a Priest, a Twin, Tito Jr, now Kito and a Landlord … We’ve had two Joshes, and two Williams, so I guess two Joe’s is not out of the question.
drmaryb (*_*)
June 26th, 2011
9:55 pm
Mike, That is just too much Good Stuff!
GradyBaby
June 26th, 2011
10:05 pm
Come on guys! Enough of the ADELMAN talk! This franchise will never change:
1. Josh Smith is not getting traded
2. Joe Johnson will always be a quiet player/non leader
3. We will never get a GM that takes risks/unless we get 1 OWNER
4. We will continue to draft/rdae for FORWARDS
5. We will never have high expectations as a franchise
This is just the way Atlanta Hawks basketball is and will always be unless the entire face of this organization changes.
The defenition of INSANITY – Keep doing the same things over and over agin and EXPECTING A DIFFERENT RESULT.
WHEN WILL THE INSANITY STOP?????
PROBABLY NEVER!!!
Mike is back
June 26th, 2011
10:11 pm
Ken Strick, after the sale of the team…the ASG…will be minority owners…given the level of ineptitude…surely there will some type of changes…especially if there is a lock out.
Alderman would be the perfect match to go with new owners.
ILL-Logical
June 26th, 2011
10:21 pm
I’m sure it would have helped but I don’t think that was the difference,” Horford said. “My game is predicated on how my team is doing as a whole and how we are playing together. When we play together and we have high assists you see my production go up usually. We had a couple games where we started to play the right way and we got away from it and it affected the way that I play”
Huh??? So it was his teamates fault that he didn’t play well against Chicago? So how does he explain his performance against the Magic; or last season’s playoffs and the year before against the dreaded Kurt Thomas?
Houston, we may have a problem here.
Grandmaster JeJe
June 26th, 2011
10:27 pm
LOL @ Ill-Logical
Horf = soft
Smoove = immature
Joe = choke in Playoffs
Mike is back
June 26th, 2011
10:32 pm
Hey, one is still allowed to dream…Right…what tha heck.lol
What up drmaryb…still laughing at yo blog folk!!!!!!!!!!
Worldwide Clyde
June 26th, 2011
10:32 pm
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.
FIRE LD
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
* Report this comment
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!
* Link
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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.
decriz
June 27th, 2011
11:46 am
Hiring Rick Adelman will pay for itself.
That’s the kind of investment he is.
He is not a cost. He is an investment with real and palpable returns.
Rick Adelman will give you a whole new team, and upgraded team with the SAME PERSONNEL.
Guys will play better with him. The team will play better with him at the helm. It’s that simple.
When a Rick Adelman becomes available, you don’t sit on the fence and say, “We’ll see…” or “Let’s give our guy a chance, let him finish his contract..” That’s BS.
When Rick Adelman becomes available, you become DECISIVE and hire the guy. Get him into the organization. Give him the reigns.
Have the balls. Make the move.
The hiring will pay for itself and more.
That’s the bottomline right? To make more.
And the best way for that to happen right now, is not to get “new” players or stars or roleplayers…
The best way to make more money for this organization is to get a top-notch coach who is unbelievably available right now.
To the owners: Grow the brains and the balls to make this hiring move. It’s so obvious. It will pay for itself.
On another note:
I’m excited about Kito Benson coming over. I can already imagine a “no-fly zone” block party for Smoove and Kito. Man, I dare you to drive in our lane! Yeah! I just hope he gets groomed properly this time and not wait for circumstances (e.g. injuries) to push Benson into relevance.
SteveW
June 27th, 2011
11:47 am
Dave Pendegraft has shown me he knows talent.
Teague at #19 – I like
Jordan Crawford at #27 – I like
Sy in the 50’s – I like
Benson at #48 – It remains to be seen, but he’s doing the right things. 7th ranked Senior according to Draftexpress. Not bad picking #48.
Rolle – I like. His reviews are impressing me more and more.
This list of FA invitees I like. I would like to see Gary Flowers and Greg Smith on there, but I can’t complain about the rest.
No wonder Pendegraft is being interviewed to be a GM by other teams. He looks like he knows talent.
KevinM
June 27th, 2011
11:52 am
Josh or Al this year….we don’t move forward with both on this roster.
MC, has Sund said anything about Wilkens and his status? If so, can we just pencil him in ahead of Marvin? We have seen the best of Marvin, so anything over 20 mpg shows this team has a huge weakness. I don’t see Marvin taking on the JC1 role.
Also, let us know how Joe Alexander looks…that’s an interesting option should he be able to play the 3. David Lighty might have some offensive game.
Fact is, none of these guys are going to be in the regular rotation, but can they produce in small spurts? I would think these spurts would have to be on the defensive end. Can we secure these guys to come to camp and then have ownership of them to develop if needed in the D-League Utah team?
I sure wish we could generate a Joe Johnson rumor..in fact, if Joe was under consideration by management that he would need to be moved, what package makes us better with Joe leaving his SG spot? We would have to get a guard in return, even if it was a young shooting guard. Stephen Jackson does make some sense as a cheaper option.
Is it me or will it take a couple of moves this offseason to make us a contender? Moving Josh puts Al in his natural position and we will have dependencies from the C position. We move Joe and we have issues giving someone else that many minutes.
hawksfancents95
June 27th, 2011
11:52 am
PG-teague/hinrich
SG-johnson/sy
SF-smith/williams/wilkins
PF-horford/rolle
C-pachulia/benson/collins
id like to see mcCamey sign with us as our 3rd PG option. i think we could use a FA PF to backup Horford, idk if rolle is quite backup material yet. also how would y’all feel about trading marvin williams for travis outlaw? they both didnt live to their contracts and they both have a few more years left(i think travis has 1 year more than marv) the change of scenery might benefit both and mayb NJ could give us a future 2nd for the trade. i hope we go 15 to start the season because we would have a great roster and pickins in mid/late season are slim.
PG-teague/hinrich/mccamey
SG-johnson/sy/FA signee-moon/lighty
SF-smith/outlaw/wilkens
PF-horford/FA signee-mcroberts/wilcox/rolle
C-pachulia/benson/collins
we will claim our spot back as fourth in the east behind Mia, Bos, Chi in 2011-2012
2nd round exit game 7 loss my prediction*/ does al know if he plays PF he wont make the allstar team? josh smith will make the all star team with a over 50% fg percentage
ILL-Logical
June 27th, 2011
11:53 am
MC, help me to understand something. A player who is a 2 time ALL Star and 3rd Team ALL Pro at Center is asking for and receiving consideration for a position change that A) doesn’t involve a position of weakness for the team like PG or SFand B) has not been demonstrated over time to make the team more effective on the floor.
What is the rationale for saying that it it is the player’s “natural position”? Is the player’s comfort level more important than the Team’s success or are there other issues involved that have not been brought to light?
SteveW
June 27th, 2011
11:53 am
Whoever said sign Aaron Gray, I co-sign that. He’s about the best you can afford for the vet. min. at C in this years class.
I’ like to see us take a shot at Alex Ajinca also.
But I think we are the step below vet. min. guys this season.
We are in undrafted free agent, 2nd round pick, and D League territory. The cost is about half of the vet. min. guys.
SteveW
June 27th, 2011
11:56 am
“I’” should be “I’d” in my last post
JoJo the Godfather
June 27th, 2011
11:58 am
How did Samhan look last year? Forgot about him. I also like Lighty and Malcolm Thomas.
Ra'mon
June 27th, 2011
12:00 pm
KenS, sorry but Clyde has a point. How much do you remember seeing Al in the LANE during the Chicago series? Rather on offense or defense, he always seemed to be on the elbow until after a shot goes up. So he really mainly only got long rebounds. So he wasn’t BATTLING for positioning often during that series.
Also you say he’s second in blocks, but if you take away the blocks Al gets on a handful of point guards, he really doesn’t have many blocks. On offense, Al doesn’t battle. And on defense Al doesn’t battle. Multiple times we saw Josh block or altar 2-3 shots in one sequence under the goal ALONE during the Chicago series. When the last time we saw Al have a stance like that under the goal? When the last time Al drew a charge? If you can’t block shots, and can’t draw a charge, you may as well be a SF.
I’m so tired of people acting as if its cool to criticize Josh for EVERYTHING he does. If Josh shot 75% from the field, we’d have someone talk about the 25% that he missed. But when we have the audacity to say precious (overrated) Al needs to step up, or played like a girl during the playoffs, then its blasphemous.
Truth be told, in the last 3 seasons, Josh has been the best player in the playoffs for the Hawks (and this year he was on a bad knee).
Big Ray, please do not use the excuse that Al is an all star or All NBA. Because Al is listed as a center, and theres no other player there who is even respectable now. Lopez and Bogut both have regressed in the last two years, and Yao Ming is for ever hurt, so he has no choice. At the forward slot, he’s possibly the 9th best FORWARD in the east (remember the allstar isn’t for sf/pf, its for forwards collective). And if Stoudamire was listed as a C more, than he wouldn’t even be considered.
Horford is soft, and has been that way since he injured TJ Ford on the freak play. Every since that game he doesn’t seem to go and make a wild, all out play much (except for the second half of the Chicago game during the regular season).
SteveW
June 27th, 2011
12:00 pm
I believe 1 or 2 of the McCamey, Lighty, Wanamaker (or another G) will make the roster this season.
And an Alexander or a Malcolm Thomas may as well, if we carry 15 players.
Lighty could possibly turn into Kyle Korver.
Again, I like our young direction. You could make an argument vets are the way to go to get to the next level. But maybe these young guys hunger and desire will push our vets a little, I don’t know.
But we have a very bad Coach for younger players, unless he changes an awful lot.
Slimjr
June 27th, 2011
12:01 pm
“MC, help me to understand something. A player who is a 2 time ALL Star and 3rd Team ALL Pro at Center is asking for and receiving consideration for a position change that A) doesn’t involve a position of weakness for the team like PG or SFand B) has not been demonstrated over time to make the team more effective on the floor.
What is the rationale for saying that it it is the player’s “natural position”? Is the player’s comfort level more important than the Team’s success or are there other issues involved that have not been brought to light?”
Wheres the Logic???? All NBA AL??? Jettison the core Scottie!! Make it so…..
SteveW
June 27th, 2011
12:09 pm
When your just a Hawks fan, and try to be brutally objective and try to point out each players strength’s and weakness’s, it becomes very obvious that Josh has alot of guys who will overlook most of his faults, and attack other players and bloggers to keep the focus off of Josh.
Josh is many of our blogger’s favorite player, so when people just state the obvious, they are attacked as being anti-Josh.
Being truthful about the situation is really the best option. Acknowledge Josh’s weakness’s, and don’t try to magnify other players faults to protect Josh.
He’s a cool dude – no need for protection. We all know he’s enormously talented. And we all know he can be a head case at times. And we all know that if he harness’s his talent, he’ll be an All Star.
Slimjr
June 27th, 2011
12:12 pm
“KenS, sorry but Clyde has a point. How much do you remember seeing Al in the LANE during the Chicago series? Rather on offense or defense, he always seemed to be on the elbow until after a shot goes up. So he really mainly only got long rebounds. So he wasn’t BATTLING for positioning often during that series.
Also you say he’s second in blocks, but if you take away the blocks Al gets on a handful of point guards, he really doesn’t have many blocks. On offense, Al doesn’t battle. And on defense Al doesn’t battle. Multiple times we saw Josh block or altar 2-3 shots in one sequence under the goal ALONE during the Chicago series. When the last time we saw Al have a stance like that under the goal? When the last time Al drew a charge? If you can’t block shots, and can’t draw a charge, you may as well be a SF.
I’m so tired of people acting as if its cool to criticize Josh for EVERYTHING he does. If Josh shot 75% from the field, we’d have someone talk about the 25% that he missed. But when we have the audacity to say precious (overrated) Al needs to step up, or played like a girl during the playoffs, then its blasphemous.
Truth be told, in the last 3 seasons, Josh has been the best player in the playoffs for the Hawks (and this year he was on a bad knee).
Big Ray, please do not use the excuse that Al is an all star or All NBA. Because Al is listed as a center, and theres no other player there who is even respectable now. Lopez and Bogut both have regressed in the last two years, and Yao Ming is for ever hurt, so he has no choice. At the forward slot, he’s possibly the 9th best FORWARD in the east (remember the allstar isn’t for sf/pf, its for forwards collective). And if Stoudamire was listed as a C more, than he wouldn’t even be considered.
Horford is soft, and has been that way since he injured TJ Ford on the freak play. Every since that game he doesn’t seem to go and make a wild, all out play much (except for the second half of the Chicago game during the regular season).”
SAY IT @RA’MON!! SAY IT RA’MON & DONT BE SORRY CAUSE THIS GUY IS OVERRATED!!!!!
ALL NBA AL IS ONE OF THE MOST OVERRATED PLAYERS IN THE GAME TODAY!!!
ONE OF EM SHOULD HAVE BEEN TRADED,PREFERABLY ALL NBA FOR THE #2 PICK WHO IS LIGHT YEARS AHEAD OF ALLSTAR-TITO JR OFFENSIVELY WITH A POST UP GAME, MID RANGE JUMPER ON THE MOVE AND SHOT 56.8% FROM 333333333333333333333333~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KevinM
June 27th, 2011
12:15 pm
“But we have a very bad Coach for younger players, unless he changes an awful lot.” SteveW
Steve, you can’t expect this to happen. Drew is as arrogant and confident in his ways and his predecessor. He is more like Woody than not like him. Why do you think both existed for 7 years? Drew basically is an extension of Woody. He isn’t changing now.
And for anyone who has slotted Teague over Hindrich, don’t get your hopes up. Hindrich isn’t starting only if he is injured. Drew has shown all his cards already. There is no mystery left in his decision making. There’s a reason he might be the lowest paid coach in the league.
I gotta think 90% of the coaches in this league get more out of this team than Drew would.
Ra'mon
June 27th, 2011
12:16 pm
I’m definitely a fan of Lighty out of that group. I was a fan of drafting him. Now the Hawks may have a win/win situation. before the injury Lighty was a low lottery pick. He’s just gaining his athleticism back with the explosiveness. He can at least give the minimum things that Chills gave.
Slimjr
June 27th, 2011
12:17 pm
LARRY= 40-45 WINS…..6 SEED???
Ra'mon
June 27th, 2011
12:18 pm
SteveW, if you substitute the name Al for Josh in your last post, you’re 100% correct.
Rod from College Park
June 27th, 2011
12:22 pm
Anybody defending Al Horford defensively in the playoffs, really can’t be watching the games. I truly have never seen a center who allows so many layups by point guards as Al has in the playoffs. Derrick Rose, Jameer Nelson and Brandon Jennings have literally attacked Al at the glass over the last two years in the playoffs, and I seriously can not remember one time where Al was succesful in stopping them. It’s like he takes the wrong angle everytime. I don’t remember him putting any of the guys on their backs one time either. For those who keep harping on Al’s rebounding in the playoffs, Josh averaged 1 less rebound while mostly playing the small forward position in the playoffs, which nost of the time had him on the perimeter guarding Deng, and Turk. Al being an All Star is one of the reasons why more should be expected. He should be producing more than the never an All Star Josh. Sorry, but that is just not the case.
Slimjr
June 27th, 2011
12:28 pm
“When your just a Hawks fan, and try to be brutally objective and try to point out each players strength’s and weakness’s, it becomes very obvious that ALL NBA AL has alot of guys who will overlook most of his faults, and attack other players and bloggers to keep the focus off of ALLSTAR-TITO JR.
ALL NBA AL is many of our blogger’s favorite player, so when people just state the obvious, they are attacked as being anti-ALLSTAR-TITO JR.
Being truthful about the situation is really the best option. Acknowledge ALL NBA AL’s weakness’s, and don’t try to magnify other players faults to protect ALLSTAR-TITO JR.
He’s a cool dude – no need for protection. We all know he’s enormously talented. And we all know he can be a head case at times. And we all know that if he harness’s his talent(FIND SOME HANDLES AND A POST GAME), he’ll be AN REAL All Star.”
sort of like this Ra’mon?? lol (editing is tough) lol
Ra'mon
June 27th, 2011
12:29 pm
Slim, that’s a lot better.
Grandad
June 27th, 2011
12:34 pm
I am very pleased to hear about the additions of:
Wannamaker & Samham.
Wannamaker is a tough nut, while Samham has good size,
and is a true low post.
[I remember alot of you fellows last year wanting to draft O.S.]
As for Lighty, I think I would just as soon bring back Mario West.
(nothing against DL / MW is still fairly young but has much more exp)
On Joe Alexander = upgrade over Josh Powell.
If he would re-invent himself as a defensive stopper;
he would earn alot of money in the league.
(I should be his agent) – [some of these kids just don't get it]
On Aaron Gray:
Big Guy…I’ve always liked him…Pitt guys are tough & hard nosed.
Stats are very good…per 40 min adjusted.
[15.5 rebs per 40 adj.] also [57 % shooting percentage]
I still think ( and hope for) we should make a run for Ajinca.
Bring in as many 7 foot plussers as we can find;
hopefully we find one who can defend the rim,
or at the very least Rebound.
How sweet thinking about a diamond who could do both.
Rod from College Park
June 27th, 2011
12:40 pm
“SteveW, if you substitute the name Al for Josh in your last post, you’re 100% correct.”
PREACH!!!!!!!!!
Josh is bashed more that any other player on the Hawks team. Horford has always gotten a pass until this year, when some of the more astute bloggers on this blog noticed how his game has fallen off. The facts can not be argued. Horford has been MIA in the playoffs the last two years. This year he rebounded well, but his offensive game was non-existent, and he was well below his season averages. Teams took away his offense without double teaming him, and just crowded him and allowed him to drive, which he can’t do. Point guards have attacked him relentlessly at the rim over the last two years in the playoffs with great success. Josh’s post season numbers are pretty much the same in the playoffs over the past two seasons as they have been during the regular season. Al’s are not. No way around that. One guy, has done his job in the playoffs, the other has not. One guy is an All Star, the other is not. The all star has not shown up in the playoffs, and the guy who is not an all star has. Period.
Slimjr
June 27th, 2011
12:49 pm
““SteveW, if you substitute the name Al for Josh in your last post, you’re 100% correct.”
PREACH!!!!!!!!!
Josh is bashed more that any other player on the Hawks team. Horford has always gotten a pass until this year, when some of the more astute bloggers on this blog noticed how his game has fallen off. The facts can not be argued. Horford has been MIA in the playoffs the last two years. This year he rebounded well, but his offensive game was non-existent, and he was well below his season averages. Teams took away his offense without double teaming him, and just crowded him and allowed him to drive, which he can’t do. Point guards have attacked him relentlessly at the rim over the last two years in the playoffs with great success. Josh’s post season numbers are pretty much the same in the playoffs over the past two seasons as they have been during the regular season. Al’s are not. No way around that. One guy, has done his job in the playoffs, the other has not. One guy is an All Star, the other is not. The all star has not shown up in the playoffs, and the guy who is not an all star has. Period.”
Jettison the core Scottie. We must accelerate to the ECF! It will take more fire power…
Aye Captain!!
Some of these guys(Allstar-Tito jr fanatics) have a 2 by 4 stuck in their eyes… They’ll never see the light with all their IQ’s…..Sad…..
Rod from College Park
June 27th, 2011
12:56 pm
“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.”
Yeah, but last year Josh was second in voting to the defensive player of the year behind Dwight Horward, when he was the starting POWER FORWARD, and many on this blog still say the he is only a good weakside defender.
drmaryb (*_*)
June 27th, 2011
12:57 pm
The O’Brien Trophy!
“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).” -O’Brien-
_____________________
“Mamma! There goes that man!” -Mark Jackson-
Here is another fine example of O’Brien displaying his superior intellect in repitoire-sp re: BB IQ – to demonstrate his points of contention by using high level communication skills: I find, logical, reasonable, unemotional and stealth techniques to be very stimulating, intellectually.
It is these array of skills on this blog from countless others as well that has made be more knowledgeable about basketball. I have reached expert status when I converse with lay people outside of the blog now.
__________________
So, a big Shout-Out to O’Brien as I’ve had my own paradigm shifts within my “World View” as it relates to the NBA and, it’s talent/performance levels!
________________
O’Brien! This is just way too much Good – Stuff!”
Abandoned Hawk
June 27th, 2011
12:57 pm
Enter your comments here
Abandoned Hawk
June 27th, 2011
12:58 pm
MC,
What is going on with the Hawks being sold?
cp
June 27th, 2011
1:04 pm
@KevinM I think they got rid of the Utah Flash team. I read about it somewhere so the Hawks have to find another D-league affiliate.
I wouldn’t be shocked if at least two of the guys invited to camp make the team. I like Malcolm Thomas and Lighty.. Alexander was a reach that year he came out. Dude was just too raw of a basketball player. The D league might have helped him. I wonder if they will have footage of the camp like they did a few years ago. Might be a lot like a few years ago when Gardner, West, and Hunter all made the roster. We will probably see a few of these guys this up coming season.
Dukester
June 27th, 2011
1:05 pm
The NBA should force ASG to sell this franchise. First off they hire Sund because they know any other GM wouldnt want a holding pattern job until they can sell this team in 3 years or so. They hire Sund. Second they tell Sund dont worry about your job just hire a coach that can manage the team. We dont need a high powered coach that has experience winning. We need a baby sitter like you. Also Sund if you bring in a real coach you will probably have power struggle issues.
Ok lets keep the core no crazy moves just resign everybody we have keep it at 45-50 wins and hope the best for the playoffs. Sign unknown foreign players, journeymen, and lets see if we can keep this organization together until we find a sucker to pay us off. I mean we got sued for breaching David Mcdavid purchase so what we had to pay 25 million. When we sell the team we will make a 20% return on our money. We booted out one of the original owners who may have really wanted to run this franchise they it was intended. But for us this just a business investment.
JoJo the Godfather
June 27th, 2011
1:06 pm
I don’t see why everyone feels it has to be Josh or Al. Both are on reasonable salaries, and a new CBA could result in Josh playing for less on his next contract. Keep them both. They both have flaws & strengths, but their strengths far outweigh their flaws.
Al plays solid defense against most post players (until you get to the size of Howard, Shaq, Bynum or Yao). Al is outstanding at blocking out and securing defensive rebounds (which can keep him from leaving his man to provide help defense (maybe trusting his teammate’s rotations to cover the man he’s leaving is a culprit, as well as depth/foul trouble)). Al has one of the best mid-range games in the league (but is limited & mechanical in the post). Al is a capable offensive rebounder (but doesn’t play in a system that calls for it because of poor transition defense and no big-man depth if he gets in foul trouble). Al is a solid passer & can handle the ball in the open court.
Josh plays solid post defense against most 3’s & 4’s (but struggles to close out on shooters). Josh is an extremely athletic rebounder that can get off the floor quickly (but does not like to block out on the defensive end). Josh has a developing post-up game (but can fall in love with his jumper, which is below avg). Same comments as Al regarding offensive rebounding, passing, and ball handling.
Most teams would love to have this kind of talent, and we’re trying to get rid of it.
I think both of these players can be improved with coaching & trust, along with their natural development in the offseason(s). Does Smith feel like he has to sag off his man on defense because he doesn’t trust his teammates to stay in front of their man and/or for another player to make the proper rotation? Does Al’s lack of aggression on defense come from him not trusting his bench to pick him up if he has to leave with foul trouble? Does Josh feel like he has to hit those jumpers in order to make the all-star team and validate his position as a team captain? Does Al not look for his jumper at times because his teammates are missing theirs?
drmaryb (*_*)
June 27th, 2011
1:10 pm
Fact!
“The fact is, Al received votes for All NBA defense, and he received the same amount of votes as Josh. ” -O’Brien-
_______________________
So OB, with this being a fact, why would The Hawks want to trade either one of those two talents? I mean, shouldn’t they be integrated by floor positioning to maximize them both and just add to that?
Here’s my point: Chuck Daly (RIP) is gone and Thibbedeau is forever unavailable to us. So – Do we have the right defensive coach/tactician in here? If not, who should we be looking for to organize and optimize the talent that we do have? IDK, is Adelman that type of coach? Is there a rookie coach out there that we can find?
In lieu of recycling proven coaches, can we find some new blood within our price range? Or an assistant coach who deserves a chance?
Or will our veteran even players respect someone not proven?
Rufus1
June 27th, 2011
1:14 pm
I like the players the Hawks have brought in….I Love Malcom Thomas, Omar Samhan and David Lighty. I the fact they are bringing in effort guys.
I Think Malcom Thomas = Taj Gidson… I hope he makes the team.
Grandad
June 27th, 2011
1:15 pm
Slimjr
I have never attacked Josh to protect Al.
Also I’ve never called Josh names the way some do with Al:
*some worse than others = Diaper Al
*as opposed to All-Star Al = derogatively used
Now I have been critical of JJ Maxx
while using the previous unflattering sobriquet,
but not to justify the failings of another,
nor point out stong suits of my favorites.
I tire of the Josh v. Al debate.
If it must persist, why then discredit a teammate,
of the player you wish to embellish.
*(assuming we are all Hawk fans)
Healthy debate / criticism / I understand and relish.
Petty bickering and name-calling…..c’mon.
*^* slim *^*
I’m not pickin’ on you – I’m talking about the whole body of work.
*** I’m not above fustigation -&- shilly shallying myself ***
@ G-dad /// I herefore consider mineself censured !
ryan
June 27th, 2011
1:16 pm
This is news to me Rick Adelman going to replace Larry Drew after he went into the 2nd round of playoffs last year .
SteveW
June 27th, 2011
1:19 pm
Actually, Al received 3 1st team All NBA Defense votes, and 1 second place vote
Josh received 1 1st team vote and 4 second team votes.
But that equals the same number of points, 7 for each.
drmaryb (*_*)
June 27th, 2011
1:21 pm
* Or, will our veteran players even respect ….?
SteveW
June 27th, 2011
1:22 pm
Ra’mon and SlimJr – Very funny! But I stick by my original statements, that post belongs to Josh, not Al.
tony
June 27th, 2011
1:25 pm
I like Jeremy Hazell (6-5, G), Demetri McCamey(PG) and •Omar Samhan (6-11, C).
Demetri McCamey is a very good facilitator but an average defender. Omar Samhan is a terrific scorer and he did a nice job against DeMarcus Cousins in the 2010 summer league game.
Ra'mon
June 27th, 2011
1:25 pm
The main guy out is Joe Johnson. But who would make a deal for Joe Johnson? If GSW would take Monta Ellis and Curry for Joe, than that is something to consider (a lot to consider actually). I may would be willing to trade Joe for Landry Fields and Billups expiring contract.
SteveW
June 27th, 2011
1:33 pm
As we have been over 14 quintillion times on this blog, the All Star team is not the 12 best players from each conference, it is the 2 or 3 best at each position.
So almost every year, there are players that are left off the All Star team that are much better than players than players that make the All Star team.
It’s just that there is a glut of talent at some positions in the League right now, like PG and PF, and not much at other positions, like Center.
So All Star’s are not expected to be better than non All Star’s necessarily.
And pay reflects as much.
Josh made 11.600,000 million this season. All Star Al made 5.444,000 million.
So Josh made over twice as much money, shouldn’t he be twice as good?
Next season Josh will make 12.4 m. Al 12 m.
The season after that, Josh will make 13.2 m. Al 12 m.
We should expect more from those we are paying more, or else those who criticize JJ for his Max pay have no beef whatsoever.
Forget All Star games. That’s a position by position thing. You should get what you pay for. So Josh should be producing more than Al.
Slimjr
June 27th, 2011
1:34 pm
Grandad your awesome!
My message is directed @ a couple of bloggers who know who they are……….Full of Pride and their IQ’s rammed up their azz……lol
SteveW
June 27th, 2011
1:35 pm
“than players than players” from the last post should read “players than players” Oops, sorry
Slimjr
June 27th, 2011
1:35 pm
Josh is twice the defender???? Wow….
Grandad
June 27th, 2011
1:38 pm
Mary Ellen
Getting a coach in our price range ?
LD is about as good as it gets.
Sorry.
We were shoppin’ at “Big Lots”
[similar to one of your amusing analogies]
We would have to go to Nordstum to get Adelman.
{{ I had to ask what a Nordstum was / thought he was a Viking }}
Mike Budenholzer is the next hard ass – asst Coach / SA Spurs.
He could be the next ” Thibs “.
Ray
June 27th, 2011
1:40 pm
Give Joe to Orlando after this season we’ll glady take Howard and if they want give us Arenas gladly take on his contract just to get Howard.
Grandad
June 27th, 2011
1:48 pm
Best bet on moving Joe:
To the Bulls…in concert with the departure of Boozer;
either to us or in a 3 way of some sort.
SteveW
June 27th, 2011
2:07 pm
Slim – It would be cool if he was! Your looking at Rodman on ‘roids if so…
KevinM
June 27th, 2011
2:18 pm
Here’s how I look at a top center? A guy who has a complete game, offensively and defensively. So, what do we know about Al as a defender? He gets us rebounds, he used position to get those rebounds, yet what do we hear from Daddy Horford? Al doesn’t want to play center, wah wah! Al wants to play power forward. He doesn’t want to bang with other centers. This is all a crock! Gain some weight Al, and tough it out! You were brought here to be the center, yet you have your own agenda.
Al at PF and Josh at SF doesn’t make us better. It weakens us severely on the inside. The reason being, Al doesn’t buy into the Josh/Al combo.
Why can’t they work together like Elvin Hayes & Wes Unseld…2 guys who had talent, but simply played harder and made themselves better. You have 2 HOFs who simply willed themselves to great success.
There is no reason why Josh and Al can’t work together except for the fact that to me if looks like Al doesn’t want to play rough and tough.
I gotta wonder what the issue is here? Al and Josh could be so good, yet you don’t see Al wanting to be a center.
Al as 3rd team All-NBA….I don’t see it. He doesn’t defend the best post player and defers to journeymen. So far, he has gotten away with it.
I have always thought Josh and Joe don’t go well together. I said that about Marvin and Josh years ago before Marvin simply quit working on his game. Now there’s no problem worrying whether Josh and Marvin complement each other.
Is Josh the issue? I dunno, but move one of them and see if we improve. We don’t jell like we should have, yet Drew/Sund want to juggle the lineup and give us journeymen centers (4 of them, soon to be 5 if Benson can get a shot) and let Josh face the basket….what a disaster against good teams. Looks like fool’s gold to me.
I gotta feeling we are looking at a team that will have few changes and we will have to deal with Josh/Al/enteryourjourneymanhere backline.
Sund isn’t going to do anything risky so he can keep his job going forward.
I understand why so many want this team to be moved as well even though we know they aren’t going anywhere. Because even if they aren’t relocating, they still aren’t going anywhere with this backline.
And I like the new perimeter look unless Sund/Drew throw a dumb decision or 2 in there.
Maybe all NBA owners won’t give us anything to worry about for at least a year! They are their own worse enemy.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 27th, 2011
2:26 pm
“With the fans, it’s a popularity contest. With the coaches, it’s not.”
Why not? You don’t think Smoove’s history of clashing with his coach doesn’t weigh into how he’s perceived by other coaches? Coaches are people too… flawed people who are not always going to make decisions based solely on objective criteria.
“I don’t see why everyone feels it has to be Josh or Al. Both are on reasonable salaries, and a new CBA could result in Josh playing for less on his next contract. Keep them both. They both have flaws & strengths, but their strengths far outweigh their flaws.”
Co-sign. I hate this Al vs. Smoove debate, and I seriously hope the lockout gets over quickly so that we have something better to talk about around here.
Al, like Joe, is a good on-ball defender and not so good at help defense and off the ball defense. Smoove is an elite help defender but doesn’t close out on shooters as well as Al and has problems guarding certain types of players one on one that Al handles better. Yet another reason why Smoove and Al complement each other a lot better than people assume.
The problem on this team is neither one of them. The problem is a front office that won’t acquire complementary pieces to them, a coach that won’t hold them accountable, and a prevailing mindset that Joe has to be the offensive focus.
sam'l
June 27th, 2011
2:26 pm
Good God! Trade em both just so I don’t have to read any more…….
Where’d the sale go anyway?
JoJo the Godfather
June 27th, 2011
2:32 pm
KevinM…How exactly does “Al at PF and Josh at SF…weaken us on the inside”? You state your reason as, “Al doesn’t buy in to the Josh/Al combo”. I’m just wondering what you mean by that.
Mike
June 27th, 2011
2:36 pm
@sam’l
I got a feeling that sale is coming soon, but I am curious who is going to be the next owner and what is going to be about Sund and Drew?
The only ones that might make it to camp is
Omar Samhan (he was a beast at St Mary)
David Lighty
Jeremy Hazeil
Joe Alexander
Ken Strickland
June 27th, 2011
2:37 pm
SLIMJR-I didn’t count the number of times Horford was in the lane, but obviously you and CLYDE did. Tell me, how many times was Josh, or any of our other players, in the lane against the Bulls? I know one thing, Horford, unlike any of our other players, was in the lane often enough to lead the team in rebounding. Of course you and Clyde can’t allow facts or reality to get in the way of your HORFORD HATE FEST.
Until Josh proves he can successfully play the center position, and defend against players that are usually taller, bigger, stronger and more physical the he is, you can’t effectively compare his overall DEF abilities to Horford’s. This entire argument is based on a narrow minded perspective of those who think shot blocking is the only thing that constitutes good DEF. Also, you like to talk about ramming my IQ up my AZZ, but I don’t blame you though. I’d probably tell you to do the same thing with your IQ, if you had one.
RAMON-What can you say about someone who singles out and criticizes Horford based on the TYPE OF REBOUNDS he got, WOW! Well, he still got more of those types of rebounds than anyone else. And when it comes to rebounding, isn’t it customary for rebounders to rebound the ball where it comes off the rim, whether it’s a long or short rebound.
You’re actually criticizing him for being in proper rebounding position, which is how he got more rebounds than any other Hawk. Otherwise, we would have been beaten far worse on the boards than we were. If you were openminded and more rational, you’d be commending him for his rebounding efforts. Come on, your excuse is weak at best, and I’m being kind.
GRANDAD-We weren’t shopping at Big Lots when we promoted LDrew, we picked him right out of our own garden.
Slimjr
June 27th, 2011
2:45 pm
Ken is not a Hate Fest..
SEEK HELP DUDE……………
Slimjr
June 27th, 2011
2:55 pm
Keep scrolling!
SteveW
June 27th, 2011
3:00 pm
Yea, I’ve been following the Hawks since Walt Bellamy and Lou Hudson, and I’ve never seen the strange fan polarization that exists between fans of Smoove and Al. I weigh in on it sometimes, and try to be evenhanded, but it seems to always come back to “you hate Smoove, and Al and Marvin are bad” types of things.
I’m just a Hawks fan. I liked Charlie Criss, Eddie Johnson, John Drew, and Tree. Pistol Pete, ‘Nique, John Battle, Doc, Kevin Willis, Antoine Carr, Cliff Levingston and the whole crew.
Even liked Alan Henderson and Adam Keefe.
But I just don’t remember folks, and I know it was before blogging was big, saying I’m a Mookie fan and Dikembe is garbage. Or I’m a Steve Smith fan, better hate on another player on the same team. I really just don’t get it.
Let’s get on Miami, Chicago, Boston and the likes, and hope the Hawks win it all.
But when Josh, Al, JJ, Teague, Kirk, ZaZa or whoever makes consistently bad decisions, ride’em if you want, just let’s just not be delusional. Facts are still facts.
SteveW
June 27th, 2011
3:05 pm
All I know is on this blog, if I rightly criticize Al, I get very little pushback.
But if I rightly criticize Josh, all hades breaks loose, and I’m called most every name in the book.
And if I criticize JJ, Northcyde will come to his defense with great erudation and stats usually.
SteveW
June 27th, 2011
3:07 pm
And not to beat a dead horse (but it is the off season, so we’re running out of news!), but I’m sure I’ve called out Al more than Josh on this blog.
SteveW
June 27th, 2011
3:10 pm
I think one thing lost in all this stupid discussion is 1 great fact:
That to my knowledge, Josh and Al have both improved every year they’ve been in the League. Maybe not statistically in every area, but you can see they’re better players now than they were a few years ago.
And whoever said why can’t they be Hayes and Unseld – co-sign
Slimjr
June 27th, 2011
3:13 pm
“Worldwide Clyde
June 26th, 2011
8:00 pm
TRADE HORFORD
In that new article on AJC Horford is talking about improving his offensive game. “Horford said he plans to focus on improving his post game by developing a counter-move to go along with his right-handed hook shot.”
SHAKING MY GOT DAM HEAD
Horford how about improving your defensive game. You are near last in blocks and taking charges among starting centers. When guards drive to the basket you move out the way instead of blocking the shot. Your offensive game is alright but you really need to work on how to help protect the basket this off season. Hit Dikembe Mutombo on twitter or something”
How bout working on both sides of the ball??
I get some are just emotionally attached to All NBA AL and will attack others in vicious ways if they dont agree like pouting children lashing out!.But always remember this “Karma is Bitch”….
So I cant get mad at these types…Dealing with ones issues is a major undertaking, that is why its easier for some to attack others.It makes them feel PROUD!! But Pride is but a fleeting moment in time.. It wont last..It’s usually followed by sorrow..
You have to feel sorry(shaking head)….
Newbie
June 27th, 2011
3:17 pm
Alexander was recruited by and played his first two years for Coach John Beilein at WVU. He was very athletic, could score at will, but played little defense. Coach Huggins took over as WVU basketball coach his junior year and made him be accountable on the defensive need, great leaper and shoot blocker from the SF position, how to attack the basket and made him a lottery pick. Huggins wanted him to stay for one more year, to help develop him some more, but his draft value was high because of a great performance in the NCAA tournament. If he would have stayed for one more year I think he would have been more disciplined and ready for the NBA. I think that he would be a great addition to the Hawks at the SF position that we are looking for coming off the bench. I hope the time that he spent in the D-league help him figure out what he needs to stick in the NBA.
@Mike,
I agree with your comment on Samhan, Lightly, Hazeil, and Alexander. I think that if we got some key additions and Rick Aldeman as our coach, you would see a different and more exciting team to watch next year.
The Truth
June 27th, 2011
3:23 pm
NBA.com’s David Aldridge Also Says Atlanta Hawks Sale Close while the ASG dispute those claims
Either it’s a case of Liar Liar Pants on Fire by the owners or sports-writers running a muck
We Shall See
Mike
June 27th, 2011
3:30 pm
Well if you have two respectable sports-writers with their NBA insiders who has been in the business longer than ASG have been and they say that, I have to go with the sport-writers. Besides we know how trustworthy ASG is.
Astro Joe
June 27th, 2011
3:32 pm
You have to give the Hawks credit for holding this camp before the CBA expires. And it looks like they assembled a decent group of players to evaluate. Of course, they didn’t bring in Patrick O’Bryant, Saer Sene or any other purely big, big who would surely be better than Horford simply because they are bigger than Horford.
Sautee
June 27th, 2011
3:32 pm
Clyde,
regarding this statement of yours: “Horford how about improving your defensive game. You are near last in blocks and taking charges among starting centers”
Clyde, you have every right to criticize Horford. And I agree with you that he didn’t put up enough resistance in the paint. But you need to keep it real with your statements of fact.
The fact is, that Horford was 16th among centers in blocks this year. That’s hardly “near the last among starting centers” now is it? As I remember, there are 30 teams in the league.
Here’s the link if you want to see yourself: http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/Blocks.jsp?league=00&season=22010&conf=OVERALL&position=1&splitType=9&splitScope=GAME&qualified=Y&yearsExp=-1&splitDD=
C’mon Clyde, keep it real. That sounded like something you-know-who would have said. I know you are anti-Horford,and that’s fine, but I also know that you have it in you to be fair.
SteveW
June 27th, 2011
3:34 pm
I admire the DLeaguer’s – Salaries of 12,000 to 25,500 per year. 30$ a day expense money.
I wonder if Alexander shows great promise, and we re-sign Wilkens, if we would just trade Marvin to Minny or Cleveland for a 2nd pick, and let them absorb his contract? If that’s possible under the CBA or new CBA that is.
SteveW
June 27th, 2011
3:37 pm
I was hoping we would bring in Papa Dias, for no other reason than we would have 2 players with a first name pronounced “papa”.
Slimjr
June 27th, 2011
3:39 pm
Heres the “real”
42,43,44,45,46…………..enough said…
KevinM
June 27th, 2011
3:43 pm
Jojo, my comments are pointed at Al not wanting to be the center, and Josh being pushed out to the perimeter. That doesn’t make us a better defensive team. I gotta ask, why would you move a guy who finished 2nd in DPOY one year ago to the perimeter? Why doesn’t Al defend the toughest player on the inside? Am I not seeing something?
Al has been the one asking for inside help since last summer. He doesn’t want to absorb the pounding, and you sure don’t hear him talking about bulking up and getting tougher. You hear about him asking for an ‘iso’ identity.
I just don’t think Al has bought into it being him and Josh as the interior defense, and he welcomed the move to PF. I have said all along we have 2 very good PFs, but they contradict each other as a unit.
We ‘had’ depth at PF and SG before this season, and we go get another PF in Josh Powell. Now where are there minutes for a 3rd PF? Seems like a lot of overlap to me and we have had years where we haven’t had a center, and we accidentally have found ourselves a PG. It was not designed this way. Teague looks like he was brought here as an emergency versus being in the plans. Hail, Larry put JC2 at the point several times ahead of Teague…wonder what Teague was thinking at that point?
I don’t trust Larry to put the best talent out there in the best positions. Al not wanting to be a center validates that. I think Ken S has stated this over and over.
I wish we could recreate the Elvin Hayes/Wes Unseld combo. You know who comes closest IMO to Unseld, who was 6′7″ 245? Chuck Hayes. Chuck comes in at 6′6″ 238 according to NBA.com and he made all of 2.3M last year. You bring him in with the MLE because he isn’t coming here unless we up the ante and I think we improve defensively immediately. We then have the journeymen to pick up the fouls and take up the slack from Chuck/Al’s height limitations. Don’t allow Boston to pick up Hayes; he would be a handful on that team.
Slimjr
June 27th, 2011
3:50 pm
It’s interesting how “some”(smiling) intelligent types like to throw around the word “Haters” and Anti and say be real or use the word weak…
Heres a simple rebuttal(KISS Method: KEEP IT SIMPLE SON/SISTER)
Look in the mirror and be honest with your-self’s for a minute…You’ll actually feel better for the rest of the day….
ALL NBA AL IS NOT EVEN AN HONORABLE MENTION IF HE PLAYED OUT WEST.
NOW THE QUESTION IS DO WE WAIT ANOTHER 5 YEARS TO POSSIBLY FIND OUT HE ALREADY PEAKED IN 2010-11?
OR PULL THE TRIGGER NEXT YEAR TO GO AFTER A PLAYER WHO CAN REALLY TAKE THE HAWKS TO THE ECF FOR THE FIRST TIME
GUESS THATS WHY THEY PAY THE GM BIG BUCKS TO FIGURE IT OUT?
Slimjr
June 27th, 2011
3:57 pm
“The fact is, that Horford was 16th among centers in blocks this year”
I feel a Championship on the WAY!!!!!! YEAH!!!!
KevinM
June 27th, 2011
3:58 pm
SteveW, I truly hope for amnesty to come in and rescue this city from the Marvin limitations. Can we ask if Orlando will take him for Orton or Bass? Does he even have that value? Get past the physical Marvin.
Or just go to Cleveland and we figure out how to fit Baron Davis under the cap…I don’t know how though….I am sure Cleveland would love to move him going forward. Can you add Hindrich and leave us with Joe, Teague and Baron?
Now Grandad, you say defense is the way for these guys to get noticed and picked up. I’m not so sure, as the D-League doesn’t showcase defensive players. I am thinking DeAndre Liggins and David Lighty from the draft class. I think you still have to be offensive minded to get recognized. And you probably know I wanted Harrellson or Liggins at 48, and they both went around our pick. So getting Lighty into camp sure doesn’t hurt.
I would expect to see he and Joe Alexander to come to real training camp, if there is one.
KevinM
June 27th, 2011
4:02 pm
Watching NBA TV EC review of the draft once again, and its a shame the group mentioned, the Outback group, couldnt’ get a deal done with the ASG. We would not be dealing with possibly Sund or Drew today.
How about a couple of words from the NBA TV crew about the play of Jeff Teague………..a revelation and solid! “The guy who kept them in the series against the Bulls”.
How many Hawks have been labeled either of those at any time in their career? Watch Drew try to screw this young man’s head again!
Mike
June 27th, 2011
4:03 pm
This article comes from the SI reporter that broke the story about it.
“Are the Hawks going to be sold? You say yes, the owners say no. Who knows what to believe anymore?”
– J.S., Atlanta
Josh Smith, your Hawks are on the verge of being sold. I am assured that it is done. The Hawks’ current owners were engaging in semantics when they responded to my report Thursday. When co-owner Bruce Levenson put forth his statement that “there is no deal in place, nor is there an exclusive negotiating agreement in place,” he may have been speaking accurately, from his point of view, and he was surely seeking to act in the best interests of his ownership group by postponing the announcement until a time of its choosing. But I have been assured by two sources in the know that the deal has been done, a month after the same owners have unloaded their NHL team.
So what does this mean for you? Will the next owner have more money to spend than the current group? Or will David Stern create a CBA that will limit costs for every team, which could make the grass less green elsewhere? Patience, Mr. Smith, patience.
Astro Joe
June 27th, 2011
4:06 pm
Uh, you do realize that “All NBA” means the entire NBA… like 30 teams… East and West conferences… thus the name ALL NBA, which is different than East NBA or West NBA or SE NBA or SW NBA. All, as in “including everything”. You know, All. Just sayin’.
Slimjr
June 27th, 2011
4:34 pm
@Astro, nice try unintentional jr………..
If…AL….played…. out ….West… which has far better talent and deeper quality of players, would mean putting up less numbers and therefore no mention…..His limited skills on both sides of the ball would be exposed nightly……………U can go back to sleep now….LOL….
JoJo the Godfather
June 27th, 2011
4:39 pm
How many blocked shots did Tyson Chandler have this year compared to Al? Just curious.
Slimjr
June 27th, 2011
4:49 pm
Did Chuck Hayes make All NBA AL disappear?? Just curious?
JoJo the Godfather
June 27th, 2011
4:56 pm
Did Chuck Hayes make All NBA AL disappear?? Just curious?
Don’t know, but Chuck Hayes is known as a pretty good defender. My gut tells me that he’s held several guys in check, especially in a limited sample size of only a few minutes, in a couple games, during one season.
You go start you a team with Chuck Hayes. I’ll keep All NBA Al, as you call him.
KevinM
June 27th, 2011
5:07 pm
Jojo, Chandler vs Al :
Games: 74-77
Mpg: 27.8 – 35.1
Height: 7′1″ 235 – 6′10″ 245
Rebounds- 682-718
Blocks – 80-80
Very comparable….trouble is, we don’t have a Dirk!
SteveW
June 27th, 2011
5:14 pm
I think Chandler had like .04 more blocks per game than Al.
Not much. They both had 80 blocks this season, Chandler just played in 3 fewer games.
Sautee
June 27th, 2011
5:14 pm
slim,
You said this:
“The fact is, that Horford was 16th among centers in blocks this year”
“I feel a Championship on the WAY!!!!!! YEAH!!!!”
Slim, are you aware that Horford was 16th right behind Tyson Chandler (15th), who blocked 1.08 shots per game to Al’s 1.04.
That’s right, the same Tyson Chandler who protected the paint for Dallas in their title run, had almost exactly the same shot blocking prowess as Al for the regular season. And in the playoffs, Chandler actually blocked fewer shots per game than Al (.09 to 1.0).
You were saying?
SteveW
June 27th, 2011
5:16 pm
So many want Nene – he had fewer blocks than Al this season.
Nene only averaged .97 blocks per game. Not even 1 block per game
SteveW
June 27th, 2011
5:22 pm
What if Benson could be another Serge Ibaka?
SteveW
June 27th, 2011
5:29 pm
Slim – Not a shot at you man, but just wanted to say,
Blocks equal championships, or even succes?
Best Shot blocker in the League
1. Andrew Bogut – 2.58 per game. Lottery Team, missed playoffs
2. Javale McGee – 2.44 per game – Lottery Team, missed playoffs
3. Serge Ibake – I think Dallas handled them pretty well
4. Dwight – I think we handled them pretty well
5. Darko!!! Need I say more?
As a matter of fact of the top 10 shotblockers, 8 were on lottery teams, or teams that lost in the 1st round of the playoffs.
Now I know we need to defend the paint. We need a bruiser that will challenge the drives. But bruisers are not necessarily shot blockers. either.
Grandad
June 27th, 2011
5:35 pm
If Chuck Hayes is so great,
then why is Houston in such a panic to get a Center ?
Wes Unseld was 245 @ a time when 245 was massive.
Check out Off & def linemen in the NFL at the same time.
[pre-steroid era] – (not saying Dwight’s on steroids) *(or LeBron)
______________________________________________________
I once heard a story about Pierre the boat builder.
Who built many, many beautiful boats.
Did they call him Pierre the boat builder ?
nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo !
*(because, due to a previous -one time- escapade with a goat)
He was -now- known as Pierre the goat ______ !
The moral of the story is;
Al mentions:
[one time]
“I may be better suited at the [4]”
but…noooooooooooooooooooooo,
He’s Al the goat ______ now.
O'Brien
June 27th, 2011
5:37 pm
Najeh,
The problem on this team is neither one of them. The problem is a front office that won’t acquire complementary pieces to them, a coach that won’t hold them accountable, and a prevailing mindset that Joe has to be the offensive focus..
Co-sign.
O'Brien
June 27th, 2011
5:40 pm
As for the Hawks being sold, and the owners denying it, Didnt they also deny that they were trying to sell the Thrashers?
And then years later, we find out that they have been trying to sell the Thrashers for years.
When Sekou reported that BK tried to fire Woody and promote LD but was turned down by ownership, that claim was also denied. I believe Sekou
I dont believe anything the ASG said.
SteveW
June 27th, 2011
5:41 pm
Grandad – Let’s keep it G rated around here!
How Al goes from 3rd team All NBA to doing bad things with goat’s is beyond me (I’m pickin’ at you Grandad)
Blocked Shots – Neither team in the finals had a player in the Top 20 in blocked shots this season.
doc
June 27th, 2011
5:44 pm
co-sign najeh, really tired of the al vs josh debate. dont think it has to be in those terms. if one has to go i hope it is for whatever will compliment the remaining player. for what it is worth josh has never complained of where he has to play, only that the team sometimes doesnt want to win and do the team things to get it done. i guess he should get some slack for that if nothing else. josh only biatches at the refs.
slim, you talking to me? heh heh
astro and i have had adelman on our list since woody got rehired. he is about the only legit “non-titled” coach i say pay him the money.
though we have trashed sund, he put together a good list of head coach candidates to talk to from the get go, only the askg dropped the ball as all interviewees now have jobs. that really sucks and speaks of the askg hiring a dark horse in house no less for years, not sund.
doc
June 27th, 2011
5:47 pm
amen to o’b at 5:40. durn, i find he sometimes beats me to the keys and once again says what i want to say.
JoJo the Godfather
June 27th, 2011
6:04 pm
Just FYI…David Thorpe has Demetri McCamey & Malcolm Thomas as 2 of the 5 best undrafted free agents, along with Scotty Hopson, Greg Smith & Justin Hurtt.
It was not a bad pick
June 27th, 2011
6:11 pm
here is the truth….
the 2 highest paid players on the Hawks are …Joe Max, who will make 18 mill next year and Josh “JUMP SHOT” Smith who will make 13 mill next year..Both are very overpaid, so overpaid that the Hawks cannot trade either one of these guys! the End!
d.carter
June 27th, 2011
6:17 pm
`OMG! OMG! WORLDWIDE CLYDE AND SLIM i honestly thought i was alone in this world with my critic of AL (THE BULLFIGHTER) HORFORD.. I have been on this blog for years preaching on deaf ears abt OVERRATED AL and his infamous OLAY! defense, He has the equalivant of a school crossing guard when guys drive the lane! I have stated for the past two years that AL is the worst helpside defender in THE HISTORY OF THE NBA! He doesnt even offer at the offensive player when they attack the lane, between him and stand around Joe i dont know who does less on the defensive side of the ball when it comes to help and recover defense…
Not to mention his ATARI 2600 post moves which just drive me absolutely crazy… Some coach needs to get with him a Josh and work on nothing but reverse pivot face up moves, If they could learn this in the off season they could be unstoppable… Minnasota is looking to shed Mike Beasley and i am all in for that, hell give them Marvin and Kirk Hinrich, but keep preaching the truth guys i am loving this!
It was not a bad pick
June 27th, 2011
6:20 pm
I bet if the Hawks put Al on the trading block, the Hawks would have teams blowing up their phone!..No one wants josh and 25 mill left on his contract..Al is 20x better than josh, and when the Hawks decide to use Marvin, you all will find out that Marvin is better than Josh also! And he only made 6 mill last year!..If the Hawks seriously put Marvin on the block, which they have not, teams would be blowing up their phone, the NETS wanted Marvin for Devin Harris, but WE turned it down!..The END
darrell starks
June 27th, 2011
6:22 pm
It was not a bad pick here is the truth every body and including you are from up north or from some other planet, and now mark bradley have and article on trading josh smith, this hole thing is ludacris with a bang, why is josh getting all the blame for this, no player on this team step up in the playoffs but josh, teague, but no one scream about marvin, soft horford, and dribble the ball 18second on 24 second shot clock joe, i gurantee if the hawks trade josh who have become the best player on this team the hawks win no more than 35 games AT BEST.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
June 27th, 2011
6:24 pm
“I have stated for the past two years that AL is the worst helpside defender in THE HISTORY OF THE NBA!”
Not continually, of course.
Slimjr
June 27th, 2011
6:28 pm
I here ya SteveW man. its just opinions and everybody got one…. Took up Karate and learn how to take a hard one/fall…lol
This is starting to sound like a broken cd player….
42,43,44,45,46,47…………..Yawn….
“the 2 highest paid players on the Hawks are …Joe Max, who will make 18 mill next year and Josh “JUMP SHOT” Smith who will make 13 mill next year..Both are very overpaid, so overpaid that the Hawks cannot trade either one of these guys! the End!”
Ouch Slippery Slope Sund..
Advice for S and K hit the scroll when i come around you’ll feel better…lol
as you were men….
darrell starks
June 27th, 2011
6:30 pm
Josh played his heart out in the playoffs but fans continue to point the finger at josh, if i was him i would want to be traded to with the bashing that has been going on lately, this cities always get rid of guys who have heart and hate to loose.
PRIME TIME
DAVED JUSTICE
DOMINQUE
VICK
AND OTHERS , WHAT A WASTE OF TALENT IN A CITIES WHO HAVE WON NOTHING.
GO NEW YORK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sautee
June 27th, 2011
6:33 pm
“If the Hawks seriously put Marvin on the block, which they have not, teams would be blowing up their phone, the NETS wanted Marvin for Devin Harris, but WE turned it down!”
Got a source for that rumor that no one else on the blog has mentioned? Cuz I’m calling BS.
Slimjr
June 27th, 2011
6:37 pm
d. carter its long over due for the Hawks to make a run at the NBA Finals..
As presently constructed it just not going to happen.. Let me add this statement to the mix; If All NBA AL was here or not it’s not going to make a difference….
darrell starks
June 27th, 2011
6:44 pm
MC YOU SHOULD HAVE A POLE ON WHO THE BEST PLAYER ON THE TEAM ?
MY VOTE IS JOSH.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
It was not a bad pick
June 27th, 2011
6:45 pm
darrell starks
Josh is talented, but has a very low Basketball IQ, he should be a 13-14 rebounder a game, but he does not box out, he should cut to the rim when Joe is doubled but he doesnt, he likes to hang on the perimeter, but he can’t shoot!..I admit that he has not played for a decent coach yet, and he has played out of position for his whole career, but if he played the 3 full time, you and i both know he will not go the low block..If we trade Josh, which i doubt we can, we would actually be better,less exciting but better..he would free up Al at the 4 and Marvin at the 3
Slimjr
June 27th, 2011
6:45 pm
somebody just said ALL NBA AL 20x>Josh…….HEHEHE……..LOL
doc
June 27th, 2011
6:49 pm
a look at the dodgers and hawks show what divorce can do to franchises and fan bases.
Sautee
June 27th, 2011
6:51 pm
doc,
An unfortunate co-sign.
Sautee
June 27th, 2011
6:52 pm
slim,
They must have meant Josh Powell.
It was not a bad pick
June 27th, 2011
6:57 pm
Slimjr
June 27th, 2011
6:45 pm
somebody just said ALL NBA AL 20x>Josh…….HEHEHE……..LOL
If the hawks put Al on the trading block, we would easily get a ALL-STAR in return, josh has been on the block for years, The end!
O'Brien
June 27th, 2011
6:57 pm
doc,
younger/faster fingers hehe.
Grandad
June 27th, 2011
7:01 pm
SteveW
” Grandad – Let’s keep it G rated around here! ”
” He’s Al the goat ______ now.”
Fill in the blank __________
goat-herder, goat shepherd, goat roper, *goat buster,
as in … * “who ya gonna call” ? ….. “goat busters” !
{{{ That was awful }}}
c’mon now, get your mind outta’ the gutter.
______________________________________________
Just messin’ around – back at ya.
I’m ashamed of that joke, though, really.
Slimjr
June 27th, 2011
7:05 pm
Sautee
June 27th, 2011
6:52 pm
slim,
They must have meant Josh Powell.
lol..
Slimjr
June 27th, 2011
7:08 pm
“It was not a bad pick
June 27th, 2011
6:57 pm
Slimjr
June 27th, 2011
6:45 pm
somebody just said ALL NBA AL 20x>Josh…….HEHEHE……..LOL
If the hawks put Al on the trading block, we would easily get a ALL-STAR in return, josh has been on the block for years, The end!”
@it was not a bad pick, you trying to ruin Ken’s day?? lol
EmirS ("One of my main objectives this summer is to take a very aggressive defensive approach" -Larry Drew)
June 27th, 2011
7:09 pm
@darrell starks
June 27th, 2011
6:30 pm
Vick would have never been let go if the dog fighting incident never happened. It’s a move I don’t regret. He was headed to prison and was a criminal at the time. He’s done his time and has come out a better human being (hopefully).
You can not blame Atlanta for letting him go in the midst of everything.
Michael Cunningham
June 27th, 2011
7:12 pm
New blog is posted.
Rod from College Park
June 27th, 2011
7:32 pm
Marvin’s Grandma:
“Al is 20x better than josh, and when the Hawks decide to use Marvin, you all will find out that Marvin is better than Josh also!”
Career Season Stats:
Josh Smith: 14.6ppg, 33.8mpg, 46%FG%, 67% FT, 7.7rpg, 3.0apg, 1.2spg, 2.2bpg
Al Horford : 12.8ppg, 33.8mpg, 53%FG%, 76% FT, 9.6rpg, 2.4apg, 0.8spg, 1.1bpg
Career Playoff Stats
Josh Smith: 15.8ppg, 36.0mpg, 42%FG%, 69%FT, 8.0rpg, 2.6apg, 1.2spg, 2.0bpg
Al Horford : 11.5ppg, 35.5mpg, 46%FG%, 76%FT, 8.7 rpg, 2.7apg,0.6spg, 1.1bpg
No need to even put Marvin in the same discussion. That is disrespectful to Al and Josh. That sure does not look like one guy is 20x better than the other guy to me.
I will also note that over the same amount of years (4 years) in the playoffs, Josh Smith has 547 FT attempts, while Al Horford has 102 FT attempts. I wonder who is attacking the rim (LOL)? We all should know who the better defensive player is over their respective careers, unless you are just a Josh hater. I actually like both guys, but I do think that one should be moved, and my choice would be Al, especially if Teague is to be the point guard of the future. To whomever made the stupid comment concerning the highest paid players on the team, Horford was a higher ranked player than Josh coming out of college, he made more money on his rookie contract than Josh over the life of the contract, and he will make more money over the life of the second contract than Josh did on his.
Last point. Josh has been in the league 7 years, and Al has been in for 4 years. During the regular season over 7 years playing mostly power forward, and some small forward, Josh has amassed 1,189 blocks, while Al in 4 years has amassed 342 blocks. In the playoffs, when every point counts, and your PF and C should always protect the rim, over the same amount of years (4 years), Josh has amassed 81 blocks, and Horford has 44 blocks. Any idiot who states that blocked shots is not an important stat defensively, is just that, an idiot. Those are 81 shots in the playoffs, that had an oppurtunity to put points on the board, that were erased. But lets remember that Josh is the one who never hustles, or gets back on defense, and is a cancer to the team (LOL). Joe Johnson is actually that guy, but I’ll defer on that argument.
d.carter
June 27th, 2011
9:41 pm
Shot blocks are great but changed and altered shots changes games, hell Dwade gives more of a challange at the rim than AL does…My problem is that AL simply doesnt attempt to move his feet and contest at all, he plays the whole game like he started the game with 5 fouls, He has a nice 15 footer and thats it, to me he is no better than a healthy Udonis Haslim but nowhere near the defender that Haslim is…
Trading Sy and Horford for Rocket big men and #14 + 23/2nd rounder picks for Donatas & M.Thomas
June 29th, 2011
11:16 am
Scroll Down vvv
# Player
1 Derrick Williams PF
20 years old, Sophomore
6′ 9″ 250lbs.
Arizona
2 Tobias Harris SF/PF
18 years old, Freshman
6′ 8″ 225lbs.
Tennessee
4 Chris Singleton SF/PF
21 years old, Junior
6′ 9″ 230lbs.
Florida State
5 Justin Harper PF
21 years old, Senior
6′ 9″ 230lbs.
Richmond
# Player
6 Davis Bertans SF
18 years old, International
6′ 10″ 210lbs.
Union Olimpija Ljubljana
7 Kyle Singler SF/PF
23 years old, Senior
6′ 9″ 225lbs.
Duke
8 Jimmy Butler SF
21 years old, Senior
6′ 8″ 220lbs.
Marquette
9 Chandler Parsons SF
22 years old, Senior
6′ 10″ 220lbs.
Florida
10 Player
11 Malcolm Thomas SF/PF
22 years old, Senior
6′ 9″ 225lbs.
San Diego State
Trading Sy and Horford for Rocket big men and #14 + 23/2nd rounder picks for Donatas & M.Thomas
June 29th, 2011
11:18 am
Malcolm Thomas = Richard Jefferson + 2″ :O:O:O