Atlanta Hawks: Hope on horizon (Update: Talks break off, more games canceled)
(Update: The league canceled all games through Nov. 30. The BRI still seems to be a sticking point.)
We’ve been here before but it looks like an end to the lockout is within sight.
The two sides are meeting this morning, and Chris Sheridan reports that the split of basketball revenues is at the top of the agenda. That’s been a source of contention between the sides in earlier sessions. Also, things have usually gotten tougher once the small negotiating groups go back to their constituents. So there’s still time for everything to fall apart but there was real optimism after last night’s bargaining session.
Union exec Billy Hunter said the two sides are “within striking distance of a deal.” Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports quotes a source saying: “There’s a strong expectation [within the negotiations] that hands will shake [Friday].” Howard Beck of the New York Times goes so far as to report that there’s still the possibility of an 82-game schedule if a deal is reached soon and that the league has called arenas to clear dates in late April.
It sounds as if they’ve made progress on issues like the mid-level exception, the maximum length of player contracts “Bird rights” and the luxury tax.
There also have been reports that the new deal would include an amnesty clause, which would allow teams to waive one player and, according to ESPN.com’s Marc Stein, wipe most of the salary off the books for cap purposes. There also are reports of a “stretch exception” that would allow a team to waive a player and spread the money owed out over several years. Both provisions could potentially help the Hawks shed payroll and gain some cap flexibility.
Of course, once the lockout ends the Hawks are going to be in flux because of the Alex Meruelo issue. ( When earlier reports surfaced about “seller financing” potentially being a problem, my understanding was that it was not an NBA concern since the league’s lawyers were involved with the deal from the beginning. There is no “seller financing” as part of the deal but there was confusion on that point because some ASG members would retain a minority interest in the team.)
Once the lockout is over, who will be calling the shots on Hawks basketball operations? If it’s ASG, do those owners proceed with the belief that Meruelo will eventually buy the team? If the sale falls through, I’m assuming the current owners still want to sell the team so do they proceed with any long-term planning in the interim?
Wilkins plans game
You don’t have to wait until the season to see NBA-caliber ball. Damien Wilkins has organized a charity game at Morehouse on Nov. 5 with proceeds benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of America. League guys expected to play: Teague, Smoove, J.J., Lou Williams , Jordan Crawford, Anthony Morrow, Chris Wilcox, Derrick Favors, James Harden , Jarrett Jack, Jeff Green, Jonny Flynn, Micheal Beasley, Rudy Gay, Russell Westbrook , Shannon Brown and Trey Thompkins.
The game was originally scheduled to be played at Clark Atlanta but Wilkins said high demand for tickets prompted the move to Morehouse. I can see why. That’s a hell of a lineup if all those dudes play. A lot of them have been playing in those pickup games at an ATL church. Someday I’d like to show up at a court with a squad like that.
Etc.
Speaking of those pickup games. . . . For my blog people worried (for some reason) that Smoove engaged in a summer of sloth, he’s been showing off a hint of abs at those church pickup games. He said he’s not going for the full six-pack look, though. . . .
Reports in Europe indicate Italian club Dinamo Sassari is on the verge of waiving Hawks draft pick Keith Benson and replacing him with Steven Hunter. There were similar reports last week, which the club denied, and Benson stayed. It’s hard to know what to make of this development since I’m not familiar with the dynamics of Dinamo (hey-o!) but it could all end up being moot if the lockout ends soon. . . .
JC2 never did lack confidence. . . .
This is the best analysis yet of the players’ arguments. That’s because it comes from Kevin Murphy, a University of Chicago economist who is advising the union.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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174 comments Add your comment
Big Ray
October 30th, 2011
10:26 pm
pitifulajc
Point taken, you proved me wrong.
I could give you a rock solid and plausible answer as to why thing are the way they are, but I won’t post that here.
As to my blog…I return when the NBA returns….IF the AJC says so. Can’t give you much more than that, I’m afraid.
Worldwide Clyde
October 30th, 2011
11:12 pm
No Sekou Bloggers Fantasy League this year. I’m moving to Rio.
FIRE SUND
Grandad
October 31st, 2011
12:47 am
brigadierjerry;
and as with – Buddy Grizzard, Big Ray, Mary Ellen, northcyde, O’ B,
Mike is Back, “the Hatter”, Emir S., Naj, KevinM, GM-JeJe, ryan, Fresh,
section 303, et al, plus all those I left out like Sautee;
I’ve missed you guys.
_________________________________________________________________
Nate ArchiBALL
“@Michael – What are the components of Basketball Related Income (BRI)” ?
That’s one of the things their still arguing about.
*Example;
local TV revenue
NY Knicks have that [MSG] network that brings in Ka-jillions.
-That [BRI] is a point of negotiation-
Grandad
October 31st, 2011
1:01 am
BRI = Basketball Related Income
Let me re-phrase:
What is actually included within the BRI is a point of contention;
inside the negotations.
* The owners might would give up 57% depending –
on what is or is not included. [within the BRI]
That is why you hear them [owners and or players] say;
“we offered ____%” and they refused.
Well …they [whichever one] may have offered _____%,
yet what was or was not included in the BRI made it unpalatable
for the opposing side.
Did you get all that ?
I think I just confused myself !
O'Brien
October 31st, 2011
7:50 am
I think the owners are prepared to miss an entire season if they have to (which could be good news for the Hawks and their old owners).
As for Marvin, I remember reading that the Cavs were open to a sign and trade of Shaq for Marvin.
But how awesome would it be if Marvin came back from the lockout new and improved?
1) Maybe he took ballet classes so he could be more balanced.
2) Maybe he hired Tony Robbins as his life coach.
3) Maybe him, Josh and Al, were working on their 3-pt shots together.
drmaryb.(*_*).
October 31st, 2011
8:58 am
Just Maybe – Marvin?
“2) Maybe he hired Tony Robbins as his life coach.
3) Maybe him, Josh and Al, were working on their 3-pt shots together.” – O’Brien -
____________
2) … Throw some Joel Olsteen in there too (for a prayer?)
3) … Just say it ain’t so? Marvin? – YES! Josh & Al?
(Let’s pray NOT!)
LOL! I see O’Brien Got Jokes? Funny stuff right there.
_______________
Grandmaster JeJe! Wassup baby boy? I feel you on that idea to Amnesty Marvin and sign Damien Wilkens. That would at the very least put some real defense on the LBJ’s @ SF and a few pump fakes? Oh what a lost art in the NBA.
We haven’t seen a good pump fake since Grant Long played for Lenny Wilkens in the ATL and Steve Smitty donned his patented head fake tO the middle and turn to the base line. As re: to Smitty, you knew it was coming and fell for it every time. Classic stuff!
These new breed of players are nothing more than POSERS! (smh)
_________________
I sure have missed all the ICONIC bloggers on here too – Grand-Daddy! Please keep the damned blog open, we’ll run it ourselves. Hey MC! Just type a period or a comma, we’ll take over from there. LOL!
Grandad
October 31st, 2011
9:44 am
1. Amnesty Marv & sign Battier.
2. A new year – I’m leaning toward signing Sam Dalembert:
*reasoning
(a) he is not a fit in LD’s offense – but he would be here longer than LD
(b) also Sam D. is a high % rebounder per min played.
(c) keeps him away from Miami
3. -and- sign Jeff Foster;
I forget who mentioned this earlier on the blog, but I agree.
He works his butt off rebounding.
*Let Jamal go (I like him but the above players are $ much better spent)
** The above players = blue collar defensive minded players.
** SD and Foster = Bigs.
** SD & Foster are Rebounders !
***note:
I know it won’t happen.
vava74
October 31st, 2011
9:58 am
It’s official, Kito Benson has packed his bags and is on its way to the USA.
According to the club, it was a consensual split, with Benson asking to leave.
He was struggling, but had a decent game last week (not this weekend) with 8 points and 13 rebounds in 23 minutes, but that was by far his best performance in 4 games.
vava74
October 31st, 2011
10:00 am
man… I missed this crap!
vava74
October 31st, 2011
10:10 am
http://195.56.77.208/player/?id=BEN-KEI-88
O'Brien
October 31st, 2011
10:37 am
303,
Spartans looked bad, which was expected. After 3 big wins, they were due for a let down.
Doc,
How ‘bout them Yellow Jackets?
O'Brien
October 31st, 2011
10:39 am
Vava,
Even if the split was mutual, does it bother you that Benson wanted out? It’s not like we will be having any NBA games soon, so why not keep playing?
I wonder what the issues were…
doc
October 31st, 2011
10:54 am
o’b very pleasantly surprised at the bees this weekend. my concern was if the ship wsnt righted we might look or stare at a 6-6 record after such an optimistic start. maybe the game is on even against the dawgs. if we get past va tech we better not look at duke as a gimme but a trap game looking ahead to uga. football still has to be played just like any game looking at what happened to several teams including the saints last week. just not taking care of business.
doc
October 31st, 2011
11:01 am
yes grandad, been a long time admirer of foster and his tenacity and dalembert would be a huge plus over twin. money is why it wont happen. what a surprise. an after thought, for reality testing among fans, maybe those fantasy leagues might also have some rules to have to deal with a cap. heh heh, wouldnt that be some sh!t.
drmaryb.(*_*).
October 31st, 2011
11:18 am
LaRussa!
Breaking News! (Ta Dah!)
Tony LaRussa resigned after taking the Cardinals to a World Title?
_______________
What does this say about Winning?
Winning isn’t enough to retain the services of a GM in Baseball. Where does all the politics of in-fighting fit into a Champion?
I guess, if it’s not loaded with ‘fat’ & ‘fried’? Winners can’t ell what it is! (smh)
truth
October 31st, 2011
11:20 am
We arent missing much. You see better offense and defense at a Rec league
drmaryb.(*_*).
October 31st, 2011
11:25 am
Count Down!
Uh Oh! We’re up to 115 comments … Hey MC! Can you go in there & increase the blog timer/counter, before it automatically shuts down?
vava74 just jumped on here & we would like to hear from niremental and northcyde before IT closes. Hugh? (wink-wink)
vava74
October 31st, 2011
11:28 am
doc:
“dalembert would be a huge plus over twin”
Major mistake. With Dalembert, we would not have won the series against ORL. Not by a mile.
Back to prescribing pain killers doc…
Najeh Davenpoop
October 31st, 2011
11:58 am
“In all seriousness – I’ve been wondering;
what does “no homo” mean ?
Is it latin ?”
LMAO
doc
October 31st, 2011
12:06 pm
vava pure speculation but i think the overall season would change is dalembert focused on rbounding and defense and was a dependable back up to al and keep zaza at the top of his game. sorry, i see him as an upgrade to twin. i could live with a the towers of all, josh, foster(who was part of the discussion), zaza and dalembert easy and not miss twin for a second.
glad to see you around bro. heh heh we can pick right up where we left off i see. i should have known better but not a mid-season form by a long shot. btw, i do most of my work with herbs and needles and not by prescribing pain killers for post op wound pain, anymore.
doc
October 31st, 2011
12:11 pm
no dmb, it is retiring with grace at the top of your game after 33 years. he deserves it. wouldnt it be great if we could all go out at the top of our game? all that is left now is the tigers manager of the grand ole managers unless you consider davey johnson among them.
O'Brien
October 31st, 2011
12:34 pm
Doc,
The bees play better with a chip on their shoulder. Hopefully CPJ will have them motivated again for the Hokies.
O'Brien
October 31st, 2011
12:35 pm
And I’m glad the Saints lost to the winless Rams. Not only do the Falcons gain ground in the division, but it gives Mike Smith plenty of ammunition to make sure the Falcons dont take the winless Colts lightly.
Section 303
October 31st, 2011
12:36 pm
Grandad, the Hawks cannot amnesty Marvin. Guys signed prior to July 1, 2011 are protected. That’s been agreed upon by players and owners. So, Marvin is safe.
I actually think it may be a mistake to amnesty Marvin anyways. His size is perfect for defending guys who are hard to defend–thinking LeBron. He does not always shut those guys down, but he does about as well as anyone else.
Section 303
October 31st, 2011
12:37 pm
O’Brien, the Spartans did look bad. Not so much on defense, but on offense. I agree…if you would have told me this summer that they would have won 3 out of 4 in this stretch of games (OSU, UofM, Wisconsin, Nebraska), I would have been very happy.
vava74
October 31st, 2011
12:40 pm
doc,
yes, I went right at you just to show that I have not lost my mojo
Dalembert looks decent on paper, but he renowned for being a malcontent and showing very irregular effort levels… not exactly staple material.
drmaryb.(*_*).
October 31st, 2011
1:03 pm
Breaking News! (Ta Dah!)
Kim Kardashian has Divorced Kris Humphries!
She found out Kris is BROKE, Locked Out from his NBA gig and my guess is this “Big Dummie!” (in Fred G. Danford’s voice) spent his last “Milly” on the Brinks Truck delivered engagement ring!?
______________
What? The NBA lock-out has lasted longer than the $17M (TV payment to film the wedding), Kim got for the reality wedding – Marriage.
I just hope Kris’s agent had her sign a Pre-Nuptual to split that payment with Broke-Azz Kris Humphries! What a joke!
Kris actually tried to back out of the 3 month engagement to marry Kim, but the plans were fully laid and the TV wedding payment had already been negotiated. Kim’s greedy Mother talked Kris into going ahead with the wedding. He was weary of the idea of their LIFE being filmed from sun-up to sun-down and her meddling family in every aspect of his LIFE! What a Dummie – unless he got paid & laid!!!
(smh). In other NBA News – they still locked out!
O'Brien
October 31st, 2011
1:12 pm
Interesting read. From ESPN.com;
ATLANTA HAWKS: Most likely amnesty cut: Marvin Williams
How likely to use amnesty this season? Jump ball
Other amnesty candidates: None
Analysis: Sources with knowledge of the Hawks’ thinking insist that the team isn’t ready to give up on Williams. Atlanta apparently still thinks that, at worst, it can deal him away, despite the Hawks’ inability to find any sort of trade market for Williams up to now.
The fact that Atlanta’s ownership situation remains highly unsettled, thanks to the latest revelations about Alex Meruelo’s attempt to buy the franchise potentially collapsing, might also buy Williams some more time in the ATL.
Yet most rival teams believe that, at some point in whatever amnesty window is ultimately made official, Williams and the remaining money on his deal ($25 million through 2013-14) have to go. The guy (Billy Knight) who drafted him ahead of Chris Paul when Paul wanted to land with the Hawks is long gone.
There can be no conceivable motivation left within the organization to try to camouflage the grave Williams mistakes (drafting him and then extending him) of the past..
Big Ray
October 31st, 2011
1:29 pm
The above is so typical of this franchise…
And the ASG remaining as owners of this team depresses me enough to never want to blog again…
drmaryb.(*_*).
October 31st, 2011
1:55 pm
Correction!
Correction – “FILED” for divorce today! 790 The Zone reported the divorce was finalized. Uggh … NO it’s not!
Kris Humphries! You should have started running away, when Kim told you, “I will NOT be taking your name .. Kardashian is a “get money” Brand!” LOL!
I guess Kris money couldn’t match Lamar Odom money – Pounf for Pound? LOL!
_______________
Kim Kardashian Files For Divorce
October 31 2011 | Jocelyn Vena
Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries said “I Do” in an elaborate, very public ceremony over the summer, and now comes word that the reality starlet and her basketball player hubby are calling it quits just 72 days after tying the know
TMZ reported that Kim filed for divorce from Humphries on Monday (October 31), coincidentally the scariest day of the year. Sources told the site that Kim is not seeking an annulment and cites “irreconcilable differences” as the cause for the split.
The couple reportedly have a prenuptial agreement and celebrity lawyer Laura Wasser has been tapped to represent Kardashian. According to TMZ, the pair’s $10 million wedding cost approximately $138,888 a day as of October 31. A rep for Kim had not responded to MTV News’ request for comment as of press time.
However, Ryan Secreast, who produces the reality star’s E! shows, confirmed the news on Twitter, writing, “Yes @kimkardashian is filing for divorce this morning. I touched base with her, getting a statement in just a few min.”
The news comes as several tabloids have been reporting on Kim and Kris’ marital woes. Kardashian and NBA player Humphries married on August 20 in California in a lavish ceremony in front of friends, family and E! cameras. “The dresses were so gorgeous, and watching those beautiful girls walk down the aisle … they are absolutely stunning,” guest Julianne Hough gushed to MTV News after the ceremony. “To just see them walking down the aisle was just beautiful. And then little Mason, Kourtney’s little boy, he kind of stole the show.”
The first few months of Kris and Kim’s marriage will be documented on the second season of “Kourtney & Kim Take New York,” which kicks off on November 27. In previews for the show, fans have gotten a peek at the short-lived marriage. “How am I going to have my career and live in Minnesota?” Kim asks Kris when he suggests they move to his hometown. His response? “Baby, by the time you have kids and they’re in school, nobody will probably care about you.”
Are you surprised by Kim’s decision to file for divorce?
- drmaryb The Entertainment Reporter -
________________
Hey NBA Players! Yawl better go back to work … The beautiful gold-diggers aint loving you right – if you ain’t got no Loot? These Ho’s ain’t knocking no Boots!
doc
October 31st, 2011
1:57 pm
yeah, i know the issues with dalembert and would address them prior to moving ahead. pipe dream anyway.
amen to that last sentence, but i doubt he got much. looks like frigid meat to me, dmb.
ob whatever it takes, i think it was more they have a revival of their legs that were weary after the grind. the techies go pretty hard at practice from what i hear. there was also talk he had scaled down the workouts a bit. it is a very long grind.
drmaryb.(*_*).
October 31st, 2011
2:03 pm
790 The Zone!
Hey yawl! Ryan Stewart just read my 1:03PM post, Live on the radio show verbatum!
You fellas keep posting … We really do have an Live audience for as long as the Hawks blog stays open.
Go “2-Live Stews!”
drmaryb.(*_*).
October 31st, 2011
2:10 pm
World Class Move!
“doc
no dmb, it is retiring with grace at the top of your game after 33 years. he deserves it. wouldnt it be great if we could all go out at the top of our game?” -doc-
________________
Oh ok! Then that is the way to go out – how many of us get to leave on “Our Terms” in Life & Death? Reminiscent of Barry Sanders leaving the bears within striking distance of “sweetness” Walter Payton “All – Time” NFL rushing record (what was Barry, less than 100 yards?).
Correct me if I’m wrong.
drmaryb.(*_*).
October 31st, 2011
2:19 pm
You Are Not Alone …
“And the ASG remaining as owners of this team depresses me enough to never want to blog again…” -Blu-Ray-
____________
You are not alone … I am here with you!
-michael jackson (RIP)-
__________
Finally, That Man in The Mirror – can rest now. (so sad)
doc
October 31st, 2011
2:38 pm
yeah dmb i referred to jc1 as “flip on roids” and it wsnt long i heard the same phrase on the 790 bell show by the ex- dog co host. u go girl enjoy your 15 minutes of fame heh heh.
Section 303
October 31st, 2011
3:05 pm
Woops….misread the Howard Beck article. Looks like Marvin could be an amnesty victum. I still don”t think that will happen, though. Here is the article I had trouble reading.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/30/sports/basketball/nba-deal-is-close-but-last-hurdle-is-a-big-one.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&src=tp&adxnnlx=1320087782-MyiRyZbQbCFqET6ORfO2LA
drmaryb.(*_*).
October 31st, 2011
3:26 pm
15 Mins!
Yeah …. doc! I’m famous! I almost hit a tree, when I heard my post verbatum being sired by Ryan. Ryan also said, Kim K. had seeked out Gallinari of The knicks for a Suare’ Love Affair … But he turned her down, so she went after Kris Humphries instead!
What a Ho! She has all the money in the world but can’t by herself some LOVE!
Remember she dated Austin – that WR from the Cowboys before Kris Humphries. He did one TV Show with her whacked out family and said, “This is crazy! I’m outa’ here!”
___________
Poor thing! Like the guy in the movie “GI-Jane” said, “I never saw a “wild thing” sorry for itself.” LOL!
____________
Anyways … Yeah – I’m famous! LMBAO
O'Brien
October 31st, 2011
3:31 pm
doc,
yeah, i know the issues with dalembert and would address them prior to moving ahead. pipe dream anyway..
Dont worry. LD has a fool proof plan that would help Dalembert change/fix his issues. LD would make him co-captain
drmaryb.(*_*).
October 31st, 2011
3:46 pm
Gone Bye-Bye!
“Atlanta apparently still thinks that, at worst, it can deal him away, despite the Hawks’ inability to find any sort of trade market for Williams up to now. ” -O’Brien & ESPN-
_______________
Hey O,B! LOL! They blew their chance when the coulda’ got Shaq & that PG from Cleveland straight-up in exchange for Marvin.
Even if ShaQ couldn’t play? Marvin woulda’ been gone bye-bye and we woulda’ had that back-up PG, (what’s his name? he was a ball distributor.) For the JC2 lovers, he would have stayed, the downside? No Captain Kirk! Captain Kirk is very nice.
Anyways, woulda’ – coulda’ – shoulda’ is the story of a Hawk’s Fan life! Geez-Us!
Grandmaster JeJe, IDK if the Devin Harris trade was for real, besides Devin was due – what? 9M ++ years? He was not the answer either. The more I type … the more depressed I become! CP3 was sitting on B.Knights Dck – and he could feel it! (what a screw up that was!) Just Damn!!!
doc
October 31st, 2011
4:39 pm
can i be captain, too?
dmb, i hope they gave cred to you and the blog.
Worldwide Clyde
October 31st, 2011
4:52 pm
Kim K or Amber Rose?
ILL-Logical
October 31st, 2011
6:01 pm
What is this talk of the Kardashians, did not Jean Luc Picard banish them to the Neutral Zone?
drmaryb (*_*)
October 31st, 2011
6:49 pm
ILL-Logical!
we’re scrumping the bottom of the “2 for $1.00 Bargain Bin” for any news NBA related, hey … we’re locked – out! remember?
he he
drmaryb (*_*)
October 31st, 2011
6:55 pm
Beat Biters!
“dmb, i hope they gave cred to you and the blog.” -doc-
__________
naw doc, them “beat-biters” stole my material … line for line! LOL!
wastedyears
October 31st, 2011
7:09 pm
great news i hope the f**cking nba goes bankrupt and belly up this sh*t is own during football and f**ks up everything let them all get jobs at the local carwash and they can keep my mercedes clean GOOD RIDDINCE!!!!!!!!!
drmaryb (*_*)
October 31st, 2011
9:29 pm
TRICK OR TREAT!!
Any BEEFY boogeymen out there looking for something SWEET tonight?
(Hopefully, BIG OL’ DWIGHT dressed as a CANDY BAR!!!)
O'Brien
October 31st, 2011
10:15 pm
Good read on NBA.com from David Aldridge. Owners will not budge, and their offer will only get worse.
The union must take the deal now. For it will take a far worse deal a month from now, or later, and lose half a billion or more in the process..
httphttp://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/david_aldridge/10/31/nba-lockout-next-steps/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1/
O'Brien
October 31st, 2011
10:16 pm
Let’s try this again.
http://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/david_aldridge/10/31/nba-lockout-next-steps/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1/
O'Brien
October 31st, 2011
10:18 pm
More from DA;
And James lorded it over them, making them come to him in Ohio those first two weeks in July last year, then making the whole league watch his Decision on the Four-Letter Network, reality TV writ large, making all these billionaires and multi-millionaires nothing more than pawns, waiting for LeBron Trump to tell them who was fired and who was hired. Dan Gilbert went Comic Sans Crazy as his franchise lost $100 million in worth in the blink of an eye, and it scared the other owners out of their minds. It ticked them off, too..
O'Brien
October 31st, 2011
10:33 pm
From hoopinion;
On Saturday, BCM Gravelines beat Pau-Lacq-Orthez 89-60, led by Pape Sy’s 25 points on 11 shots in 20 minutes. Sy made three of five three-pointers, five of six two-point attempts and all six of his free throws. Sy grabbed four rebounds, earned an assist, committed a turnover and drew seven fouls..