Atlanta Hawks: Jamal Crawford’s free-agent journey
According to Frank Isola of the Daily News in New York, Jamal prefers “returning to the New York area if he does not re-sign with the Atlanta Hawks.” Isola suggests that Jamal’s chances of signing with New York or New Jersey increased when he signed with agent Andy Miller, who “has close ties to both the Knicks’ and Nets’ organizations.”
As a proponent of the popular “players almost always take more money” school of thought, I’ve never followed the “agent-likes-the-team-so-player-will-sign-there” angle. The same dots were connected for J.J. to the Knicks even before last summer (“Done deal”) . The same kind of thinking also had J.J. going to Chicago (“dead set on joining the Bulls”).
We know how all that turned out once the Hawks flashed more cash at J.J. So let’s be real: That’s what Jamal is looking for, too, as he seeks out his last big contract. How do I know this? Because Jamal is a human being who responds to financial incentives. Also, I follow him on Twitter.
For weeks, fans from everywhere have queried Jamal on whether he likes their favorite team. He likes Atlanta, Chicago, Portland, New Jersey and New York. I’d also add Indiana, Sacamento, and any of those other teams that have lots of cap space just waiting to be used.
Jamal succinctly summed it up with this great tweet: “I have interest in who has interest in me.”
Ah, to be a scoring shooting guard in a free-agent market that should prove favorable to such a player. How favorable? I don’t know, but ESPN.com’s 5-on-5 took a shot at setting the value for Jamal and other top free agents.
Among the four guys on the panel to offer an opinion, the low offer for Jamal was the tax-payer mid-level exception of two years and $5 million and the high was three years and $22 million. The Hawks can’t swing either of those amounts unless they pay the luxury tax or amnesty someone (love using that as a verb) and then pay Jamal.
AJC wise guy Jeff Schultz thinks it would be a big blow to the Hawks to lose Jamal’s bench scoring. I think the impact could be mitigated with more possessions used by Teague, Hinrich and Al plus signing a replacement for Jamal who scores more efficiently and defends and rebounds. As always, I could be wrong.
(Before you ask, I don’t know who that player could be. First I need to figure out the Hawks’ plans regarding the tax and amnesty, and then see what the market looks like. Heck, for that matter, we still need to wait and see what provisions make it into the final, final CBA.)
Etc.
- Teams are expected to play two home-and-home preseason games against opponents in their geographical area. It looks like the Hawks will draw Charlotte.
- Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald says the Hawks are on Big Baby’s wish list. Murphy also speculates on the Hawks trading Smoove and amnestying Marvin (yeah, I’m going to use it as a verb all the time).
- Howard Beck of the New York Times reports that the amnesty clause won’t be used much this season. Beck also offers up “five bad contracts worth expunging.”
- Hoopinion’s Bret LaGree opines that the new modified waiver process for amnestied guys will influence Atlanta’s decision on whether to amnesty Marvin: “If a bunch of teams use the amnesty provision immediately, then it’s less likely Williams would draw sufficient interest under the third part of the amnesty provision wherein another team currently under the cap would defray some of the money Atlanta owes him.”
- Shaq says he would have played for the Hawks but Rick Sund “wanted to give all that money to Joe Johnson last year.” You might remember Shaq decided he couldn’t accept less than the full MLE or a bench role with the Hawks and then signed with the Celtics. You may also remember this proved to be the right call for the Hawks after Twin’s emergence and Shaq’s fade.
- Oakland (Mich.) University will retire Keith “Kito” Benson’s jersey at halftime of its game tonight vs. Tennessee. The game is on ESPNU at 9 p.m.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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319 comments Add your comment
Fundamentals
November 30th, 2011
12:24 pm
Amen to needing solid leadership. We’re still growing so I have hope. Only problem is our kids have .o consensus who their leader is. We need a good prospect at sf and c. They don’t even have to be superstars, just real team oriented hustle pieces. If feature gets the reins we’ll have all the motion we need on offense and more tenacity on d.
No big baby!
No AI!
Astro Joe
November 30th, 2011
12:24 pm
Bring back FLIP!
Fundamentals
November 30th, 2011
12:25 pm
MC – How has Benson progressed? Any potential he can be used?
Air Zaza
November 30th, 2011
12:30 pm
vava has made his point clear that he has the logic of doorknob. He gets mad anytime someone says anything about Smith but will continue to mention Horford in series he struggles mainly due to the Hawks lack of offensive movement. During the season when we have had movement Horford has been our most impactful player from stats, film, and what not.
I don’t have the need to bash one player for another like this clown vava. He keeps talking about heart and toughness when most around the league and the organization would say Horford is our toughest player by a mile. But this clown named vava says otherwise.
So why say PER is meaningless when most of the dumb stuff you stew is just opinion. vava is a clown, probably one of Josh Smith idiot friends on a blog site trolling his arse off.
darrell starks
November 30th, 2011
12:31 pm
Hawks for Life, Josh would be a better player with CP3 than Horford, not only that i gurantee if Josh Jack up a three instead of playing in the post, CP3 would put his foot up Josh A$$ this is what Smoove need to become a superstar a court leader like CP3 telling him how important he will be for success.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!
Air Zaza
November 30th, 2011
12:34 pm
@ durrell
How would Smith be better with CP3 than Horford?
It’s crap like this that makes you understand why the Atlanta school system almost lost it’s accreditation.
vava74
November 30th, 2011
12:34 pm
Air Zaza,
It cool to see what you resort to when your arguments (or lack of) falter: you resort to calling me a doorknob, clown, …
vava74
November 30th, 2011
12:38 pm
And, for your information, since you are new around here and still in your blog diapers, I have always been critical of Josh and his antics.
However, between the two guys, after the wimpy effort I saw Al put in two years in a row and after all that whining that “I am not a C”, “Howard is too big, I need help!”, I take Josh in a heartbeat.
darrell starks
November 30th, 2011
12:44 pm
AIR ZAZA, WHAT GAME HAVE YOU WATCH ? A BLIND MAN SOMETIME EYE BONE ANATOMY.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
vava74
November 30th, 2011
12:50 pm
Also, have you noticed the idiocy of your blog alias?
Air Zaza? The only time that Zaza gets airborne is when he boards a plane.
(I like Zaza fo FYI)
Astro Joe
November 30th, 2011
12:57 pm
So I’ll ask the question… name a player that wouldn’t be better if playing next to a top 5 PG of his generation? I’m confused why Josh would be better playing next to CP3 but not Horford (or even Zaza for that matter).
Vic in Florida
November 30th, 2011
12:59 pm
vava, plz……… How many big games have u gotten out JJ. Al is gives far more than JJ or Josh, and way more dependable. Where was Joe in the playoffs the yr before last b4 he was given the money? Al is a forward playing center. U picked one or two games JJ played half decent in, and he is suppose to be the leading scorer. His azz shouldda been gone before last season. I have been a fan since Dan Roundtree and Tree Rollins. I didn’t just start this.
drmaryb .[*_*].
November 30th, 2011
1:08 pm
CP3!
If Boston is offering Rondo & CP3 chooses to sign an extension with the younger, high-flying Hawks then, what Boston wants will not amount to a hill of beans in “Bean Town.”. LOL!
Aye Sund! You finally got a superstar that actually wants to come to Atlanta – so, do your job & make it happen! Where is Billy Knight when you need him.
Najeh, Grand Daddy, Grandmaster JeJe: what would you do for a Klon-Dike Bar? i.e. (CP3)?
Teague & 2 protected first round picks? Hmmm … Or better yet, Kirk & 2 protected 1st Rounders? What will it take IF CP3 locks in onto the Hawks like Melo did with New York?
drmaryb .[*_*].
November 30th, 2011
1:16 pm
Astro Joe!
What would you give for CP3? He may be the piece that brings Dwight home as well. Imagine that? Wow!
Vic in Florida
November 30th, 2011
1:18 pm
Can ATL afford CP3 and Dwight? I doubt it.
vava74
November 30th, 2011
1:19 pm
Vic,
We got from JJ a lot more high quality games than we got from Al in the playoffs. A LOT MORE.
JJ played great in 07/08 against the Celts, owned Wade in 08/09, was a monster for half of the MIL series in 09/10 (check his stats games 1 to 4) until he sulked when he saw the indiscipline in the team (and Kurt Thomas PUNKING Al at 37 years old).
Yes, he disappeared against ORL in 09/10 and I also think he should have played better but Highway Al was getting out of the way every time Howard got the rock from tip off. Kind of difficult to remain motivated in light of that and Woody’s complete lack of game plan.
Last year JJ had a very good 1st round series and had a pretty decent series against CHI with one monster game 1 performance which could have got us the upset bid going if it wasn’t for LD complete miss management of Game 2 and then in Game 4 HE held the fort in the 4th quarter with 10 points after a monster game by Josh.
Al got 20 points (on 8/9 shooting MAINLY FROM THE OUTSIDE) also in game 4 of the CHI series to go along FIVE (5) rebounds.
JJ is not perfect from a spunk/heart point of view – never said that – put he shows up far more often than Al.
The discussion is: if a trade for CP3 comes up, who do you give, Josh or Al?
The answer for me is Al, without ANY QUESTION.
By the way, look at JJ’s stats in last year’s playoffs. If something happened wrong last year with JJ was that he shot too LITTLE during the CHI series.
Mike
November 30th, 2011
1:26 pm
@Vic in Florida
You right, it is kinda of hard to offer for both of them. But we need to get one of them. Something needs to happen, the core isnt working, we cant be stuck on neurtal anymore, a shakeup needs to happen, period.
hawks_4_life
November 30th, 2011
1:26 pm
Darrell,
Personally I think Al would be a better fit with him but I can see and respect your point. I really wish we werent strapped with JJ’s contract, more than that I really wish the sale of the hawks stuck.
drmaryb .[*_*].
November 30th, 2011
1:28 pm
Tokyo Drift!
If Horford keeps drifting away from the basket, I would trade his azz too! I don’t care if he shoots 60% from beyond the arc, we need his BIG azz in the paint.
We already got a SG being paid very well to hit those shots. It’s all about playing your role and balancing the floor with spacing and offensive schemes to score. Especially in the 3rd & 4th quarters, (where this team struggles). It all starts with Drew.
hawks_4_life
November 30th, 2011
1:34 pm
Drmary,
I think the drifting and Josh ending up at the three point line is a breakdown in coaching.
drmaryb .[*_*].
November 30th, 2011
1:34 pm
Affordability!
Yes Atlanta can afford CP3 & Dwight, if they get rid off all their scrubs and overpaid players. That’s what a Real GM does, it’s why he get’s paid the big bucks.
That’s not a problem for the fans to worry about! Pay some luxury tax and get a heart!
darrell starks
November 30th, 2011
1:45 pm
drmary thanks for thinking positive unlike some of the bandwagon fans in this city.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
drmaryb .[*_*].
November 30th, 2011
1:49 pm
Woody Ball!
“Drmary,
I think the drifting and Josh ending up at the three point line is a breakdown in coaching.” -hawk_4_life-
_____________
Exactly! Mr. Woodson never had this problem, he was cracking skulls. But, these Prima Donnas didn’t like his yelling tones, they don’t wanna’ win – they wanna’ be coddled (they call it respect). SMH
I say, respect the game!
Rufus1
November 30th, 2011
1:51 pm
To get CP3
No way we get CP3 without offering Al and Teague. Without Al/Josh and Teague, are we that much better with just CP3….I am not sure, but he would sell tickets.
Say what you want about Al or Josh, they have their positive attributes…
AL- Shot 57% from 12-18ft, Rebs and spaces the floor.
Josh- Is a excellent shot blocker and plays the passing lane very well.
To lose either without replacing their skill would hurt this team, because the TRUTH IS we need what they both bring…
SO WHO IS MORE REPLACEABLE?????
hawks_4_life
November 30th, 2011
1:52 pm
Guys,
Just a question but do you remember the good ole days of the NBA. Not the good ole hawk day, Im talking late 80s and 90s. Im talking a time where there is no bickering, no superstar calls, regular season intensity, no flopping. Players respected the game and there was no Prima Donna like drmaryb said.
drmaryb .[*_*].
November 30th, 2011
2:00 pm
CP3!
“No way we get CP3 without offering Al and Teague. Without Al/Josh and Teague, are we that much better with just CP3….I am not sure, but he would sell tickets.”
-rufus1-
_______________
Or … IF CP3 refuses to sign a trade extension to force his way to Atlanta, then he can walk on as an UFA in the Summer. There is no looming CBA lockout next season, so there is no leverage in New Orleans. They will have to take whatever they can get for Chris Paul or risk getting nothing.
It’s all predicated on where CP3 wants to play at that point. I heard Paul was shopping for a house in Atlanta last week. The weather and lifestyle sure beats Bean-Town, by far.
Astro Joe
November 30th, 2011
2:17 pm
Mary, i think Josh and Teague would likely get it done for CP3. The thing about Josh (vs. Al) is that his contract expires in 2 seasons so the Hornets would have more payroll options. Plus, it would be easier to market Josh and Teague as an exciting tandem more than Al. I’m not as high on Dwight as others, he’s the best center in the game today but that speaks mostly to the decline in the position (more than it does to Dwight’s greatness). Similarly, I’d take any of the top 3-5 young PGs… I’m no huge fan of the oft-injured CP3. So while others get wrapped around about specifics, I would gladly trade Josh/Teague for a top 3-5 PG who is NOT in decline and would bring clear leadership to the team. That list does not begin and end with CP3.
With all that said, the best way too improve the team remains hiring the right head coach. It doesn’t require a cooperative trade partner nor will it require matching salaries or comparable talent returned. A team incapable of making the easier decision regarding hiring a head coach is not very likely to know how to use trades to upgrade the roster.
Grandad
November 30th, 2011
2:18 pm
Sorry I skipped a bunch o’ posts;
I could not wait to get on board.
I’ll catch up in a min.
____________________________________________
Hawks need to trade for Paul over Howard
* Why *
Howard needs a guard to make him effective.
* Therefore *
Paul is a SuperDuperStar by Himself !!
* Also *
If the League gets Drug [blood] Testing passed
in the final details of the CBA – be careful wishing for Dwight ?
____________________________________________
Astro Joe
November 30th, 2011
2:19 pm
A team incapable of making the easier decision regarding hiring a head coach is not very likely to know how to use trades to upgrade the roster.
One is addition and the other is trigonometry.
Grandad
November 30th, 2011
2:22 pm
vava
(you’re nuts)
left, right, left, right, uppercut, knee to the groin, watch out …..
-here comes a masked black lady-
comin’ up from behind with a steel metal chair;
ain’t she purty,
(shades of Scotty Ferrell & Larry Munson with a touch o’ Gordon Solie)
vava’s out – layin’ on the floor bleedin’;
while – G-dad alias the assp & the the masked, Lady Black Momba (sic),
jump in the ring proclaiming #1 evidently by holding up their finger m!m.
____________________________________________
vava
All in good fun.
My weak attempt at humor today.
I really don’t think your nuts.
*[except about Horford]
drmaryb .[*_*].
November 30th, 2011
2:26 pm
Recruit!
Hey, if Joe wants to help his agent, Arn Tellem words come true – he can start recruiting CP3 before Dec. 9th.
@ darrell starks: yeah my friend … Thoughts become Words becomes Actions becomes Character determines Destiny. Thinking positive is the key that unlocks your destiny.
See Pat Riley! He got what he wanted in So. Beach – right? That’s the difference between winners and losers!
______________
@hawks_4_life: These players today are soft and, couple that with the referees – nowadays, you can’t even give a dirty look to Durant and LeBron without being tagged with a foul. Matador Defense in the paint is like ushering the raging bull towards the rim with a red skirt. LOL!
If we lose Josh for CP3, who will guard the rim, alter shots and run the wings after rebounding? Josh does a lot for the Hawks, he’s a true stat stuffer. We just don’t need him dribbling on fast breaks any more. Give it to Paul and run like hell! LOL!
Grandmaster JeJe
November 30th, 2011
2:26 pm
Dr. Mary,
I would offer Teague and Smoove and maybe a 1st for CP3 and a scrub. a bit leery about Paul though…his health concerns me and he looks a bit thick- no homo
Rufus1
November 30th, 2011
2:35 pm
@drmaryb .[*_*].
I believe/ hope he would stay in ATL if he thought he could win and I think he is a “Son of the South”. I also believe based on what I have read, CP3 is one of the few players who wants to win more, than play in a certain city.
We have won 50 games without him(CP3), without Teague and Just a little Marvin, if he comes to the ATL we would be title contenders and he knows that….So Unless we can get Okafor back in the trade I can’t give up Josh or Al, because I think he would leave.
Rufus1
November 30th, 2011
2:41 pm
“If the League gets Drug [blood] Testing passed
in the final details of the CBA – be careful wishing for Dwight ?”- Grandad
I can’t believe you went there, but I agree!
drmaryb .[*_*].
November 30th, 2011
2:46 pm
Drifter!
“AL- Shot 57% from 12-18ft, Rebs and spaces the floor.”
-rufus1-
______________
And that IS the problem, if your BIG is playing 12-18FT AWAY from the basket, who is going to get the rebounds when he bricks the other 43% of those shots?
It’s not about making that shot, it’s about playing a style of basketball, where your BIGS control the paint.
Joe said it best last season in frustration, “We are ALL jump shooters – it is what it is!” Rufus1, do you think that was a compliment to his teammates? Now add Josh’s jumpers to Al’s and that’s what we got! Raining Jumpers.
SMH! Meanwhile, no one is playing any defense.
Is that what Mr. Naismith envisioned? A slew of 7 footers playing from 18 feet? Crowded back couts and 24 Hour drive thru lanes with no one at the window and on the cash register. Free Food!!!!
Grandad
November 30th, 2011
2:49 pm
The Celtics are trying to enlist Indy to work a trade
for Rondo, need a 3rd team.
Celts ultimate goal = Paul.
(Celts trying to acquire enough “young” talent to get CP3)
* Now *
Hawks should do this:
3 way;
Josh to Indy – they [Indy] have Josh on their wish list
Granger to N.O.
Teague & Zaza to N.O.
Paul to Atl.
works on trade machine -still gotta pass muster- even wi new CBA
This is an expansion of my previous suggestion yesterday.
I think it was BuddyG who stated that N.O.
would only have Josh for two yrs.
Granger would give them an extra yr. [3 years on contract]
_____________________________________________
Regardless of vava;
we should keep Al & pair with Chris Paul.
Also, we would very much need to get Chris Paul a Coach,
one of the highest order.
We would need to make him this promise.
____________________________________________
Why keep Teaguer if we’re getting Paul ? hypothetically ?
vava ?
____________________________________________
Beat the Celts to the punch ?
* Sund *
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
I’m sorry I blacked out for a moment;
did I say something.
Grandad
November 30th, 2011
3:05 pm
Mary Ellen
I love you,
but why is it a problem for a player to play to his strengths.
[referring to Al as being efficient from 12 to 8 ft]
You have always been a proponent of Laimbeer !
He was a face up Center on offense – that was -his- game.
Please, don’t get hung up on trying to make someone …
-what they are not- “I refer to vava”.
Because Al is not Rodman, Oakley, Majorn, et al;
then all of a sudden he becomes a sissy.
If that be true;
then all the NBA are sissies !
I had this very argument over thanksgiving;
literally, modern day players try, again literally;
playing “a mile” in their “shoes” !
Therefore,
toughness is relative.
Those of us on this here blog …
can’t even define much less quantify toughness.
Diaper Al my Ass !
I’m a Bad Ass … I can define & quantify it Yawl !
There – IRMC
____________________________________________
Most of that was not @ you, darlin’.
Grandad
November 30th, 2011
3:08 pm
” then all the NBA are sissies ! ”
*Should have read:
** then all the “current / present day” NBA are sissies **
Grandmaster JeJe
November 30th, 2011
3:10 pm
Can’t ASG spend money now that the Thrashers are gone? These guys should be able to
MsDee
November 30th, 2011
3:21 pm
Not sure why people would give up Teague & Josh for CP3??? He is truely accident prone, havent played a whole season yet, and im sure this short 66 game season wont be any different. CP3, yes a great PG, but is he worth a young and excelling Teague?? My answer is He11-to the-Naw!!
drmaryb .[*_*].
November 30th, 2011
3:23 pm
Whoa Nellie!
“The Celtics are trying to enlist Indy to work a trade
for Rondo, need a 3rd team.
Celts ultimate goal = Paul.
(Celts trying to acquire enough “young” talent to get CP3)” -Grand-Daddy-
_______________
I hope this is not the case. Last I checked the NBA is still on Lock Down! The players are still de-certified and the owners have yet to vote and sign their end of the CBA.
So, if agents are talking to teams about players then, Stern better get his fine book out and start writing some tampering tickets.
But, hey we fans can fantasize all we want – all day and all night.
Rufus1
November 30th, 2011
3:29 pm
@drmaryb .[*_*].
“do you think that was a compliment to his teammates? Now add Josh’s jumpers to Al’s and that’s what we got! Raining Jumpers.” – drmary
No, I don’t think it compliments his team. I thought he would use his jumper to compliment his low post game, but he became a jump shooter. I think he needs to go back to the block develop his left hand and become the offense rebounding force we need.
I think Al and Josh need to stay below the foul line attacking the rim and offensive glass….I think Josh’s untapped skill is cutting to the basket.- (These are all coaching issues)
FreshFromATL
November 30th, 2011
3:33 pm
drmaryb .[*_*].,
Teams were able to start negotiations officially at 9AM this morning, however contracts can’t be signed until December 9th. So free agency, has essentially begun in a way. Practice facilities are set to open tomorrow. I wonder if there is something going on with the Hawks because a lot of teams are making phone calls right now.
drmaryb .[*_*].
November 30th, 2011
3:34 pm
What a Team Needs!
“but why is it a problem for a player to play to his strengths.
[referring to Al as being efficient from 12 to 8 ft]
You have always been a proponent of Laimbeer !”
-Grand-Daddy-
_______________
Because, like it or not, Horford IS our center. His strength may NOT be what our team need right now. Until and unless we get a real Center, Horford is gonna’ have to suck it up and play in the paint! Why is that so hard to understand?
Laimbeer played defense and banged with Rick Mahorn on his hip! They had Isaiah Thomas (HOF) and Vinnie Microwave and Dennis Rodman (HOF). There is NO comparison to Horford and the Hawks here – The Hawks haven’t had a HOF player since Nique played in the 80’s.
Laimbeer is 7 Feet tall … Are you really gopnna’ compare Horford to Laimbeer and 25 years later in another time & place? Come on Poppy!
_______________
The Hawks need Horford in the paint until more qualified help arrives – Period. Dwight hasn’t said he wants to play here, but CP3 has! That’s a good start.
Slimjr
November 30th, 2011
3:34 pm
Trade Allstar Al.
Wavie Marvina
Fire Sund and Larry
Atlanta Spirit Group take a hike!
Hire some oiled down Brazilian Cheeleaders…Yeah!
CP3 is gonna be a Knick someday I bet!
Some things seem to never change in the Atlanta Professional Sports Landscape…
Slimjr
November 30th, 2011
3:39 pm
“I wonder if there is something going on with the Hawks because a lot of teams are making phone calls right now.”
Remember Rick Sund is your GM, ASG are still the owners, so no, don’t wonder..Nothing’s gonna change around these parts…..Same Ole _____!
Sund kick ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rufus1
November 30th, 2011
3:42 pm
“Because Al is not Rodman, Oakley, Majorn, et al;
then all of a sudden he becomes a sissy.”- Grandad
I agree you shouldn’t put a “square peg in a round hole” but players need to fill voids. We have a void of rebounding and toughenss and I thought Al was paid with the thought he would be that player….Just like I thought Josh was paid to bring shot blocking and energy…..Instead we got 25mil worth of 6′10 jump shooters.
I have no problem with Al shooting jumpers, but Josh and Al can’t be our starting front court playing their current style.
Slimjr
November 30th, 2011
3:45 pm
Al or Josh has got go to challenge and partake in an ECF for the very first time…..
Rufus1
November 30th, 2011
3:45 pm
@drmaryb .[*_*].
I co-sign on your post about Al….the word is called “Balance”
drmaryb .[*_*].
November 30th, 2011
3:47 pm
CP3!
Hey Ms. Dee! Wassup home gurl? Jump on in here and get you some ashy elbows and knees in your neck and back.
LOL! I sure have missed you and your fine comments! I was also very concerned about CP3 knees season before last, but this past season he looked very stable and strong.
I would take that risk in a heart beat right now. CP3 on one knee is better than anything we got on this roster healthy!
doc was an orthopedic surgeon in ER, I’m sure of that. We discussed Paul’s knee in great detail and based on what doc said, if push came to shove – CP3 would benefit greatly If micro-fracture surgery was needed/required down the road. All I have to say about that is look how well Amare Stoudamire has recovered and played.
So no, I’m not scared of Paul’s knee at this point. Whatever it takes to get a bona-fide Super Star in Atlanta. Sign him up! Pack everybody’s bag and let’s go! If I’m wrong, oh well, at least I tried!