Atlanta Hawks: Afternoon notes
Notes contemplated while waiting in an empty gym . . .
- Stopped by Philips Arena today. No players showed up during the couple hours I was there and none were expected. Again, I wouldn’t read too much into it, especially since guys have access to the facilities at any time and don’t need to work out at Philips.
- It turned out Joe and Al were at Philips yesterday to get their physicals but didn’t take the court.
- As you hear the Hawks connected to one free agent or another keep in mind that, like a lot of teams, they can’t be sure of their plans until the CBA is ratified and they know the rules. So take all these rumors with a grain of salt.
- Also, I don’t think the Hawks have decided on their financial plan yet. Hawks officials aren’t commenting because they still are concerned about league fines but I’m hearing they haven’t yet ruled out spending into the luxury tax.
- I wouldn’t look for the Hawks to use the amnesty this year. In fact, I don’t think many teams will use it now unless they are looking for major relief from the luxury tax or can gain cap room (and some teams in the latter category can’t use it because they would drop below the new minimum team salary). The Hawks don’t qualify on either count. They can save it for J.J.’s deal down the line.
- It’s true Josh still is unhappy, and the reasons go beyond internal and external criticism of his play and extend into concerns about team chemistry. It seems as if he simply could use a change of scenery. That doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.
- From what I can tell, none of Atlanta’s players have been declared untouchable for trades. So, at the very least, this would represent a shift in thinking by the Hawks about their proverbial “core” group. But if they do decide to pay the tax to add some significant pieces then it would seem to decrease the urgency of seeking a trade.
- The Hawks will play two exhibition games against the Bobcats, Dec. 19 at Charlotte and Dec. 22 at Philips. The Hawks will hold a free public scrimmage Dec. 16 at 7 :30 p.m. at Philips. If you see me there, come down and holla.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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426 comments Add your comment
KevinM
December 2nd, 2011
10:01 pm
from hoopshype: “Jamal Crawford and the Pacers have mutual interest, according to the Indianapolis Star”
The Pacers can afford him, and it doesn’t appear that a S&T will be used here.
And if we were interested in some talent at OKC, how about Eric Maynor, Collison and a #1 for Josh?
cp
December 2nd, 2011
10:06 pm
Well you can tell this blog is back to normal. Crazy trade ideas and over the top criticism for certain players
Buddy Grizzard
December 2nd, 2011
10:07 pm
“Isn’t it amazing that the play of Teague will keep LD on our bench this year?” – KevinM
I said the same thing during or just after the playoffs. But it’s not just Teague. Without Sund’s trade of Bibby and JC2 + pick to WAS for Kirk, you all know exactly what would have happened. Bibby would have started against ORL and the Hawks would have been out in the first round.
Larry Drew obviously has jealousy issues due to the fact that Marquis Teague is a future first round draft pick and Larry Drew II will NEVER play in the NBA. Jeff has probably rubbed it in his face that his family has two future NBA starters while Drew’s son gets kicked off his high school team due to his neurotic wife.
Melvin
December 2nd, 2011
10:07 pm
It’s funny how Josh is being bash for some comments he made at a Volunteer workout session where he was the only player on the team to show up (in great shape) and work out…. Maybe his comments do have some merit….
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 2nd, 2011
10:08 pm
@brigadierjerry
Smith can defend the SF no problem, esp now.
The problem is his strengths are inside and there are only 2 spots inside on offense.
Offense | Defense
inside | C: Perkins
inside | PF: Kevin Garnett
outside | SF: Paul Pierce
outside | SG: Ray Allen
outside | PG: Rajon Rondo
Offense | Defense
inside | C: Tyson Chandler
inside | SF: Shawn Marion
outside | PF: Dirk Nowitzki
outside | SG: Jason Terry
outside | PG: Jason Kidd
Offense | Defense
inside | C: Andrew Bynum
inside | PF: Pau Gasol
outside | SF: Ron Artest
outside | SG: Kobe Bryant
outside | PG: Derek Fisher
If Bucks ACCEPTED the TRADE
Offense | Defense
inside | C: Bogut
inside | SF: Josh Smith
outside | PF: Jon Leuer
outside | SG: Joe Johnson
outside | PG: Jeff Teague
Small Hawks –
Offense | Defense
inside | PF: Al Horford
inside | SF: Josh Smith
outside | SF: Marvin Williams/Damien Wilkins
outside | SG: Joe Johnson
outside | PG: Jeff Teague
Big Hawks – force Smith from his strengths
inside | C: Jason Collins, Zaza Pachullia
inside | PF: Al Horford
[b]outside[/b] | SF: Josh Smith
outside | SG: Joe Johnson
outside | PG: Jeff Teague
KevinM
December 2nd, 2011
10:09 pm
Hey Buddy, I still think LD will try to bring in LD2 when his time at UCLA is up..that is what I fear going forward. I also believe that if LD can come up with a reason, Teague will not keep his job.
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 2nd, 2011
10:22 pm
There is only 2 spots inside. Remember the bad boy Pistons? Mahorn and the tweener Rodman inside
Laimbeer for 3.
Of the three team captains Josh Smith is the only one who wasn’t a lottery pick. Yet he’s the one who gets the most criticism for not having met his ceiling yet. On top of that We’ve known for yers Josh Smith is a tweener but who do we play next to him? Laimbeer? Ryan Andersen?
6′8 Smith (SF|inside power)
6′8 Rodman (SF|inside power)
6′8 Marion (SF|inside power)
.
6′10 Ryan Andersen (PF|outside shooting)
7′0 Dirk Nowitzki (C|outside shooting)
7′0 Jon Leuer (PF|outside shooting)
7′0 Bill Laimbeer (C|outside shooting)
We’re making moves for Kirk Hinrich, Damien Wilkins, Zaza, and Jason Collins, and $8 mil for 6′8 Marvin who Josh/Jason moved him out of the lineup.
That’s funny to me. The Hawks are the butte of NBA jokes.
doc
December 2nd, 2011
10:26 pm
cp you nailed it. season hasnt started and folks still living in the past with past prejudice.
go get em big dave.
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
December 2nd, 2011
10:28 pm
“The Hawks are the butte of NBA jokes.”
Is that kinda like when Wile E. Coyote falls off a butte onto his butt?
brigadierjerry
December 2nd, 2011
10:31 pm
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut,
Problem is Bucks wont make that trade you proposed Not sure where the Hawks go from here until the mangaement is willing to spend money and make moves. I feel that the management has to make a move to break up this group between Smith and Horford. This group lets be honest has somewhat underachieved although last year they had their shot against the Bulls.
The makeup of this team how it is currently built has to change. You cannot advance far in the playoffs without an inside that can play in the post. Hawks dont have that and if Joe Johnson is your best post up player even though he isnt bad with two players who are taller than him and have no post up game. All the NBA champions have had a post up player except for a few exceptions. Sometimes the Hawks make it difficult for them to score because they are a jump shooting team.
Who would you rather have David Lee or Al Horford?
doc
December 2nd, 2011
10:35 pm
amen to the obvious irony that melvin points out.
sad to say, maybe loserville is what it is, in the fan base. what does a guy have to do? he gives up his position to our center of the future who has his dad say he doesnt want to bang anymore and watch jj still pounding the ball while saying screw the fans who dont understand basketball? while he gets criticized for not being superman for 48 minutes a game in a league where even superstars take time off ala jj for perseverence? wow, we are our own worst enemies.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 2nd, 2011
10:41 pm
“Well you can tell this blog is back to normal. Crazy trade ideas and over the top criticism for certain players”
LMAO ain’t that the truth.
brigadierjerry
December 2nd, 2011
10:44 pm
doc let me ask you where do you see the Hawks going as far as making moves?What do you feel are the biggest problem with the team?Would you prefer a star player to get here or prefer another model as far as getting to the Finals goes?
northcyde
December 2nd, 2011
10:59 pm
@ Fresh
People have turned on Horford because I think for the first time, people got scared. IF Al couldn’t play at a high level ( or even at a mediocre level ) when so-called playing his natural position of PF, how are the Hawks going to improve in the future?
So Al was ineffective at PF . . . Josh was missing a ton of jumpers at SF . . . JJ fluctuated from superstar mode to mediocre mode . . . Jamal was either red hot or ice cold.
I think the one thing we have to watch out for is this . . . is the future of the Hawks the team we saw emerge in the playoffs, or the team that we watched for the final 1/3rd of the season ( which looked lost and without direction ).
Red Robin
December 2nd, 2011
11:19 pm
“So Al was ineffective at PF . . . Josh was missing a ton of jumpers at SF . . . JJ fluctuated from superstar mode to mediocre mode . . . Jamal was either red hot or ice cold.”
The Domino effect of Al demanding to play out of position.
Everyone is better when we have a low post player with the right attitude. Hawks need a center, who will fight for and own the position. Put Josh back where he belongs and let every body get back to their role and game. If you dont like your role and arent a team player,( do whats best for the team, not whats best for me), then find another team and good luck to you.
northcyde
December 2nd, 2011
11:23 pm
@ Joe-Jeff ( just for clarification )
The starting lineup for the 1988-89 Pistons was this
PG – Isaiah
G – Dumars
F- Aguirre
PF – Mahorn
C – Laimbeer
Rodman came off the bench.
The following year, this was the starting lineup
PG – Isaiah
G – Dumars
F – Rodman
PF – James Edwards
C – Laimbeer
Aguirre eventually moved to the 6th man role
Najeh Davenpoop
December 2nd, 2011
11:26 pm
“The Domino effect of Al demanding to play out of position.”
I would say it is more accurately the domino effect of LD’s inability to hold his players accountable to run his offense, and the team not having an effective point guard who could create shots for others.
northcyde
December 2nd, 2011
11:36 pm
Red Robin . . . it wasn’t Al “demanding” to play out of position. It’s just that Al had no chance in guarding Dwight Howard. Collins was better equipped to guard Dwight, even though Dwight still dominated him.
Al played the vast majority of his minutes in the Chicago series at center. And the team did play better once that happened. This does back up your theory that when Al plays the 5 and Josh plays the 4, we’re usually OK . . . provided that BOTH guys do the necessary dirty work on the glass and on the inside to help the Hawks.
And that’s the real issue with those two. They BOTH must battle, if they’re going to play the 4 and the 5. To Horford’s credit, he did rebound the basketball well during the playoffs.
This is about mentality with those two, and with the Hawks in general. The players on this team, as constructed, simply have to do more.
Grandad
December 3rd, 2011
12:10 am
northcyde
-two points- (evidently I mislead you and perhaps others)
(1) It was Josh’s assertion of team chemistry problems.
(2) My last statement -implicated- Josh himself. *[as you did]
Admittedly, I’ve been harsh on Joe.
** A couple of days ago;
I defended Joe and anyone else who is presently a Hawk.
Not that they should be above critique, but should still be
respected by the home fans.
final word:
my intentions were to draw out Michael’s judgement as to the culprit.
[regarding chemistry issues]
Some of my comments were reflective of how I saw Josh react to,
and interact with selected teammates.
O'Brien
December 3rd, 2011
12:27 am
One advantage the Bulls had over the Hawks is their head coach. Thibs has a championship pedigree from winning a ring as a Celtics assistant, and more importantly, he stresses defense, which the Bulls players bought into.
Do any of our players buy in completely to what LD is selling? I dont think so.
tjhook
December 3rd, 2011
12:34 am
Everyone should calm down with all the big trade ideas and the stylized criticism of the current roster. Sund and Drew made one mistake that has compromised this roster’s continuity: they chose Marvin over JChill.
The team runs a motion offense which provides open looks through spacing. Marvin was chosen because he was a better shooter. The reality was we didn’t have enough players to put the ball on the floor and penetrate; part of that was Drew’s coaching but does everyone remember how wide those lanes were for Teague? This is why Drew tried Jamal at the point but Point A to Point B is not Crawford’s strength. His strength is creating separation (ex. His 4 point plays).
JChill does best attacking the basket – in a straight line A to B way. And Drew’s offense encourages that action. Remember our frustration with people settling for long twos? We need dribble penetration for maximum efficiency.
Defensively, we were built by Billy Knight to outquick people; I say we stick to the plan. Trade Marvin to Phoenix for Childress, start him or make the 6th man. But look: Teague and Chill dribble drive, horford and Smoove crash the boards and look for lobs or drop-downs and ALL OF A SUDDEN iso-Joe doesn’t look so desperate. The only thing left is to figure out what type of bench they want (no bench has been the 2nd – biggest weakness throughout our playoff experience, by the way).
Oh- and thank you NBA for having a season. I WANT J-CHILL BACK! And Marvin gone!
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 3rd, 2011
12:36 am
northcyde you’re ignoring the offense.
are you saying that on top of going with a small base of Josh Smith & take Smith off Deng. Put him on Boozer. And then stick Marvin on Deng.
Who’s going to be pulling the weight on offense? Horford vs Noah, Marvin vs Deng or Josh’s speed vs Boozer.
Who’s going to get the blame? obviously Josh, is going to have the biggest mismatch and get the most criticism
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 3rd, 2011
12:53 am
Anyone with a pair of eyes can watch them play and see a NBA title is not in their future.
Horford did not directly demand it.
—-
The Hawks need to get better. The Bulls needed to do the same last summer and Al said the Hawks might learn something from the way they went about it.
“That’s the perfect example,” he said. “They got that kid Asik. They got Korver, a shooter. They addressed their needs and got better. That’s a blueprint that I think if I’m the team I would look at.”
===
Saturday, May 28 2011
Sund addressed some other topics:
He said Larry Drew improved during the course of his first season as a head coach. “I think he was very good in the playoffs,” Sund said. “I think his confidence level and his belief in the players and the players’ belief in him improved, and that’s just the maturation process that coaches go through.”
Sund said he expects point guard Jeff Teague to get regular minutes next season after his breakthrough performance against the Bulls.
Center Al Horford has expressed his preference to play power forward, but Sund said he wasn’t sure if the team would seek a full-time center.
ajc.com
===
“It will be interesting because I’ve always been very team-oriented,” Horford said at his camp. “If coach [Larry Drew] comes and tells me, ‘Listen, I want you to develop more [in isolation] and I want you to create plays,’ I could adjust my game to that.”
“It will be interesting because I’ve always been very team-oriented,” Horford said at his camp. “If coach [Larry Drew] comes and tells me, ‘Listen, I want you to develop more [in isolation] and I want you to create plays,’ I could adjust my game to that.”
Grandad
December 3rd, 2011
12:55 am
tjhook
I would prefer Childress over Marv as well;
however, one thing to consider, Marv $7 milfor 3 yrs,
Chilress $6 mil for 4 yrs don’t exactly gee haw.
As for “motion” offense;
it’s not so much their slashing ability,
but Childress ability to move w/o the ball.
He would immediately become the best on the team.
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 3rd, 2011
1:02 am
Center Al Horford has expressed his preference to play power forward, but Sund said he wasn’t sure if the team would seek a full-time center.
[i][b](inferring its a Lack of assets outside of Horford)[/b][/i]
The Hawks need to get better. The Bulls needed to do the same last summer and Al said the Hawks might learn something from the way they went about it.
“That’s the perfect example,” he said. “They got that kid Asik. They got Korver, a shooter. They addressed their needs and got better. That’s a blueprint that I think if I’m the team I would look at.”
Lets get that kid Bogut. Lets get that kid Leuer a shooter. Bucks would do it because they are not a contender anyways.
smh. How ironic Horford knows what we need but he’s the only one with trade value to get anything done.
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 3rd, 2011
1:16 am
J Chill is a perimeter player but how does he help rebounding? You think his offense is good enough to overcome the lack of rebounding?
did the East get weaker? did Chillz improve?
instead of countering guys like Carmelo Anthony, Danny Granger, Luol Deng, Shawn Marion Kevin Durant and Ron Artest and Lebron James with Josh Smith.
A real Hawks fan actually proposed counter is Josh Childress.
Unreal.
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
December 3rd, 2011
1:28 am
KevinM said:
“Hey Buddy, I still think LD will try to bring in LD2 when his time at UCLA is up..that is what I fear going forward. I also believe that if LD can come up with a reason, Teague will not keep his job.”
Kevin also said that Pro Wrestling is real, and the moon landing was faked.
(thanks to LG, of course)
tjhook
December 3rd, 2011
1:58 am
Chills is a good rebounder, check his final years with the team- particularly when we picked up Bibby or played Anthony Johnson (flashback). Atlanta’s achilles’ heel was scoring droughts and I believe that came from a lack of continuity. I know it’s hard to believe a utility player could provide such an impact from above average to elite but it’s like Pepto-Bismol to anyone’s indigestion or upset stomach: without it, we feel horrible; with it, the world seems like a playground.
Buddy Grizzard
December 3rd, 2011
3:31 am
The Rick Sund Glue Factory Committee would like to extend our apologies to the Old Horse for being dead wrong about Josh Childress. Whereas the Committee initially moved to proceed with upping glue production due to Childress being handed to the Suns for a future second round pick, in retrospect it seems the Old Horse fleeced the Suns.
Childress, who couldn’t shoot his way out of a wet paper sack, is the last thing the Hawks need next to Teague. If he can’t take minutes away from 40-year-old Grant Hill on a non-playoff team, who is he going to take minutes from on a team that was two wins away from the ECF?
Mike is Back
December 3rd, 2011
3:51 am
I bet JJ…is begging Josh to stay. Without Josh to criticize it will a blood bath for JJ. heh heh
I’m not against trading Josh if he really wants to be traded…if MC reported it…I have got to believe it true.
However, I do have my reservations about Sund and the ASG consummating another major trade. Once you trade away the best valued contract on the team…where does that leave the Hawks with their luxury tax conundrum.
AJ and Big Ray, let’s put all venom aside…and see what trades actually improves the luxury tax situation of the Hawks…after all we are talking about owners that appear to be strapped for cash…maybe you all know something we don’t.
I covet CP3 and D12 as much as anyone…seriously though…save for Donald Sterling…why would any high profile player leave their current owners to play for the BASG…hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
Buddy G
December 3rd, 2011
4:04 am
FYI:
Chris Broussard on Twitter said Hawks are among teams that have inquired about Josh Howard.
“You cannot advance far in the playoffs without an inside that can play in the post. Hawks dont have that” – brigadierjerry
Whoa wait hold up a minute… did you miss Game 4? Josh took CHI apart inside. Keep in mind that if Las Vegas Larry didn’t take a payoff for handing the Bulls Game 2, the Hawks would have been up 3-1 and one victory away from a matchup with MIA in the ECF.
“Who would you rather have David Lee or Al Horford?” – brigadierjerry
Al Horford because……..
“The players on this team, as constructed, simply have to do more.” – northcyde
Game, set, match. You can shut the blog down now, MC, nothing further needs to be said. We know Al can play better than he has. We know Josh can play better than he has. We know Teague can play better than he’s been given a chance to play. This team has UPSIDE and HAS NOT hit its ceiling. They just gotta play better like northcyde said.
richbrave
December 3rd, 2011
4:37 am
Anybody seen Ken Strickland lately?
richbrave
December 3rd, 2011
4:38 am
Hey, doc, looks like my boy, J-CRIT was destined for trouble after all.
Ray
December 3rd, 2011
6:57 am
Okay why is it that Josh is being criticized so harshly? If memory serves me correctly Him and JT0 were pretty much keeping us afloat in the playoffs if at all.
Plus with all these wild trading ideas if we’re going to get D12 or CP3 I think they’d like Josh Smith to be here, but you know any Trade with NO I hope Teague doesn’t go cause if he gets a good coach then it will be one of those I told you so type things.
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 3rd, 2011
8:03 am
Smoke Weed Everyday!
I’m willing to bet that song is on Josh Howard’s IPOD. We could actually use a high-flyer @ SF. I wouldn’t be mad if we replaced Marvin with Josh.
Now let’s see, three Joshes in 7 years? Hmmm … Ok then. Man this franchise is infuriating. How long before ASKG stop surfing the bargin bins for scraps and half way decent pieces and remnants? We need a super star man! Will be ever be part of any serious conversations and subsequent negotiations. I know BK jammed us for life, but at least his head was always in on the huddle.
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 3rd, 2011
8:15 am
* will we ever BE part of any …
EmirS.
December 3rd, 2011
8:19 am
” It was the Bulls bench that made the biggest difference in the series.” -Sautee
All of the more reason why we should be aggressive in either trading JJ, Josh, or Horford for a complimentary 2 – 3 piece bench. I would still trade Horford for a 6th and 7th player off the bench and someone who can start the center or power forward position.
“Sund and Drew made one mistake that has compromised this roster’s continuity: they chose Marvin over JChill.” -tjhook
Though Grandad agrees with you on Childress over Marvin….I, however, don’t think that much of a difference would have been made. Both are are decent rebounders IMO. Childress was a better Slasher but I think Marvin is a more decent rebounder. Either way, stats wise they are pretty even in all categories. I also think Marvin is a better defender then Childress hands down.
Big Ray
December 3rd, 2011
8:36 am
AJ and Big Ray, let’s put all venom aside…and see what trades actually improves the luxury tax situation of the Hawks…after all we are talking about owners that appear to be strapped for cash…maybe you all know something we don’t.
What venom? Is it venomous if it’s true? What trades? This ownership group was clueless before they started, clueless while they’ve had this team, and unfortunately for us and the team, they are still in ownership of this team….and still clueless.
If you hated the JC2/Bibby for Kirk trade, then I have news for you – it isn’t going to get any better with the same ownership and same GM.
And I can’t imagine what changes we expect to see with the same players, same attitudes, and same coach who can’t control anything.
Best thing to do is really shake up the chemistry of this team by jettisoning a REAL member of the core. Take your pick. And don’t say “Marvin” because he doesn’t count when it comes to locker room impact, much less gametime/crunch time.
Big Ray
December 3rd, 2011
8:41 am
Okay why is it that Josh is being criticized so harshly? If memory serves me correctly Him and JT0 were pretty much keeping us afloat in the playoffs if at all.
Sigh ….
1) Teague didn’t play in the first round. It was the second round where he signed. Please don’t ignore an entire round of playoffs for the sake of justifying an opinion.
2) Smith needs to be consistent. Look at the games again. Look at his numbers. They’re all up and down. And why? Refused to score at the basket half the time, where he was able to dominate. Kept going to the perimeter and trying to run the break. That worked in ONE game.
Big Ray
December 3rd, 2011
8:42 am
Trade ideas….I can’t even stomach half of them, or even a third. We’re in full midseason mode here, I swear…
Grandmaster JeJe
December 3rd, 2011
9:52 am
Here are 3 pieces of information I want EVERY person here to realize every time they think about our chances of contending:
1) Sund is a pathetic GM who has accomplished nothing. The guy drafted SWIFT, PETRO, AND SENE 3 CONSECUTIVE YEARS WITH HIGH DRAFT PICKS. Not one person here can name ONE thing any of these 3 guys have accomplished in this league (because there is nothing). His anemic, pathetic, and deplorable track record as GM has carried over into this franchise, on which he has NOT made one move to this core which IT IS OBVIOUS HAS REACHED ITS CEILING. TRADE JOSH SMITH ALREADY. TRADE HIM FOR AL JEFFERSON OR MILLSAP. TRADE HIM FOR DANNY GRANGER. PACKAGE HIM FOR CHRIS PAUL. YOU ARE NOT A GENIUS LIKE YOU CLAIM. YOU’RE AN ARROGANT INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS ACCOMPLISHED NOTHING IN THIS LEAGUE. You traded for Hinrich, which I didn’t think was a bad move – except for the fact that you and your incompetent ownership group gave up like 8 PLAYERS IN THE TRADE. Now we have nothing to show for the trade because this pathetic season is like 4 months like now and Hinrich is mysteriously out til the end of February (although we heard it’d be til the end of December, THEN it was the end of January).
2) ASG – Where is the money at? You have sold picks, you NEVER use the MLE, you have trade exceptions (Childress). You talk about going into the Luxury Tax if the right player is available. This is your cop-out in order to not do anything. WTF is wrong with you guys? How do you sell the team one second, then claim it’s not for sale. Pathetic. I am not hating on the Joe Johnson move because it was mandatory we do it in order to stay a top 5 team in the East (otherwise we wouldn’t have been able to sign anyone because we’d have been over the cap). However, you guys haven’t even made one effort to get a center. All you guys and Rick Stunk know is that Cheeseburger Collins can slow down Dwight. That is the ONLY thing you have done right.
We will come back this year with the same GD core and bench players. The ONLY reason Teague is gonna get minutes is because Hinrich is out.
3) ASG IF YOU SOLD THE THRASHERS WHY NOT INVEST MORE MONEY IN THE HAWKS? As I said before, the exact same BS this year. No Luxury Tax, same core, fail in the 2nd round
FIRE SUND
FIRE ASG
FIRE LD.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 3rd, 2011
10:01 am
WORST OWNERSHIP, GM, FRONT OFFICE IN SPORTS
LOWEST PAID COACH IN THE NBA
NO CENTER
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 3rd, 2011
10:02 am
RE: We’re in full midseason mode here
So are the Lakers, Bulls and Mavericks. Midseason leads to postseason and Marvin Williams is not getting it done. The fact that Josh Childress is a utility player and had a greater impact cannot be denied. Obviously Childress> Marvin but some #s say he had a greater impact on winning than Josh Smith (minute per minute).
Utility players if played off stars right can produce at a very high rate. The reality on Childress while he could post up he could not shoot a pull up, a set shot and he could not post up or draw any other mismatches.
If Childress was 7′0 Leuer you could put him on Bosh/Boozer, post up advantage when a small guy covers him, pull up instead of getting blocked at the rim.
Josh Smith vs Lebron
shooter vs 7′0 Bosh
Al Horford vs Dalembert
You need rebounding size and perimeter upgrade in ONE player. Childress can’t play the PF then Horford, Joe, and Josh will all want trades.
We already tried that route. The point of Marvin was to upgrade Josh’s size and shooting, failed but the answer to advance is not to go small and no shooting again.
Smith averaged 17ppg against the Bulls. Marvin? Horford? Who’s to say Gibson and Noah dont do that to Horford in every postseason meeting?
Horford was running the break too and when did that ever work? Marvin? Smith I understand tries to do too much but
Where’s the criticism for Horford or Marvin? They were lottery picks.
Big Dog
December 3rd, 2011
10:09 am
Red Robin ,Northcyde, I follow your logic and observation.
1) This is pro- horford press/blog page that realizes that in order for the team to advance either Josh or Al has to go. Hence the attacks on Josh who has played the game at a very high level. The strategy here is kind of like the tea/party/republican. “never mind whats best for the country, get Obama”.
Never mind whats best for the team, get Josh smith.(LMAO as I write this ch!t)
Exhibit A, In Mr. Cunningham anecdote, did you you see any quotation marks around the unhappy Josh statement? Me either. this was purely fabricated and inserted to make it easy to say oh if josh is unhappy then trade him.. Excuse me but the man just called the Phillips his sanctuary, had a stellar play off performance… again and work hard over the summer to lose 30 pounds and come in the best shape of his life. Unhappy? I think not. the man is focused and driven. His marketability is off the roof making over 15 commercial, ( many with the elite NBA players and 6 in particular with his best buddy Dwight Howard.) The man is not unhappy. The man is cooking!
Josh, let your haters be your motivators! I do all the time.
2) Al horford has not only whined about playing power forward rather than center, his nonchalant
defense in the post makes as much of a statement as does has whining. He is more of a spectator at the 5 than a tenacious defender and id rather have defense at the 5 than points. Al’s attitude of me first and who cares if everyone else is out of position is detrimental to the flow of the team’s game. If he wont enthusiastically own the 5 and thereby demand the 4, forcing every one else out of position then he should be traded. In fact the hawks would be better if he was assuming we got back a willing center.
3) Howard has publically stated his favoritism for Josh. Its quite clear that he would play for the hawks if, and to quote the article, and only if Josh was here. He would not be interested in coming if horford is the powerforward.
4) With all this press support why cant Al get the fan support and get voted on the All star team? How many commercials does Al have? (0). My point is not to rag on Al but to clarify that Al is not a marquee player and is not going to get that “call” in the playoffs that give an edge to the team. Hes not going to get to the line much.
5) Josh is much more of an impact player than Al.has to demand the ball on certain spots because, unlike Josh, Al can not create his own shot and disrupts the smoove flow,(no pun intended) of the offense, which must stand around and wait for Al to get to a set spot to have a chance at a shot.
Big Dog
December 3rd, 2011
10:14 am
**Al has to demand the ball on certain spots
81dawg
December 3rd, 2011
10:21 am
Does anybody really care about the NBA in this town and this sad group if players and even worse owners?
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
December 3rd, 2011
10:24 am
“The reality on Childress while he could post up he could not shoot a pull up, a set shot and he could not post up or draw any other mismatches.”
Well, it’s clear now that either Chills could post up or he could not.
» What’s going on in the basketball world Basketball 101
December 3rd, 2011
10:32 am
[...] From what I can tell, none of Atlanta’s players have been declared untouchable for trades. So, at … But if they do decide to pay the tax to add some significant pieces then it would seem to decrease the urgency of seeking a trade. Atlanta Journal-Constitution Atlanta Hawks, Free Agency, Trade [...]
tjhook
December 3rd, 2011
10:35 am
Buddy Grizzard,
Show Grant Hill a little more respect. Hill has performed at near All Star level the last two years. As far as Childress and playing time with Phoenix, that team LOVES to put up the three: it’s the only reason Chris Dudley and Channing Frye get playing time. Those two are not athletes!
Anyway, find spare parts to make the deal but Childress fits this roster and Marvin fits the Suns.
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 3rd, 2011
10:37 am
The Unsellables!
This ASKG is reminiscent of that show on HGTV where you can DIY (do it yourself) and go figure why your house isn’t selling.
It is a pretty decent house, has great bones, the hardwood floors run throughout and, are in decent shape. The master bedroom has an En Suite, a department store sized walk in closet, double vanity and heated tile in the master bath. And yet – it’s been on the market for over a year.
The neighbor hood is decent, but it’s just not safe for the kids to go out and play. So wassup? CLUTTER! Just clutter in every corner and rats in the basement.
______________
Here’s my point: the home for sale is Phillips Arena, the hardwood floors is the court, the master bedroom is the executive offices, the department store sized walk in closet is the locker room, the master bath is the showers and the neighborhood is down town Atlanta.
And all that clutter, well it starts with the bench and the mismatched parts of that “core”. Wanna guess who the rats in the basement are? LOL! You guessed right – them filthy, nasty – net gnawing owners.
To get this house sold? We need to first get rid of them rats, de-clutter that roster and hire a grounds crew to keep things tidy. Oh well, that’s my two cents for what it’s worth.
FOR SALE by OWNER!