Atlanta Hawks: Horford: Get a ’solid’ center, bring back Jamal Crawford

FIRST!

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MC is there any truth to the bulls trade rumor…first

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aight Al..

i can live with that.. if you gonna play away from the cup, at least be able to put that thing on the floor and get to the rim big fella.. (see Bosh/Amare) cant wait to see what you got..

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Earl Watson? I think we can do better with a back up PG.

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Al is right that the Hawks need at least one more big body. Zaza is good as the 2nd big guy off the bench, but ideally they should be able to bring in a shot blocker too.

At the same time, though, it’s good to see that he didn’t reiterate any preference to play the 4. He is a good 5 and can be an even better one if he utilizes his quickness advantage.

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might as well make a play for big Sam, a shooter.. James Jones? lace em up, and see what we got..

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I concur MC. Whether or not it makes sense definitely depends on the role he’ll assume. I hat to say it, & hope I’m wrong, but I’m thinking ASG is eyeing him as the replacement for Crawford. Given their track record, I wouldn’t be surprised. Unfortunately, this may be all the free agency action us Hawks’ fans get around here. But, hey, what can you say about ownership who’s tried to sell several times after saying they weren’t selling…then consoling the fans after the latest failed attempt by saying they look forward to building on a string of “playoff appearances”? I mean, who needs a championship when you’ve got tons of “playoff appearances” right? Ugh.

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Richard Jefferson to be cut from Spurs.He’s better than Marvin right now

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So the question of the day is ” is Al Horford still feeding this internal strife about moving over to the four and bumping Josh, the hawks highest all star vote getter, to the perimeter 3 ?

Its been clearly documented that Al voiced drama the last year, and was vocal about playing the 4 which is kind of weird when you consider not only does Josh get more votes than Al for the All Star team, but he is a much better 4 than Al is or will be.

After jousting with Sautee, I had to ask myself is Al still planting those seeds or is he going to do whats best for the team and own the 5, letting Josh play the 4 with out contention, thereby giving The ATL its best chance by putting its best team forward…(pun there guys,)

I was almost ready to put this out to pasture, Mary, when I stumbled on this article from late August, this year, then I realized, Al wont stop till hes out of the 5 and playing the 4 regardless of how it affects the team. here’s an excerpt :

AS: I know that, while you’re comfortable playing center, ideally you really want to play the four.

AH: “The more comfortable I get, the more I feel like I can play the four. That’s something they’re going to have to consider. At the end of the day, I think the priority is to see what is going to happen with the lockout and everything. Once that happens, we’ll see where the team is at and we’ll go from there.” – Al Horford

Yeah at the end of the day, Al has one thing in mind, not winning, helping the hawks, not doing what ever it takes the make the hawks a better team. Al’s Goal is to move to the power forward position.

OK Mr. Horford. The lock out has ended, now what? You are going to make the hawks consider moving you to the 4?

OK,now what?

What about the freak-in team? Where do “we go from there” ?

http://www.onlygators.com/08/17/2011/atlantahawks-center-al-horford-it-was-a-no-brainer-for-me-to-represent-my-country/

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“Do you have any hope that Benson could be that shotblocker? Like you, I’d like another big added, but Kito just might have to do. Still needs another 15 lbs. though.”

Considering how prized size is at the NBA level, if a 6′11″ guy slips to the end of the second round, I have very little hope that he can contribute immediately in any way. I think if Benson can provide what Hilton Armstrong provided last year, the Hawks should consider themselves lucky, especially considering what a string bean he is.

Eventually he may turn out to be a good player, but relying on him to do anything this year is a mistake in my opinion. He and Magnum Rolle are in the same boat.

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I agree with Al and have been saying, the hawks are in need of a big guy to be a threat…. I AM very excited to see what T-Mac’s role as a hawk will be and how he will fit in. Im not gonna lie, when I first heard about the deal I assummed he was to replace Jamal but we will see. I love Jamal as a player and person so I hope the hawks resign him! #GoHawks!

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Fire FG!!

And nothing the Hawks do will make any difference…

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Al is CORRECT and so are you MC. People trashing the T-Mac move are clueless and don’t know anything about basketball or the salary cap.

But if they can get Asik and Brewer from the Bulls, sorry to say but, so long Jamal!

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These people would complaing even if they signed Tyson Chandler.

WAAAAAH WHY DIDNT YOU GET DWIGHT?

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Check the video on Tracy. The guy still plays at a high level. Welcome to the Highlight Factory T!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=datSoYiuyH4

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SHOW SOME LOVE?

““I am really trying to get better with my shooting and with my post game, really trying to be more assertive in the past than I have with it,”

Okay All NBA TiTo Jr, show us fans why you were drafted #3 in 2007? Step it up BiG MAN!

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“Can we work out a massive trade for DeAndre Jordan? Probably couldn’t send Smoove since LAC is loaded at PF.”

I like the way you’re thinking, but LAC might not want Josh since they just drafted Thompkins and are supposedly trying to sign Caron Butler.

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im hoping Mac can show Marvin a thing or 2..

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I’ll take a T-Mac if it means his defensive contributions can beat out a Jamal’s in those situationals…I got every assumption that the lineup switches will revolve around either taking Marvin out or whoever gets into foul trouble first on a given night…Which is why T-Mac works since you can run either him or Joe at two and keep Teague and Hinrich at the top. We do still need a center, and while Kito (Lawls) will get a few chances to shine, beyond Zaza “Homerun King” Pachulia we’ve got diddly squat beyond resigning Twin again. McGrady is a steal for what his situational will likely be, off the bench in strange spurts to switch tempo….Hinrich behind Teague is going to be the same…All we need to do now is bring back Gladyr and force him into becoming our 3-Point King, and we’ve got ourselves a team worth throwing at a weirdly withering Eastern Conference…

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McGrady is a great signing. Watson is also. Now finish the team with Asik and Brewer and we will be a deep and talented team.

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TMac actually had a better PER than Crawford last season. If he can give us 56 games, I think he’ll surprise some folks. And I’ve always like Earl Watson.

I can’t believe the Hawks are actually trying to build some depth on the roster!

It must be snowing in hell.

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how about joe, and smooth for dwight howard and jameer nelson we could use Teague as an allen iverson type 2 guard heres da starting line up
pg-jameer nelson
sg-Jeff teague
Sf-Marvin (or sign another SF)
PF-Al horford
C-DWight howard
plus this would free up all our money and we could aford Jamal Crawford AND we could sign Tyson Chandler to bakkup Dwight AND as a center 4 nex year

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How long does free agency last. Right now this is as fun as the season. But if Sund screws up the Crawford S&T I’ll be very disappointed. I remember how angry I was when the Celtics signed Shaq instead of the Hawks. In hindsight however…

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Spoke to my cousin in Chicago, and he told me there’s word in Chicago that the Bulls are possibly interested in re-acquiring Kirk Hinrich?

Not sure if there’s any talks between both parties regarding it, but, he claims that they want Hinrich back to play 2-gaurd.

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Jamal and Kirk for Brewer and ASIK ASIK ASIK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ECF contenders for real…………………Maybe sniff a Championship? Naw……

MAKE IT SO SCOTTIE! AYE CAPTAIN!

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Two trades with the Bulls then.

S&T Jamal for Brewer and Asik, then a seperate trade of Korver for Hinrich and a pick.

Sund might be in the running for Exec of the Year LOL

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Wabe

December 7th, 2011
9:03 pm

Spoke to my cousin in Chicago, and he told me there’s word in Chicago that the Bulls are possibly interested in re-acquiring Kirk Hinrich?

Not sure if there’s any talks between both parties regarding it, but, he claims that they want Hinrich back to play 2-gaurd.

I personally think you are full of crap but I would do it in a heartbeat.

Jamal for Brewer and Asik

Then Kirk for Bogans, Korver and a the Charlotte pick.

Honestly, not a fan of sending Kirk to Chicago. I have bigger plans for him in a trade.

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Full of crap?

I texted him bout a possible sign and trade involving Jamal and asked him if he was hearing anything down there bout it. He said there were rumors floating round about interest in Kirk Hinrich.

Whether it’s true or not, who knows?

BTW, I didn’t throw out any other names other than Hinrich. I’m not even sure what yall are thinking. I don’t there there’s a chance they unload Asik. That’s not me throwing out names, that’s others.

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MC,

What’s taking the League so long to put the new CBA (with luxury tax implications) out?

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Signing TMAC was and excellent move for the Hawks, giving the team much needed depth from the bench. Horford is right the fans and media, bloggers, have been screaming for a starting center for the past 3years and have yet 2 accomplish one, how sad is that, Horford body have taking a beat down 4years and now he screaming bloody murder Rick Sund wake up bro.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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JAMAL FOR BREWER, ASIK IS PERFECT FOR BOTH TEAMS, the Hawks would have there starting center who plays great defense in the paint, Bulls would have that score of the bench.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Jamal’s ONLY role on this team was to score points.

He did not do that in the important games and his defense is beyond awful.

Jamal for Asik/Brewer yesterday

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Teague
Johnson
T-Mac
Josh
Al

Hinrich
(future signing)
Marvin
(future signing)
Zaza/Collins

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This is the most excited I’ve been going into a season since 2007 IF Sund and ASG finish this off strong.

1) SIGN EARL WATSON

2) Jamal for ASIK/Brewer (this is a complete steal for us. Jamal is getting older. Brewer is solid as hell. I’m sure Sloan loved him. ASIK IS 7 FEET TALL. HE’S NOT A 6″11 TWIG LIKE HALF THE GUYS WE’VE HAD OVER THE LAST DECADE).

3) Dump Hinrich to get under tax threshold OR OFFER HINRICH+SMOOVE FOR BEST AVAILABLE BIG MAN

SUND FOR EXEC OF YEAR
ASG BEST OWNERSHIP IN SPORTS

IF YOU GUYS GET THIS DONE

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For those of you complaining about Joe’s contract/being on the decline: Why are you in favor of signing a 30-something year of Jamal to a LONG TERM deal then?

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If we get Brewer and Watson, I would deal Hinrich for whatever we can get, including a draft pick.

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Laker might get Dwight Howard but they’ll still need a point guard because Fisher and Blake aren’t getting it done on the defensive end.

Sund should offer Hinrich to them for a 1st (pipedream) or 2nd in the 2012 Draft. Makes a lot of sense for both sides.

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OB, I think it is the re-establishment of the union that is making this harder than it should be to finalize the fine print.

I worry that CJ Watson might be too redundant with Teague. I also wonder if Teague would consider him a threat… I’m still not sold on Jeff’s mental make-up, If not Hinrich, let’s go with the old savvy vet. If the Hawks grab Earl Watson, I will be thrilled.

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All of the men rumored to be coming to the Hawks are just so manly, and I’m going to explode!

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“Why do people want a draft pick so badly in a Hinrich trade? I don’t want to get YOUNGER. We need VETS, not 21 year old projects”

Draft picks are trade assets too. Get a 2nd round pick in one trade, use it to sweeten a subsequent trade.

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“T-Mac at 32. Still young?

How did 32 year old Mike Bibby do last year?”

Bibby has been about 25 pounds too heavy the last 3 seasons. T-Mac hasn’t.

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Najeh,

Exactly. If go into next year’s draft with two 1st rounders, we have a chance to get two productive players like Thomas Robinson or Zeller from UNC.. OR we can use one or both to add a star. Nothing wrong with moving an expiring contract for something greater down the road. That’s what smart organizations do.

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“Al was at Philips to work out today. He said he worked out in LA with D-Rose, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love (they have the same trainer). He said he worked on his post game and driving to the basket, but more on that later.”

Hey MC was Al working on his 2 step to allow people to drive to the basket?

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Enter your comments here

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We don’t win 2 games vs the Bulls in the playoffs without that “nosedive player”. I love how people just overlook the good games he has, and simply focus on the mediocre games. Meanwhile, Jamal is beloved, despite him having a great Game 1, but shooting 3 – 19 FG in the final 2 games of that series and 33% FG overall in that Chicago series.

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I am warming up to the T-Mac signing. But, I agree, he cannot handle more than 10-15 mins/game. And, I don’t think the ASG has T-Mac tagged as a Jamal Crawford replacement. They’re stupid. They’re not that stupid, right?

I like Watson. He can eat up minutes until Hinrich gets back. And, then, he can eat up minutes when Hinrich gets hurt again. Glad we got someone to play PG when Hinrich can’t answer the bell….again!

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As for Mr. Horford . . . I get irritated more and more about him talking about having a big center added to this team. While he is technically correct, he’s ONLY CORRECT because HE won’t step up and be that “big center”.

I mean seriously . . . this guy is 6-10 . . 245 lbs ( unless he’s gone on a Jenny Craig diet like Josh Smith ). Is it too much to ask Mr. Horford to simply PLAY BIGGER? Maybe put on 10 pounds of muscle to beef up?

Does Nene “cry” because he’s “only” 6-11 . . 250 lbs?

Does the 6-11 . . 240 lb Marcin Gortat talk about the Suns needing a bigger center?

Does Emeka Okafor, who is 6-11 . . 255 lbs, talk about adding a big center to play beside him?

LOL . . Chuck Hayes is 6-6 . . 240 lbs . . and he effectively plays center.

Mr. Horford . . your nickname is BOSS. So act like a BOSS . . . please?

Who is this “solid center” that we’re supposed to sign, without trading one of your running mates? Say a name Mr. Horford. Surely you don’t want Kwame Brown up in here do you?

Mr Horford, you will soon realize that the answer to the question that you seek is NOT coming via free agency. The answer is in YOU.

Go watch the movie “The Last Dragon”, and see how Bruce Leroy was searching for “The Master” all throughout that movie. But it wasn’t until he was getting his butt kicked, that he realized that HE was THE MASTER.

The “master” was in him the entire time, but he was steady searching for a physical master, instead of an internal master.

Al .. sooner or later, you’re going to have to realize that YOU’RE the BIG CENTER. YOU’RE the one that has to be the bad azz and outwork people who are bigger than you. It’s YOU . . . boss.

Let me channel Rick Pitino for about 30 seconds:

((( Tree Rollins is not walking through that door Al . . . Dikembe Mutumbo is not walking through that door and Jon Koncak is not walking through that door . . . And if you expect them to walk through the door, they’re going to be gray and old.

What you are is young . . exciting . . hard working . . and going to improve. Hopefully you realize that.

And as soon as you realize that those 3 guys are not coming through that door, the better player you will be for ALL OF US.

Be a young CENTER on the court playing your (( bleep )) off.

I wish we had 90 million under the salary cap . . wish we could buy the world . . . WE CAN’T!!!

The only thing you can do is WORK HARD )))

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We should probably acknowledge that unlike most years, the Hawks are among the very first to “announce” a FA signing. No, we didn’t sign Nene but that isn’t possible with the CBA anyway. At least instead of picking from the bottom of the minimum salary bin (see Etan, Josh Powell, Joe Smith, etc.) we evidently took one of the prime wing players willing to play at that salary.

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Wabe,

Fair enough.

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About Kito – We specifically drafted a Senior out of college so he could provide immediate help this season if you remember. And Poindexter drafts guys late with “1 NBA skill”. In Kito’s case, that is considered to be shot blocking.

Think young Theo Ratliff…Hopefully!

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Fesenko is a huge athletic center worth considering (if affordable). He’s young, reportedly a little immature and is very raw offensively, but I would sign him to 2 maybe 3 years and see if he could develeop into a 20-24 minute option for the Hawks.

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It’s interesting Marvin has come into camp looking VERY good passing my eye test. If he came in walking like Grandma Nana I think they would amnesty him and push hard for Asik and Brewer for the trade. I’m sure Chicago insist on just Brewer but he and Asik combine for 6.5 million this year. The amount Jamal would welcome as his first years salary.

If the bulls concede and pulls the trigger and we amnesty Marv…

Teague – Watson/Ford/Telfair – Hinrich
Joe – Brewer
Josh – T-Mac
Al – Rolle – Benson
Asik – Zaza –

65 million total with the option of using the MLE and still staying under the LT.

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Sorry my bad. I have the two bull’s player reversed Asik, 7″ center, and Brewer, defensive SG.

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The Earl Watson signing may be breaking down, according to Peachtree Hoops. Utah may be giving Earl a 2 year deal.

And I highly doubt we get Asik in a trade for Jamal. Even though with the Bulls cap situation, signing Asik after this season, and then Taj after next season is probably impossible for them.

And if we get TMac, I will be shocked. I figured he was a lock for the Heat. He will help us. He looked like a grizzled vet last season, and played solid.

Give me CJ Watson and Brewer for Jamal, or just get nothing and let Jamal walk to the Hornets.

I say take CJ and Brewer. Give them our 3 second round picks this season for the ‘Cats 1st if they’d take that also.

CJ Watson is solid. He’s better than Brewer to me. But getting Asik or Taj probably not going to happen.

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SteveW

December 7th, 2011
10:39 pm

The Earl Watson signing may be breaking down, according to Peachtree Hoops. Utah may be giving Earl a 2 year deal.

Not the end of the world if a minimum deal for Earl Watson breaks down. No need to get down in the dumps. Also, noone in there right mind is going over the tax for CJ Watson, Brewer, or Korver or some random pick,get a grip. We get either Asik or Taj Gibson or we let Jamal walk anywhere he can walk and stay under the luxury. Essentially, you are suggesting the stupid action of going into luxury for CJ Watson, Brewer, or Korver.

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ALL NBA AL= RIM PROTECTOR IS HE WANTS TOO?

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yall forget about the amnesty clause with The Contract. If the Hawks hold on to it, then maybe in 3 years when The Contract is clearly declined they could use it on him without even occurring a penalty.

or something like that

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I doubt McGrady starts, due to his injury history, he certainly isnt as explosive as before, but McGrady is immediately the best player on the floor for the Hawks. He has the intangible “it” you look for, the game comes easy to him, too easy in the past. Our problem isnt starting, its finishing and thats where T-Mac comes in.

Not crazy about Earl Watson, unlike McGrady, he never was a phenom nor uber-talented, all we need is for him to turn into Mike Bibby. Speaking of, where’s the ole Bibbster? It’d be nice to see him hobble down the court again for the vet minimum. We’re going to need it, Teague going to $hit his pants before the first week is over.

No question about the BIG issue, Horford is right. Kwame Brown, Pryzbilla, Aaron Gray are available right now and cheap, let’s not sleep waiting on Chicago to help us, it aint happening.

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Big Dog, The Hawks are not winning with AL playing center. This team need a true starting center that will defend the paint.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE

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Joshua Smith, Alfred Horford, Zaza Pachulia, Jason Collins, Keith Benson, and Magnum Rolle

Thats Six frontcourt players #StopYourWhining

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Rolle and Benson would be your shot-blockers (you can youtube it for confermation)

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Earl Watson is a beast. High-energy and VERY scrappy. I like him. We can trade Kirk to LA or something lol.

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SteveW, yes, Kwame does remind me of Washburn, loads of potential, nothign accomplished.

And Earl Watson is going to wait on Utah before deciding, saying other teams are pushing real hard…..from hoopshype: “Just communicated with Earl Watson – “says he is sitting patient until I hear from the jazz at this point. Other teams are pushing hard.”

And Orlando wants Josh Smith to go with Dwight…wow, would Sund actually do that? Give me your best Josh offer to Orlando….I don’t think that there’s a chance a deal could get done. That roster is not good.

One more: Brad Wannamaker might get a shot here, and sounds like he’s coming to camp. MC, is David Lighty an option here?

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Well We want Howard here to go with our Josh! Those two would be great together and that should be done here in the ATL

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Big Dog, I’m the real BIG DOG LOL!!!!!!!!!
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE

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Absolutely KevinM, we have much more talent to offer and Josh and Howard have a better chance to win here, more history with the city and more excitement about the 2 playing together. Its a slam dunk to me. If I thought it was possible. Id darn near trade the franchise and build around Josh and Howard, fill in the blanks…

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MC, have you had a chance to see how Josh’s handles are looking this week?

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Melvin the problem with that lineup is, Joe has to guard the point guard. And in such a short season with limited rest, that’s the worst case scenario for your best offensive player.

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northcyde and others:

1st of all northcyde;
you take what the kid said – then twisted it to fit your agenda.
Normally with Joe, I watch what he does or does not do on the ct.
I do not think I’ve tried to manipulate his thoughts.
Al simply said what I have been saying and what 90%
of we bloggers have been saying since I’ve been a constituent
of the blog. We must get Bigger & we must get Rebounders.
Hell-fire gentlemen, yawl would jump on this kid if he said;
“I like apple pie, and I wish I had some apple pie, I would like
more apple pie if I could get some, dog-gone I like apple pie !”

What if this were Joe playing the [3] small forward ?
What if Joe simply said;
I’m willing to play small forward, but if we could get some help there
and bring in a really good defensive ace at the [3], “I would feel
comfortable at the [2 guard] spot”.
Now, if Joe said that – is Joe a pu$$y ?
Is he $oft ? Woud he be “Diaper” Joe ?

You guys amaze me at your lack of forethought !

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How much size do we need?

Magic D12 7ft, Bass 6′8
Boston KG 7ft, Jeff Green 6′9
Bulls Noah 6′11, Boozer 6′9
Heat Haslem 6′9, Bosh 6′11
Hawks Al 6′10, Josh 6′9

Looks about the same to me.
The only team in the league with great size in the Lakers, so tell Al to get over it and play BIGGER!

PS. Tell LD to play Zaza more.

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I know Josh is the hometown guy and all, but the fact remains that we wouldn’t be in this mess if he would stay in the paint and HE is the one who asking for a trade while Al re-signed with no problems and is asking for more pieces to bring a winner here. You don’t here Josh being vocal about recruiting new players do you? Of course not. One guy wants out, while the other wants more weapons here.

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Well, it looks like Earl Watson is going to Utah, so we need a new back-up PG for Teague or who ever going to be PG.

Speaking of PG, it looks like Clippers and Warriors is pull back out of the race for CPIII and Celtics, Lakers and others is back into play but here is the question, I know that we have better assets than Lakers and C’s and don’t even get a look out, why that?

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Ok Guys, Now I am a huge hawks fan but you guys may just want to watch this. This was T-Mac last year…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ofl4OOh6mnk&feature=related

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And I actually like the tandem of Josh and Al at the 4 and 5. I believe Al best position is at the 5. I’ve only said trade Al for an All star or superstar (D12, Gasol, CPIII, etc.). But if Al would be content with playing the position that gives him the best advantage, and be more aggressive at the five, the Hawks would only need a defensive minded BACK UP center to fill out the roster.

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Hawks add McGrady 3-4 years after he’s capable of playing consistently and probably will call it a day. Same old, same old. Why does anyone care about this team again?

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Ra’mon / ramon / Ramon / ra’mon

Okay – let’s try again.
You really bought that Josh learned the playbook 1st,
load of crap.

I suppose it’s not hard to learn to go stand on the right wing.

Al does more than those three items you mentioned:
[listed previously] He;
screens, moves w/o ball, good help dfndr w/o being sht-blkr,
helps and recovers well, hedges, switches when necessary,
rotates to help II, closes out well, boxes out, sets screens,
runs floor well, excellent passer, good on P & R, unselfish,
excellent FT shooter, clutch FT shooter, he avgs over 1 blk per,
constantly motivates teammates, excellent mid-range game,
strong around basket with ball, finishes strong, great hands,
and extremely quick on 1st step along baseline from short crnr,
reps the team very very well, so, what are you saying again ?

Do not compare to Okafor;
EO is closer in stature to D.Howard.
One must consider; (when making comparisons of Bigs)
hgt, wgt, strength, two foot vert leap, wing span, standing reach,
hand length, hand width, and “personality” which is shaped by:
both heredity and environment – when one compares -
A to B.
Otherwise you end up comparing such things as:
* a hedgehog to a mexican hairless
* Scarlett Johansson to Rosie O’Donell [that one made me sick]
* or *
* Finebaum to Limbaugh (hold on / that one almost made sense)

-g’nite everyone-

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Ra’mon,

Your basing everything on one playoff series? It’s obvious that Al wore down in that series, but the Asik, Noah and Gibson do that to a lot of players. But you forget that this “core” couldn’t even get to the playoffs until Horford showed up and he was the only one showing any leadership back then. The reason Josh hasn’t made an All Star team this long is because the coaches (voters) know he doesn’t give his all on every play and he he has terrible shot selection. The rest of the league

The fact remains that Josh is the one asking out of Atlanta, not Al. Why defend someone who acts like he doesn’t want to be here or recruit his boy Dwight here? Al is the one pushing the front office to make real moves. Josh is saying “Yall are always mean to me to I want to go to Orlando, Houston, Boston or New Jersey.” WTF that’s a team captain? Does that sound like someone committed to the mission? Like I said, only one of them sounds like he wants to build a winner here.

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http://www.deviantart.com/download/272903113/tracy_mcgrady_atlanta_hawks_by_rhurst-d4ih9e1.jpg

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northcyde,

Great post about Al.

Man up sissy! And Sautee: all that chatter about playing PF is what I qualify “smooth talking whining”.

If someone is smart – as Al obviously is – about managing his image, he will not “whine” openly BUT his constant chatter about us getting a big is “cover whining”.

AND using his father Tito – with whom he had a notoriously bad relationship – to convey the same message was a clear covert strategy.

Al is a top 5 Center in this league due to his mobility, athleticism and ability to open the floor with his midrange shot.

IF he combined that with playing AGAIN with courage, spunk, determination down low (WHICH IS NO LONGER THE CASE), he would be beyond solid.

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OX, Kobe, Carmelo, Iverson, Amare, D12, Garnett, Ray Allen, Lebron, Shaq, Barkley, Malone, and other first ballot Hall of Fame players have ALL made comments at some point in their career that if the ownership/management isn’t committed to bringing in great talent, than they would like to be traded! Josh does talk to D12 about joining the Hawks if management opens up their pocketbook for outside interest. Last off season, there were 5-6 Superstars/all stars who were free agents. Yet the Hawks didn’t arrange to meet with any of them. You can say they didn’t have cap room. But the Lakers still met with some of them. The Celtics still were attempting to maneuver to add a player of that caliber. The Hawks ownership have done nothing to show that they are committed to bring in championship talent. And you say why isn’t Josh lobbying other free agents to come. How can he lobby anyone to come, when the ownership has been (by their own admission) trying to sell the franchise for at least 2 years? Without a doubt, ASG is in the top 3-4 of worst owners to play for in all of professional sports (proven by their loss of one entire franchise). Josh trying to recruit someone, when we don’t even know what the budget is for the team, to come play here is about as dumb as a chicken following a turkey.

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For those of you thinking the T-Mac signing is to replace JC1, it’s actually to replace the production of Hinrich while he’s out injured. JC1 was already gone. And what do we get with T-Mac? More size and a better assist-to-turnover ratio then Hinrich. I’m really disappointed the Hawks are not bringing back Damien. We need as much depth as we can get for this compressed season. The Mavs won the title last year with the deepest roster in the NBA. We need Damien back.

“Doubt that Reggie would sign for the league minimum though. Would love to get Chuck Hayes here.” – northcyde

Both probably out of our price range.

“If you could get Kwame for the Vet Min, I think his athleticism would fit nicely with the Hawks.” SteveW

That ship already sailed. Should have got him LAST YEAR for the vet minimum but so many people on this blog acted like I was crazy. He went out and had his best season in 8 years and now….

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/33865/is-kwame-brown-now-too-pricey-for-bobcats

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Buddy,

Kwame suits a fringe playoff team BUT would not bring us anything remotely interesting.

Anyone thinking otherwise is, IMO, dead wrong. Do you really want to see Kwame in a playoff series against, for instance, the Bulls? Worst hands and worst bball mind in the NBA? Really?

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Buddy,

There we agree.

Where I can’t disagree is in seeing Kwame as a guy who would not shy away from any relevant action against CHI in the playoffs.

Collins was not a good match up against CHI and it was the fewer minutes given to Zaza than his play warranted that killed us in some crucial stretches.

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What we need is T-Mac’s veteran leadership. Especially when it comes down to the playoffs. I was lower bowl vs. da Bulls and Jamal fizzled a bit. I hope he comes back and has a monster season for the Hawks!

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vava

Hot dang !

We agree !

I think cap’n Kirk is indispensible.
*[defense]
Perfect compliment to Joe and Teaguer.

It’s about time we agreed again.

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Good to know that we finally get to agree Grandad

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Tracy McGrady plans to sign one-year deal with Hawks.

YAWN…………………!

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Earl Watson is “leaning toward” signing with the Hawks.

YAWN…………………!

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Ra’mon

1st things 1st

Alot of your problems are congruent
with the arguments on this board;
Al = [5] v [4] ?

In other words;
A basketball player is a basketball player.
* do not confuse previous statement with;
“needing bigger players and more rebounding” -Grandad-

What i mean is;
for example within motion offense,
you need not be a [4] or a [5] it does not matter …
if you have a specific skill, then you have that skill …
so use it to your advantage.
Let’s say you not running motion offense;
the Coach should put you in positions to be successful
according to one’s skills and not a designated position.
Example:
Josh is a better low post scorer than Al,
put his ass in the post.
That is a coaching problem, not Al’s problem.
[put your players where they can best succeed]

Now, back to being a basketball player;
you constantly mentioned,
Al is good at such and such if he’s a [5],
yet he’s mediocre at this and that if he’s a [4].
That’s assinine (sic). A player can run the floor or not.
A player has good hands or not. A player can finish or not.
Nooooooooo, says I, a player is a player is a player !

The same defensively;
Shane Battier is a “Great” defender, yet, he cannot blocks shots
such as Josh Smith.
But to say he is not a Great help side defender, thats nuts.
Just because he does not block shots ?
Sometimes it makes me wonder, the depth of knowledge,
of those I argue against, though, my friends [and adversaries]
on this board are brilliant in analysis and basketball acumen.

And thusly, No, help II is different from help I, help & recover,
hedging, switching when necessary … all needing a high
B-ball IQ and or some very sound coaching.
Along with the fact that do you even know what closing out means;
because, once again, closing out is closing out.
[4] or [5] has nothing to do with it.
However the man whom you are assigned to guard,
has everything to do with it.
If your guarding Bargnani [5] you had best strap on jets.
If you are guarding DeJuan Blair [4] not so much.

It’s all relative.

Everyone gets so wrapped up in #’s … [3], [4], [5] …
that’s all they are … a number.

I also can’t believe you tried to say “Love”,
when referencing – running the floor.
Yeah right – he runs the floor better than Al.

note;
random thought – (1) – Joe should post up more
random thought – (2) – Al & Josh have divergent talents;
they should work well together, be it [3] / [4] or [4] / [5]
example … high / low post. Al high, Josh low. *(coaching)

I suppose someone will pick at a nit & I’ll be back in a moment.

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The Chicago/Jamal/Atlanta triangle should be interesting:

Jamals needs Atlanta to help him get the contract he wants from the team he wants.

Chicago needs Atlanta to get Jamal and preserve the MLE for another wing player (Butler, Smith, Afflalo, Richardson, Battier, etc…).

Atlanta needs a reason to pay the luxury tax (Taj Gibson or Omer Asik).

If Atlanta balks, Jamal’s next choice appears to be New Orleans, which is why we heard yesterday of the Hawk’s interest in David West (S&T both ways).

Best case scenario to me: Chicago caves and gives Brewer & Asik for Jamal. Atlanta then signs a free agent PF like Troy Murphy. An Atlanta bench of Hinrich, Brewer, McGrady, Murphy, and Pachulia/Asik would be outstanding. Atlanta pays the tax, but its not my money, so I don’t care.

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Girls Girls Girls……..why all of this talk over the NBA? I mean come on it is only the NBA – the worst sport in the world….Thugs playing Thugs…..no entertainment value……Watch a real sport like Michelle and I do – cricket

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Smhh….Keith Benson and Magnum Rolle are BOTH 6′11 (Legit) can we at least see what they can provide first?

And Has anyone seen 8-0 Mizzou play college B-Ball this season? They play Four out one in with a 6′7 PF as their center and they’re BEASTING ON EVERYBODY. I think they’ve only won one game where they didn’t do it by 25+ points Mizzou, Kentucky, and Duke are my choices to win it all this year.

Now that PF (Ricardo Ratliffe) is a man, doesn’t whine, just gets in there and mixes it up against bigger guys.

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Ramon, you are the man! Well said referencing ALL NBA TiTO Jr…. He is what he is marginal in most areas at best.With an above vintage 1950’s set shot..His help defense needs alot to be desired…

AND IT IS A SET SHOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I KNOW A JUMPSHOT WHEN I SEE ONE CAUSE I GOT ONE!

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[...] free agent Brad Wanamaker was at Philips Arena working out today and presumably will be on the camp roster. Wan…. Atlanta Journal-Constitution Atlanta Hawks, Free Agency, Brad [...]

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I don’t think you can trade players (KH)that are out while injured…now Marvin might fit this as well until he proves he’s healthy.

Do you think Sund is secretly waiting for all PGs to be plucked and he brings back Bibby? I wouldn’t put it past him.

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Grandad,

Don’t ignore that a player, with a certain physical type and a certain tool set can be effective in a position and completely ineffective in another.

You can’t disregard the fact that at the PF slot, Horford’s midrange, slow and low release jumper will be heavily contested since opposing PF will close out on him just like Bass, Anderson and virtually everyone in the CHI front court did.

He shot .400 against ORL for crying out loud!!!! Miles away from Howard’s breath!!!!

In 09/10, during the regular season, even before he perfected his jumper, Al was doing a decent job on defense (on Howard) and scoring almost at will against Howard simply because Howard does not venture outside the lane.

But that elbow to Al’s mouth in which Howard ended up dunking and no offensive foul was called – you must remember that play – MARKED the beginning of Al’s eclipse as a strong man under the rim.

If Horford had the “huevos” that he needed to play as he should, he should have gotten up and decked Howard. A good head butt would have been the route to establish that he was not up to being decked and get no foul called on him.

The immediate effect – suspension – would have been negative but Howard would think twice next time (most of these guys are only hot air and I am truly convinced that Howard is like that) and the repetition of the scene (clear elbow to Al’s mouth and the ensuing blood) would have been a lasting image of Howard’s excessive free reign under the eyes of the referees.

As last year’s playoffs proved, you just have to accept that Howard will score on you BUT YOU NEED to fight him to make him work for his points and Al simply stopped TRYING to fight him culminating with the HIGHWAY that Al gave Howard in that 4-0 humiliation.

Yes, Howard is bigger and stronger BUT heart and savvy can beat brute force, in particular since Howard’s offensive game is mostly rubbish.

Look at Collins: yes, he is heavy, but it’s not only the weight that allows him to be effective against Howard, it’s how he moves his feet and how he is not afraid to take charges and be floored that gets into Howard’s peanut mind.

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Another example of what I say on this last paragraph were a few plays in which Hilton Armstrong – seemingly replicating Collins’ defensive game – forced Howard into several turnovers.

And Hilton is just marginally bigger than Horford.

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Kito could not make the Dinamo Sassari’s fans forget Othello Hunter…

I think this may be a telling fact…

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Grandad, lets agree to disagree. Just woke up, and really don’t feel like typing that much at the moment. I understand your statement that players play, no matter the position. However, position does matter because it is how one receives accolades in todays NBA. Today’s power forward depth around the league is similar to the centers in the 90s (think about it, Rik Smits was probably the 9th best center in the league then. And would be the 2nd best in today’s NBA). Position is all about match ups. And 28 times out of 31 (NBA TEAMS) the best matchups is Al lining up against the opposition center compared to power forwards.

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AJ, if you recall the Pistons won their lone title of the new millennium when they allowed Shaq to average over 35 points for the series, by playing him man on man, and concentrating on the perimeter players. This can be said for most pivoting centers in the league. If you check the high point games for Shaq, Wilt, David Robinson, Ewing, and Hakeem (or A’keem), majority of them came in losses.

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Ra’mon and that is how the Hawks won the Magic series last year. D12 ate Collins’ lunch (and it was a failry big meal) but the Hawks won the series by making Turkaglu, JRich and Arenas look like they no longer needed to be on the Magic. So any thoughts that Howard’s arrival would force Joe or others to re-think their game is wrong (IMO).

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I honestly don’t think the fact that Horford both worked by D12 was the reason for his cowardice. It was the fact that we got swept. I honestly believe if we had won or take that series’ to seven games, he wouldn’t have been so worried about D12.

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““I am really trying to get better with my shooting and with my post game, really trying to be more assertive in the past than I have with it,” he said. “Cal was my coach for the Dominican national team for the FIBA game, and with him his whole thing was a lot about driving and penetrating. That is something in my game I really didn’t do much before but I think I was able to do a little more of it this summer.”

So what is he working on? Shooting? Post Game? Dribbling? Driving?

I have no idea what he’s trying to improve at.

What he should be improving: GETTING STRONGER and being physical in the post

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Me gusta mucho la firma de T-Mac.Por el salario minimo para veteranos tendremos a un sexto hombre de mucha calidad.No espero que vuelva por sus fueros,pero nos va a ayudar mucho.Aun es joven,y motivado y sano podria callar muchas bocas.Watson es un base mediocre,pero daria descanso al prometedor Teague hasta que vuelva Hinrich.No creo que no necesitemos tirar la casa por la ventana para fichar a Chris Paul,el puesto de base esta bien cubierto creo yo.Ahora habria que conseguir a Monta Ellis,aunque fuera desprendiendonos de JJ.y para acabar de apuntalar la plantilla seria bueno firmar a Dalembert.
Yo no me desharia ni de Smoove ni de Jamal,pero si lo hacen solo espero que nos traigan a cambio a alguien con impacto(El citado Ellis o Dwight Howard,aunque este ultimo es casi imposible de conseguir).De momento vamos bien.Un abrazo a todos los que sueñan con un campeonato de los Hawks.

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AJ

That is a possibility..

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Maybe, how would that be the case, when two years before we took Celtics to seven games. And Kendrick Perkins is just as physical (if not more) as D12. I honestly believe Al problem is he is too good of a person to get down in dirty under the rim. The heavy foul on TJ Ford in Toronto, his 2nd year, changed a lot of the play of Al on defense. I really believe every championship team needs a jack@ss on the team who’s just annoying. And I think Al is too nice to be that way.

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Al’s work ethic dissappeared when he got the cash people. He’s no longer worried about proving himself. Now he does what packs the stat sheet, not the win column. I love the guy, but he’s just not the same type of player from his rookie contract.

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“I am really trying to get better with my shooting and with my post game, really trying to be more assertive in the past than I have with it,” he said.” – Horford

SMGDH. Is offense the only thing this man thinks about? How about learning to block a shot. How bout learning to take a charge. But all Horford wants to do is shot.

FIRE SUND

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All this comes from the Christopher Titus comedy routine on “Everybody gets a trophy”. This generation of players just don’t know how to give it their all. They play for themselves, not for the chance to win or lose by laying it all on the line regardless of the outcome.

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Battier is a very good signing for the heat. He provides defense and leadership. They still need help at Center though.

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Battier is pretty redundant in Miami to me. If they brought back Jones with Miller, they’re still stronger at the wings, or as strong now that they’ve added Battier. However, they used majority of their mid level exception for tax paying teams, and now what do they have to pay a center or point guard with?

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Battier to sign with Heat on Friday;
“at this point in career, winning is important”
-Battier- [paraphrase].
dad-gummit – This makes it much more difficult to …
-hate the heat- !

A significant portion of the mid-level. (reportedly)

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I would put LeBron in the post.

No Joke !

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Hawks fans this isn’t baseball. You don’t LEARN how to block a shot AFTER you win 2 NCAA titles. You don’t LEARN athleticism.

You either have it or you don’t. Funny thing AL, people still think you can be that “solid center”. They still think you’ll grow 2 inches and start blocking shots and actually shoot a fadeaway.

5 years in and they’re STILL waiting for a running hook shot. Olajuwon lol how’d that work for Dwight?

All Olajuwon told Dwight was to play like a guard and use his drop step and hook more. Dwight has a 7′4 wingspan. He had a hook shot.
Olajuwon told him to step out more and mix more finesse with his power. Olajuwon didn’t do anything but tell him to play more like a wing player.

Horford has that mentality but without the length. Horford doesnot even have the length to do a spin move aka the reverse pivot.

Has anyone EVER seen Horford attack-get cut off-spin back and score? You cut him off he passes. If he spins back he is not long enough to shoot and gets it rejected. Finesse in all the wrong places.

I’ll never forgive myself for thinking he was the next Amare.

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Grandad

I understand that Battier helps them, but does he help them more than Mcgrady helps us….I don’T think so.

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Melvin, this is what Google translate the post as saying

I really like the signature T-Mac.Por veterans minimum wage have a sixth man of great hope calidad.No back on track, but we will help mucho.Aun is young, healthy and motivated and could shut many bocas.Watson is a mediocre base, but would break the promise Hinrich.No Teague until you think that we need not throw out all the stops to sign Chris Paul, point guard is well covered that I would have yo.Ahora Monta Ellis get, even pulling away from shore JJ.y to finish the template would be good signing Dalembert.
I did not fall apart or Smoove or Jamal, but if they do bring us just hope that someone in exchange impact (Said Ellis or Dwight Howard, although the latter is almost impossible to find). At the moment we bien.Un embrace all those who dream of a championship of the Hawks

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Translating 11:03

I really like the sign[ing] T-Mac.Por veterans minimum wage have a sixth man of great hope [quality]. No back on track, but we will help mucho. is young, healthy and motivated and could shut many bocas[moufs]. Watson is a mediocre base, but would break the promise Hinrich. No Teague until you think that we need not throw out all the stops to sign Chris Paul, point guard is well covered. Now Monta Ellis get, even pulling away from shore JJ. And to finish the template would be good signing Dalembert.
I would not fall apart for trading Smoove or Jamal, but if they do bring us just hope that someone in exchange impact (Said Ellis or Dwight Howard, although the latter is almost impossible to find). At the moment we good. One embrace all those who dream of a championship for the Hawks.

Smdh

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I am waaaaay better than google translate.

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Rufus and Ra’mon

I wasn’t jumpin’ on you guys.

Also as vava just said;
I knew they were gonna let Miller go.

Yes I think Battier helps them more than TMcG helps us.
Nothing against Tracy – different players – different qualities.
[also different teams, different needs]
-although we could have used Battier-

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David West

The Hawks have inquired about him in a S & T …..Who is leaving if they do that?(Kirk and Draft picks or our PF)

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Grandad,

LBJ would never accept the punishment which comes with playing the C position.

He does not have the heart and, to be perfectly frank, his back to the basket game is questionable at best, so he would be high post C (nothing wrong with that but…).

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Rufus,

It seems that Josh is gone under that scenario.

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Grandad

I think T-mac will bring an attitude that the Hawks don’t have…ARROGANCE! This will be the most talented team he has played on and if he is70- 75% of what he was(Just 3 years ago), the team will believe they can win a title.

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I am starting to think that Sund has a something big going on, I never see him so active since that time we resigned Marvin, Bibby and Zaza.

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Well, I have said this on here numerous times, but here we go again. Who in the world thinks they are going to really sign, or draft, a legitimate center, when in the previous draft, they allowed 2 legitimate 7 footers go by, I do not remember who they were, and they drafted players that are not even playing anywhere, as far as I know. If I am wrong, my apologies. They drafted someone, allowed him to go to Europe, hoping he would improve. Why not draft a legitimate 7 footer, keep him on the team, let the team coaches work on him and help develop him in practice and bit playing time in real games, instead of hoping Horford is going to turn into the best 6′ 10″ center to have ever played, but was not as good as a 7′ plus man that could play that position and let Horford be the forward that he is, and evidently from his words in the post, he wants to be. Horford is not a NBA center. He can take the job and be the back up center, fine with that, but not the everyday center. His talents are being wasted, and if we are not careful, we are going to lose him in a few years, so he can go to a legitimate team so he can win a NBA Championship.

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So grandad would turn Lebron into Boris Diaw ? That’s nice.

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Bad Terms!

“he is a role player with – probably – the wrong mindset (see the quarrel with Kuester).” -vava74-
_______________

Hell, who didn’t quarrel with Keuster? If you can’t het along with a nice guy like Rip Hamilton, then you can’t get along with anyone.

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Rip was an established vet in Detroit. He holds the banner of DET’s championship pedigree.

T-Mac was a guy who got the call up – including from Kuester – for an opportunity that NO ONE was willing to give him last year.

You don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

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“Such is the reality for a franchise that presented Joe Johnson with a golden effigy on the first day of free agency last season, invested in Marvin Williams to the tune of $8 million a year, and took every shortcut there is to take in team construction.”

Rick Sund: Play Big?? But Josh and Horford are tweeners and we’d have to trade Horford to get a center and a shooting PF, slide Smith baseline on offense where he can hurt teams and SF where we can triple team the boards.

Aw f*** it Horford is a coach’s vote Reserve back up. Lets keep both and add a cheap wing. Childress wants WHAT!. MARVIN!!!

PG Bibby
SG Johnson
SF Marvin
SF Josh
PF Horford

Yeah Teague is not fixing that clusterbomb of defensive hypocrisy. As long as ATL keeps putting defensive positions second they will not deserve the title.
Ideally
Smith,perimeter,center = Smith,Leuer,Bogut (Trade A)
perimeter,Horford,center = Aminu,Horford,Kaman (Trade B)
non shooter, non scorer, big body = Smith, Horford, Collins (no Trade, no ECF)

40-50 win team, that has all offense or all defense lineups but no compromise, no balance.
Keep thinking you’re fooling everyone Sund. You’re not.

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Maybe Darryl Arsenal will finally get his biedrens wish. Dallas will match.

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Then we get Biedrens for the vet min.? Hmm, Biedrins is garbage, but another 7 ft. slow big, who can pick and pop – He would probably be better than Josh Powell was.

Miami is so desperate for a big, I’m not sure they wouldn’t offer Biedrins if he’s amnestied.

I’ve always felt that with the right Coach, Biedrins could turn into a serviceable big in a League with a dearth of Big’s right now.

By serviceable I mean 20 mpg and doing something somewhat positive on the court

You know, the more I type about Biedrins, the less I like him – even for the vet min.

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Chandler’s ability to crash the glass and knock down free throws at a 73% clip saved the Mavericks in their first-round series against the Trail Blazers last year. In Game 5, after Brandon Roy’s legendary Game 4 in Portland, Dallas forced the Blazers to go small, which left Gerald Wallace or Nic Batum to box out Chandler while LaMarcus Aldridge defended Dirk Nowitkzi on the perimeter. Chandler dominated, grabbing 13 offensive rebounds and going 8-12 from the line.

Horford will never be able to make his money as a glass eating role player. EVER.

Everyone has a role on a contender. Give me a 7′0 Bogut or Chandler. EVERY TIME. Maybe Even Bynum if it werent for his knees and Fruit Loops at Practice maturity.

Still he has 2 rings just for him and Pau being 7 feet.

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His presence, not any change in Dirk’s character, was the reason Dallas was able to win a championship after over a decade of coming up short. Without him, the Mavericks will slip into the pack in the West with teams like San Antonio, Portland and Memphis.

The upside of this sacrifice would be enough salary cap space to pursue Deron Williams, Chris Paul and Howard in 2012. But without Chandler, why would either Williams or Paul sign in Dallas? As their careers have shown, a great point guard on a team without great front-court defense isn’t doing anything in the playoffs.

Teague can slash all he wants. A) The Midget frontline will give it back. Or B) Smith at the 3 and no Leuer means your big but he’s your best perimeter player. No shooting = SMith bricks = EC Fail. it will not mix.

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SG’s in the east is still DWade, then JJ is still 2nd best in my book.

And Vav74 – Here’s an article from a Sydney Australia Newspaper from Dec. 10th 2010. This is just part of the article, didn’t want to take up the whole space here:

“And he is doing it amidst some constant health concerns.

As fallout from his sickening fall late last season, when his arm crumpled underneath his 118kg frame following a fast-break dunk, Bogut still needs treatment every day or else he loses movement in the arm.

He has also opened up in more detail about the chronic migraines he suffers.

One struck him in the middle of a game against New York last season, while they affected him in this year’s pre-season and also forced him to miss a game against Indiana last month.

Bogut also once had one while driving in his home city of Melbourne and only just made it home.

“A lot of people that don’t know what they are think it’s just a headache,” he told American broadcaster Jim Rome on his self-titled radio program.

“It’s nothing like that.

“The way it starts with me I lose my peripheral vision, I get blurs and fuzzy stars and I know I’m going to get one.

“So I try to get to a dark, quiet place and my body starts to go numb in certain parts, my arms, my cheeks, teeth, hands.

“Then the migraine starts to get gradually worse and then when I start throwing up, that’s when it starts going down.

“Usually by the next day I’m pretty good, a little nauseous, but I can play.”

Bogut’s Bucks re-tooled in the off-season and have had a disappointing start, although their 10-15 record has them only one win outside the playoff positions in the eastern conference.

Milwaukee travel to Portland tomorrowand Bogut should have his first significant match-up with Boomers teammate Patty Mills.

In his second season, Mills is finally earning some meaningful court time, averaging eight points, 3.7 assists and 19 minutes on court over his past three games.

Many considered Bogut unlucky not to make his first All-Star game last season and while superstar big men Dwight Howard and Amar’e Stoudemire are locks to get another nod for the East squad, the Australian might just be able to sneak onto the bench if he continues his strong play.

Making his form all the more impressive, Bogut still needs the help of a physio just to get on the court.

“It’s still a work in progress,” he said of his troublesome right arm.

“I still have to work on it every day.”

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SteveW,

I would still take Bogut like that over Al as it currently stands.

I prefer a guy who is physically hampered than a guy who is psychologically hampered.

I believe that Bogut will get to 90% with that arm but I don’t expect Al to change his softie ways.

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This is the trade I would like to see happen: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=cz3y3cv

I think everyone would find it would greatly benefit the Hawks.

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Bogut does have migraines;
however,
great strides have been made in the treatment of migraines
over the last few years.
(I would not let that be a cause for concern)

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Vava74 – I know what you mean. I guess I’m not frustrated enough yet with Al to get to that point. I’m journeying there however. Josh still frustrates me more on a far more consistent basis.

And having been a coach, what got me about Al, was not Al, but rather Larry Drew.

Larry played Al to much, way to much at times last season. I know they get paid to play etc., but Al is a 33, 34 mpg game – and Larry played him 40+ some games, like 7 of 10. Al is already outsized, and you could just see an injury coming.

Even against Chicago, there bigs were always fresh, and ZaZa actually was playing ok. But Al just player too much. Noah already out hustles Al, it’s his game. But when he’s also fresher, it’s just no contest.

But Bass and Anderson convinced me in the 1st round Al is no PF. Too slow, and can’t create his own shot. He needs a low post game, and a Coach who will keep him fresh.

So I blame Larry’s substitution patterns for some of Al’s problems. But most of his problems are Al’s.

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SteveW,

The link of West’s perfomance against the Lakers is a clinic on what a modern day PF has to do in order to be an option on offense.

A PF either has that type of face up game OR he has to be a fierce banger who gets the points down low doing dirty work.

Al’s game IS ONLY effective against C’s (I am only taking into consideration games that MATTER – namely, against contenders and playoff games – I am not talking about games against the Wolves or against GS).

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Co-Signing

vava74 – 1:09 pm

Jeff.Joe.Josh.Leuer.Bogut 1:07 and 1:10

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South Beach Buffet parlours are set to see a surge in their earnings:

MIA to sign Eddie Cuury

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vava

“You cannot compare David West’s high post game
with Horford or Smoove’s:”

You are so right sir !

He is older / gimpy knee / and wants to get paid.

He is a better shotblocker than Al,
but due to inj, most likely will lose mobility.
Al is a better rebounder, especially def reb.
West is a high [2 pt %] shooter, so is Al.
(both are higher than Josh) Josh is a higher [3 pt %] shooter
than either one.
West has had the advantage of playing with Chris Paul.
West is a good player – but redundant –
unless a trade is forthcoming. hmmmmmm (he & Paul are close)

Not fair to say he is better tha Al or Josh.
He duplicates them in many ways.
He is just older and has the recent knee surgery.

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Yahoo reports : Adrian Wojnarowski: Free agent forward Jason Collins will return to the Atlanta Hawks with a one-year deal, a league source tells Yahoo! Sports

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What Jason Collins will sign, the 400lbs version or the 270lbs version?

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Grandad – You are exactly right on his shooting – I guess I was thinking about another European C, that used to play, maybe Nestorovic? or somebody. But yes, you are correct. Thanks.

But I think he used to be a hustle player. The knock on him recently has been big contract, decrease in effort. And didn’t he look like garbage against us last season?

You know the NBA has a lack of C’s when we’re talking about the current edition of Biedrins being serviceable. But for the vet min, with minimal minutes, I’m sure we could do worse.

And David West is a more natural shooter than either Josh or Al. But Al’s midrange uncontested is deadly. Now if he’ll learn to drive when the D comes out on him, or pass to a cutter more regularly, he’ll be a stud. I guess that’s why Legree wants us to run the O thru him so badly.

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They are saying that signing Chandler is to place Amare on the trade block so they can get CPIII. If this is so, I offer Kirk and Al for Amare. Joe, Josh, and Amare (with Teague) is almost as good as the Heat. You’re also looking at another trade chip (Amare) to send to Orlando for D12 if you’d like. All of this talent on the trade block. Atlanta better come home with someone!

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Maybe

December 8th, 2011
1:59 pm

“Tyson chandler is about to sign with the Knicks and Billups is about to get Amnesteyed. NOT GOOD!

We should amnesty Kirk and Sign Billups though. He wont want a big contract with NYK paying the rest of his contract for the season.”

Wow! CP3 is next! Go Knicks!!

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No way I take on a Bogut….too many ifs for that kind of contract.

Its curious enough to see if West will mold back into form, but I still can’t understand the desire for him unless you are doing something bigger and changing this roster.

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“EmirS, Bosh is an average post defender, so that wouldn’t cause any concern really.”

Agreed, however my point is that Miami needs exactly what we need. A big.

I would still LOVE to see Noah in a Hawks jersey. I would be willing to give up Horford’s offense for Noah’s defense, especially with Teague’s emergence.

Noah Noah
Smith Smith
Johnson Williams
T-Mac Johnson
Teague OR Teague

T-Mac off the bench to give Johnson a breather. And whoever else they sign to replace Crawford.

I believe we can be contenders with that line up…IF we get a deep bench. Heck, I believe we can be contenders with Horford manning the 5….as long as we have a deep bench.

It’s all about the bench!

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Hmm I don’t know that happened but meant to be:

Noah
Smith
Johnson
T-Mac
Teague

OR

Noah
Smith
Williams
Johnson
Teague

**

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Slim, Josh over Al any dayyeeeeeee…

And anyone think Sund/Drew aren’t content with Teague and they want a bigger splash?

Me? Give me a Billups after amnesty and work with that combo….

And why won’t we amnesty Marvin, who just seems to be in the way….cap and position wise.

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Earl Watson is still in play. The Jazz have not spoken to him yet. Also the jazz had Ronnie Price and Sundiata Gaines last season. Too many backup PG’s We’ll get him.

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TMac and Mike Miller were good friends from their Orlando days. If Mike gets amnesty, should the Hawks bring him in?

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Melvin, I couldn’t see Miller not signing back with Orlando if he is cut loose. They’re going to lose Richardson.

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MC should just ask Josh if he thinks Dwight would mind coming to play for the home team.. since Dwight himself ignored the question when asked..

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