Atlanta Hawks: Capped out, left out
It’s the kind of questions I get often on Twitter: “Why don’t the Hawks pursue [insert big-name free agent]?” After I explain that they don’t have the cap space, I sometimes get the follow-up: Why don’t they trade [Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, some other player I don't like] and use that cap space?” And then I have to tell them that doesn’t work, either, because the Hawks are over the cap and have to take salary back in a trade.
The point here is, until the Hawks gain significant cap space, which they aren’t scheduled to do until 2013-14 unless the use the amnesty card, then they aren’t going to be involved with free agents who command more than the MLE. Shoot, they still may not be involved with MLE free agents until they retreat further from the luxury-tax line.
Sure, the Hawks can swing sign-and-trades (which usually is the next question I get after the two above) but those transactions are not easy. The player has to want to sign with the Hawks and then an acceptable deal has to be worked out between Atlanta and the trading partner. That’s a lot of “ifs” involved.
The Hawks made their big when they re-signed J.J. last summer. They had the choice of using him in a sign-and-trade and then making other moves to clear cap space and make a run at the big names everyone buzzes about. Rick Sund, an enthusiastic supporter of re-signing J.J., nonetheless did his due diligence and presented that option to ASG.
All parties decided to bring back J.J. at any cost. So, for now, they must hope that this group’s upper limit is not a six-game loss in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The reason why a lack of cap flexibility is particularly problematic under the new CBA is explained by Mark Cuban in an email to Tim McMahon of ESPNDallas:
The reality is that in the new system, cap room will have far more value than it had in the past. I realize that everyone is all freaked out about how and where free agents and future free agents are going, but it’s not just about getting one guy.
We are not saving cap room in hope of that one super special free agent being there. It’s about being in the position to improve every year and possibly add some significant, younger players next year and in future years.
What I don’t think people understand is that once a team hits the tax level the ability to improve our team is reduced dramatically. In addition, your ability to make trades is reduced. So basically, if we made the move to keep everyone together with five-year deals, the team we have today is going to be the team we have for the next five years. If we were a young team it would be one thing. But we are not a young team.
The Hawks are not as old as the Mavs but neither do they have anything close to an MVP candidate or a ring. Perhaps that changes this season, or maybe it doesn’t happen until they gain some cap space and start over.
Etc.
- I think the Hawks will make an offer to Jamal. I don’t think it will match what he can get on the market.
- Both Jody Genessy of the Deseret News and Brian T. Smith at the Salt Lake Tribune report that Earl Watson still could re-sign with the Jazz even after they signed Jamaal Tinsley. Watson would be a good pickup for the Hawks because he has good size, is a very good defender and rebounder and has a good assist rate. He also has a high turnover rate and can’t shoot or score but, hey, there are reasons he might be had for the minimum.
- Update ProBasketballTalk says Watson is expected to sign with the Wizards. (H/T to blog commenter mountain_jim)
- Chris Tomasson tweets that power forward prospect Charles Garcia will be at camp with the Hawks. Here is his D-League profile and his DraftExpress.com file.
- Larry Coon and Marc Stein look at the so-called “B list” items that are part of the new CBA.
- You might have heard the league blocked a trade. The teams involved are appealing, according to Stein.
- The Hawks practice at 5 p.m. today. Us media types don’t get in until after 6. Follow me on Twitter for live updates and check back here later tonight for a blog post.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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469 comments Add your comment
Melvin
December 9th, 2011
10:58 pm
Horford didn’t lie…
The #Hawks have signed 10-year vet Vladimir Radmanovic.
WHO CARES !!!!!
December 9th, 2011
10:59 pm
THIS CRAP TEAM & LEAGUE NEED TO MOVE OUT OF ATLANTA, WHO GIVES A DAMN ABOUT THIS WORTHLESS TEAM & SPORT ???
THEY NEED THIS CLOWN SHOW IN SEATTLE NOT IN ATLANTA ANYMORE !!!!!
NEVER GIVE MONEY TO ATLANTA STUPID GROUP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rufus1
December 9th, 2011
11:00 pm
Ken,
Co-sign on your last 2 posts
bigdave
December 9th, 2011
11:04 pm
Mac Town..
damn, that aint him?
bigdave
December 9th, 2011
11:04 pm
lol.. at Vladimir Radmanovic
Darth Vader
December 9th, 2011
11:05 pm
OJ Simpson is out on bond, you guys better run.
JSS
December 9th, 2011
11:05 pm
Well Sund is pulling every member of his time in Seattle out of his butt… When is he going to announce that they signed Stromile Swift? (SMDH)
EmirS.
December 9th, 2011
11:06 pm
Is it just me or has Joe lost some muscle?
Unlike Sekou Smith, I believe the Hawks won’t come close to hitting the skids. I’m a BIG supporter of T-Mac. I think he can contribute this year significantly on both offense and defense. Not like the old T-Mac…but alot more improved then last year. We have a VERY good starting five, with either Marvin or T-Mac starting. I know we need a center, but in my opinion we need a better bench MORE then a center.
It’s all about the bench.
bigdave
December 9th, 2011
11:07 pm
just like the Hawks to do some bargain shopping.. they managed to knock out both Al and Josh’s request w/ some type of hybrid..
tall enough to “qualify” as a big.. yet, shoots well enough to be called a shooter
Melvin
December 9th, 2011
11:08 pm
I would have prefer Troy Murphy over Vladimir. Murphy is a better rebounder and a good outside shooter…. SMH at this signing..
Grandmaster JeJe
December 9th, 2011
11:08 pm
CAN WE PLZ SIGN A REAL FA FOR REAL MONEY? Oh wait we.re over the effing cap
Fire SUND
RESIGN FLIP
PETRO
SENE
SWIFT
RASHARD
JSS
December 9th, 2011
11:11 pm
@ Davenpoop…
We could combine Robert and Stromile and still not have 1/4 of an D-League big man…
Darth Vader
December 9th, 2011
11:13 pm
what yall stupid mudder frockers gone say next.
Harry Hawk
December 9th, 2011
11:15 pm
T-Mac, Radman, and Stack…
I love it when a plan comes together.
JSS
December 9th, 2011
11:16 pm
@ 11:13PM…
That you’re a sad blog reincarnation of Anakin Skywalker… Why don’t you make like Jar Jar Binks and go away…
O'Brien
December 9th, 2011
11:17 pm
Najeh,
In the Premier League (if I’m not mistaken), the 3 teams that finish last dropped down one level. And the 3 top teams from the lower division gets elevated to play with the big boys. And they repeat the cycle every year.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 9th, 2011
11:17 pm
SIGN ANYONE WHO IS 7 feet tall. GEORGE MURESAN. SHAWN BRADLEY. ANYONE
O'Brien
December 9th, 2011
11:18 pm
I think the reason the Hawks players keep saying things in public is because they think that is the only way they might be able to talk to management/ownership.
bigdave
December 9th, 2011
11:18 pm
Big Ray..
you gotta be pretty excited about this signing..
i guess a young, athletic, active, big who plays inside was too much to ask for.
Mayve
December 9th, 2011
11:19 pm
VladRad in tha Building!!!!!!!! I’m Feeing it!!!!!!
Ryan
December 9th, 2011
11:20 pm
while not exactly what we need…..they are doing better than they usually do…lol
Rufus1
December 9th, 2011
11:20 pm
What is depth?
I told a Bulls Blogger last year they had no bench or a good 2 guard, but the won 60 games.
SAY IT OUT LOUD….Keith Bogan starting SG for a 60 win team…That sounds crazy.
Bulls Bench
Brewer, Korver, Watson, Gibson,Asik and Thomas. Nothing about that bench says championship, but they made it to the ECF. I laughed at that guy last year and the Bulls bench, but he laughed last….It is called coaching. If you coach your bench right, they will be good.
How much more size do we need?
We have 3 players 6′11(Zaza, Benson and Rolle), one 7ft(Collins), and 6 players between 6′7 and 6′10(Sy, JJ, T-mac,Marv,Josh and AL)….That sounds like size to me.
LD has what he needs…..now he needs to coach them.
O'Brien
December 9th, 2011
11:20 pm
Radmanovic is a career 38% shooter from 3, and he played 74 games last season, so hopefully he is healthy.
Hawks still need someone down low though.
The Real Mandingo
December 9th, 2011
11:20 pm
Which current Hawk players do you (bloggers) trust to make big shots, clutch buckets, pressure free-throws, buzzer-beaters, swagger daggers and game winners – Jeff Teague, Pape Sy, Marvin Williams, Josh Smith, Tracy McGrady, Kirk Hinrich? You have more faith in the aforementioned guys making a pressure-packed, perimeter jumper over Jamal Crawford? Are you serious? I’ll answer the question for you; no, you can’t be serious.
Right now, the Hawks have no one comfortable with taking and making big shots and clutch buckets. Jamal is not only comfortable in these pressure situations but embraces them. If Crawford leaves, which Hawk player are you going to have faith in taking the big shot besides Joe Johnson? Again, I’ll answer that (question) for you – no one.
To a man, Rick Sund, you, and the ASG boys better get off y’alls [you all(s) - pronounced 'yauls'] shoulders and re-sign Jamal Crawford. You snooze, you lose.
Mayve
December 9th, 2011
11:22 pm
AND I Called It! Stretch PF and he’s better than marvin I dont care what anybody says.
Slimjr
December 9th, 2011
11:23 pm
@Ken, I co-sign on everything you said before. Jeff Teague is the real deal! Everybody including Marvin will flourish with Jeff running the pt..
I will go ahead and say it now, Jeff Teague will be an all Star with-in 2 years! If he can knock down that mid range jump shot and occasional 3, the sky’s the limit with this dude. He’s that good….
Glad to here Marvin is healthy and strong now..Your going to see a new version: Marvin 2.0!
Get ready to RUMBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!
@superior, call me anything but late for dinner Sir! Your wish maybe satisfied based on the quote below.. We can only hope superior?
“Drew said the Hawks are in the market for a “knockdown” shooter, and Horford said the team would add another center. In the meantime, Atlanta’s returning players hope the team adds enough help to bolster their chances.”
Harry Hawk
December 9th, 2011
11:23 pm
I’d sign Mokeski, Breuer, Koncak, Olowokandi, and Benoit Benjamin.
Instant size advantage.
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 9th, 2011
11:24 pm
It Was Not a Bad Pick!
I hope SlimJr and Ken Strickland are right about Marvin. The Hawks could sure his worth at 7.5M because, like Al said last year, “I will go to war with what we’ve got.”
And, we certainly got Marvin. Sorry, but Marvin does not give me butterflies. Now Teague? I’m in love with and you Ken S. are right, this core has never enjoyed the benefit of a real PG. I heard Teague was a SG at Wake Forest and was hella good. I’m just so excited to see him run this team full throttle – I can’t wait.
He would really make a difference for us and I will be the first to forget about my CP3 dreams! Let’s Go!
O'Brien
December 9th, 2011
11:24 pm
Michael Cunningham: #Hawks Larry Drew on Stackhouse: “He brings veteran leadership. I am really going to give him a very close look.” .Twitter
Wasn’t Josh Powell supposed to be great in the locker room?
And why do we need veteran leadership when he have 3 captains, and 7 of our top 8 have been in the league for years.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 9th, 2011
11:27 pm
With T-Mac already on board, I’d gladly go without Stackhouse’s veteran leadership or Radmanovic’s 3 point shooting in favor of using that roster spot on a quality big man who can defend and rebound. I am sorry but expecting Magnum Rolle, Keith Benson, or Twin to be the second big man off the bench is a recipe for disaster.
Ryan
December 9th, 2011
11:29 pm
I’ve been a JT0 fan since that Cavs game his rookie year. Alot of friends have had to change their tune the more they watch him. He’s exciting to watch like Smoove. Having the defense of Kirk and Teague plus the attack offense of Teague will add a new dynamic to this team.
superiorblogman
December 9th, 2011
11:29 pm
Vlad is bad and not in a good way. This team becomes more and more of a joke by the minute
Harry Hawk
December 9th, 2011
11:30 pm
Our team is a recipe for disaster, though that disaster is not as bad as some other teams’ disasters. We’re just a disastrously boring team that every Hawks fan who isn’t sniffing glue knows is limited in what it can do. I hate that, but there isn’t much I can do but complain.
UGA
December 9th, 2011
11:31 pm
Radmonvic is better than Josh Powell, but what in the world????????? This is getting comical.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 9th, 2011
11:32 pm
Package Smoove and Kirk for a big. Will ANYONE PLEASE TAKE SMOOVE??
Bench is solid now.
Slimjr
December 9th, 2011
11:32 pm
DMB, actually from the eyeball test Teague is already superior to CP3 @ guarding the pt. of attack because he’s at least a step quicker than CP3 and CP3 is no slouch….
Teague is an incredible athlete for his size and you’ll get to see this dude every night getting better and better! Awesome stuff…..Its going to be fun to watch!
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 9th, 2011
11:34 pm
Sniper!
So, is Radmanovic our deep threat? And, he is 6′11″ – nice. IDK very much about him, but Welcome to Atlanta – Radmo! You will love your teammates – they’re really good guys. Very classy and intelligent.
So what’s next? A big man to rebound and defend the rim?
Maybe Kito can do that, Josh and Al do need some help on inside defense with SIZE.
I do like the size of our team overall though.
bigdave
December 9th, 2011
11:34 pm
Adrian Wojnarowski: The agent for Dwight Howard, Dan Fegan, tells Y! Sports that Orlando has given Howard permission to talk to three teams. about 5 minutes ago
Slimjr
December 9th, 2011
11:35 pm
I like Stackhouse being signed today to bolster the bench!
bigdave
December 9th, 2011
11:35 pm
Vlad Radmanovic lol…
Slimjr
December 9th, 2011
11:37 pm
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 9th, 2011
11:34 pm
Sniper!
“So, is Radmanovic our deep threat? And, he is 6′11″ ”
Bingo! A knockdown shooter! And 6′11 wow!
superiorblogman
December 9th, 2011
11:39 pm
UGA
December 9th, 2011
11:31 pm
Radmonvic is better than Josh Powell, but what in the world????????? This is getting comical.
Getting comical? It has been comical. I am having a ball laughing at this garbage they are reaching over in the trash can for. Sorry, but I got to do it. I am about to send Al a tweet asking if he is happy with that big man in the form of Vlad?
Ryan
December 9th, 2011
11:39 pm
johnhollinger John Hollinger
“I feel like the Hawks signed Radmanovic solely to keep me entertained. I just hope they encourage him to”
Lol
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 9th, 2011
11:39 pm
i went to sleep and awoke to Vladimir Rodmanovic…. Lakers called him garbage because hes a defensive sieve. And Jerry Stackhouse.
Vladimir Rodmanovic and a near retired Jerry Stackhouse…
You know what F*** this franchise. superteams and supergarbage teams. Cant wait till all the core leaves this dump… 1 by 1.
Horford and Radmonovic. What kind PoS franchise does this to loyal diehard fans? Is David Stern pulling the strings or is Sund really this malicious?
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 9th, 2011
11:40 pm
Live Free or Die!
Is OJ really out on bond? I thought he got like 35 years? What happened? Good behavior? Is he rehabilitated now?
Grandmaster JeJe
December 9th, 2011
11:40 pm
Every time I think about us getting a big I remember our owners refuse to spend money and we are stuck.
That’s why we have scrubs like Pape Sy magnum rolle and Benson on this team. Who the hell are these guys? They wouldn’t even make water boy on the Lakes
bigdave
December 9th, 2011
11:40 pm
now ZaZa has a shopping buddy..
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 9th, 2011
11:40 pm
To John Hollinger. You enjoy Sadomasochism? Because this is that.
The Real Mandingo
December 9th, 2011
11:45 pm
Regression Analysis!
The Hawks are in a race with the Cavs and T-Wolves to see who can finish at the bottom of the NBA.
Harry Hawk
December 9th, 2011
11:46 pm
Magnum Rolle is one of the greatest names of all-time. I don’t mind him being on the team. After all, we could have potential bench players like:
Stack, T-Mac, Rad-Man (pronounced RAHD-mahn), Twin, Robert Guillaume (that’s Benson), Captain Kirk, and Zaza. Don’t get much better than that right there, folks. Names are important. That is how we will win.
Hell, we already got Smoove in the damn lineup!
We got this!