Atlanta Hawks: Camp Report Day 3
Notes gathered while sleepwalking and dreaming about a sandwich. . . .
- Rick Sund said the Hawks are interested in Gilbert Arenas and Chauncey Billups if they clear amnesty waivers. If teams with cap space don’t bid on those players by tonight’s deadline, they become free agents. (Note: Arenas already has cleared waivers, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein, and wants to join up Dwight Howard.)
- Asked about acquiring another center, Sund said:”I like our ‘bigs.’ We’ve got so many players that are versatile. Larry [Drew] is comfortable using those guys in different position.”
- Billups isn’t a pure point guard but has great value for the Hawks because he can play the 2, is a big-time shotmaker and adds leadership and toughness. He’s also really, really good at doing something the Hawks were really, really bad at doing last season: getting to the free-throw line.
- The Hawks still have no plans to use their amnesty clause this season.
- Al Horford said he and fellow captains Josh Smith and Joe Johnson are still looking for the Hawks to make more moves after they added Tracy McGrady, Jason Collins and Vladimir Radmanovich. “I just hope they give us the opportunity to show something and still play at a high level,” Horford said. “Its’ a shortened season so there will be a lot more games in fewer days. So we need to have a deep team.”
- The feeling among Atlanta’s captains is they don’t want to take a step back after taking Chicago to six games. “You want to build on it,” Horford said. “We need some sort of depth. I think that’s what gave Chicago an edge over us. I think we wore down in the playoffs a little bit. If we are able to get some more pieces, we should be in good shape.”
- The Hawks scrimmaged for the first time today and us media types got to see the tail end. Jeff Teague was smooth and in control and Pape Sy made a couple nice pull-up jumpers.
- Horford on Teague: “I think he’s just more confident as a player. I think the playoffs helped him. I just hope he keeps that edge and confidence and keeps playing hard.”
- The Hawks ended practice with sprints. Teague, Johnson, Smith and Zaza Pachulia were out in front.
- I will say this about Josh: He’s a pro. There’s been no sign of discontent and lots of evidence that he’s focused and working hard. He frequently pulls younger players to the side and points out where they are supposed to do.
- Drew said Josh’s slimmer build doesn’t mean he will play him at power forward less often: “With him losing the weight, I see that he’s got his quickness back that he had when he first got here. He looks a lot faster, a lot quicker, which is a good sign because that’s been a strength of his game is his athleticism.”
- Funny exchange between Josh and assistant Lester Conner during the sprints. Conner: “They are going to be saying, ‘Damn them Hawks get out on the break!” Josh: “They was already saying that.”
- Not to judge a second-round rookie too harshly on his third day, but I don’t see Keith “Kito” Benson as a factor until he gets bigger and more aggressive. “I’m just trying to stay low in the post so I don’t get knocked off position,” he said. “I’m getting used to the stronger players that have played in the league.”
- Kito finds himself on the same floor as guys he once idolized. “[Jerry] Stackhouse was on the Pistons when I was younger so I used to watch him a lot,” he said. “I had the T-Mac shoes and everything.” I had those blue-and-white T-Macs, too.
- Horford on Kito: “He’s very athletic. He’s definitely going to have to work himself in the weight room a little more and get stronger but I like his enthusiasm and his energy. I’ve noticed that he can shoot a little bit in the mid-range area. That’s always good to see.”
- Rookie prospect Brad Wanamaker has yet to practice because FIBA hasn’t yet cleared him after he played in Italy. Wanamaker said an Italian holiday is holding up the paperwork but he hopes to be cleared by tomorrow.
- Atlanta’s $3.6 million trade exception from the Josh Childress deal expires on Dec. 16. Since the Hawks aren’t going to take on more salary than they send out, the exception will expire without being used.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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335 comments Add your comment
superiorblogman
December 12th, 2011
2:56 pm
Nothing has changed. The Hawks are still garbage.
PG Teague
SG Johnson
SF Smith
PF Al Horford
C Nothing
Guys playing out of position like a rec league team until we get a C.
Astro Joe
December 12th, 2011
2:56 pm
hawks_4_life, I think that was Vlad’s contract last season. I assume that he is making less than $2M this year.
http://www.shamsports.com/content/pages/data/salaries/warriors.jsp
hawks_4_life
December 12th, 2011
2:57 pm
Geemck,
Thats the hawks biggest on court problem, the biggest overall problem is in the front office. Nope not Sund he is just the puppet on the strings, its the owners. Thats why I say our off-season was pretty much over when the sale went through. Dont expect a big splash.
@pcnitai
December 12th, 2011
2:57 pm
Paying luxery tax to sign valuable players = deep team = deep playoff run = more $ for ASG (so it basically pays itself) = Happy Fan Base = more season ticket holders/increased attendance next season
Am I the only one that sees logic in this? Ovbiously the ASG doesnt…
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 12th, 2011
2:59 pm
Rumor Mill!
vava74, I acttually “quoted” a rumor heard on the radio. No venting here. I couldn’t find any links, but the one you provided pretty much squashed that.
I wonder what happened with the Dwight to LA rumor? Is Stern blocking everything now or does LA not have any real value assets?
I still doubt is Dwight signs an extension there or anywhere. Looks like he might pull a “Prime Time” Deion Sanders hoax on the Magic?
I would not trust his words without a signed contract, iF I were Orlando. Notice that article doesn’t say he mwt with Otis Smith but Vander Wie instead? Wassup with that? Sounds like double talk to me.
Wonder why we NEVER see any Hawks rumors until after an agreement is reached?
hawks_4_life
December 12th, 2011
2:59 pm
Astro,
You’re probably (and I hope you are) right, I was looking at salaries on espn and almost passed out.
Gwinnett Fred
December 12th, 2011
2:59 pm
Very depressing that Benson has had 7 months to hit the weight room and bulk up a little and has failed to do so.
That period, now in the rear view mirror, was easily the best opportunity to do so and he showed no initiative to get anything done. Thus, I have written him off for the season.
It is nice, however, to see so many entries on this blog – a little bit of interest in the team can’t hurt. Now if only the ASG can find a REAL buyer. Does the Jersey billionaire owner have a brother? Nothing like a little sibling rivalry!
@pcnitai
December 12th, 2011
3:04 pm
@Geemack
“Here are the teams that will be ahead of the Hawks this year Boston, Miami, Chicago, and New York.”
I really dont see Boston or New York ahead of the Hawks this year. NY has no stability at the PG and no defense at all besides Chandler and the word “defense” isnt even in their coach’s dictionary. Boston peaked a few years back and now their older and smaller.
vava74
December 12th, 2011
3:04 pm
Geemack,
NYK’s roster is filled with massive holes.
They just signed Bibby to back up Toney. I think this is pretty telling.
‘Melo doesn’t play D and demands the rock.
Amar’e surprised me last year but I always have my doubts on him withstanding the punishment of this concentrated season.
Chandler? Ditto.
And who else do they have?
STRETCH
December 12th, 2011
3:07 pm
Dang CP3 might as well hitchike to LA cause thats the only way he is gonna get there! LOL!
vava74
December 12th, 2011
3:08 pm
V-Rad earning 6 million a year (before this year) and people think Zaza’s contract is bad.
Zaza’s contract is pretty reasonable and in line with what he CAN produce, not exactly in line with what he is ALLOWED to produce.
Zaza needs a steady diet of minutes (without meaning a substantial jump). When gets it, he produces to the level of his contract.
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 12th, 2011
3:09 pm
FYI!
For those not familiar with the Falcons and Deion Sanders. He promised them he would re-sign and demanded they not use their “franchise tag” on him.
After the season, he bolted Atlanta and went on a world tour to all the other teams and signed with the 49ers. He pulled one hella HOAX on Rankin Smith!
Dwight could do the same. Until he signs a contract, he can change his mind. Aye Dwight! Put your pen where your mouth is!
O'Brien
December 12th, 2011
3:11 pm
DHoward: “If you’re willing to change and you’re willing to do what it takes to win, then, you know, you’ve got me.”.
That eliminates the ATL Hawks.
STRETCH
December 12th, 2011
3:12 pm
“If I get claimed by a team I don’t want to play for, I would absolutely consider retirement,” Billups said Sunday. “The game’s been really good to me, and I don’t want anyone to feel bad for me. I’ve made a lot of money, and I’ve saved most of it. I don’t need the money now. I want to be able to play for something, a championship, and I want to be able to have my own destiny in my hands. If I don’t, then retiring might have to be a decision I make.”
The words of Chauncy Billups. And the Bobcats are after him? They, along with any other mid or back of the pack teams should just stop thinking about him now.
hawks_4_life
December 12th, 2011
3:12 pm
Vava,
I agree, even though Zaza’s game has holes, he brings it every night. We have people that’s more talented but lacks the motor of him. I hope he stays on this team forever even if its just cause of the headbutt that rocked the world years ago. Another example of playing with heart.
O'Brien
December 12th, 2011
3:13 pm
Clips-Hornets deal is off. Supposedly, Hornets asking price is too high.
Marc Stein: Sources: Clippers were asked to part w/top five trade assets for CP3: Gordon, Minnesota pick, Kaman’s expiring contract, Aminu and Bledsoe:twitter.
CP3 must be very frustrated.
hawks_4_life
December 12th, 2011
3:15 pm
Billups might end up in south beach, FREAKING GREAT.
marcus
December 12th, 2011
3:18 pm
joe johnson tweeted that the team is following jeff teague’s “lead”….
what the hell is this all about, jj gets paid more than any other player in the league and he needs to follow the lead of a 3 year player. the hawks will never “turn the corner” as long as they keep paying shills like johnson. they should have never signed him and gave the money to crawford when they had a chance.
vava74
December 12th, 2011
3:18 pm
Now, Stern will bid on Billups.
This way, Billups will retire, instead of joining the Heat.
And that, my friends, would be master stroke!
vava74
December 12th, 2011
3:20 pm
marcus,
You should be happy. Teague has the IT factor and will flourish this year.
No one in ATL will think about CP3 after this season.
vava74
December 12th, 2011
3:21 pm
And the fact that a veteran guy, who is earning 16 million identifies this AND is cool about it should be perceived as a positive characteristic on JJ, not a negative one.
STRETCH
December 12th, 2011
3:24 pm
In a way, i would be so glad when the CP3 and Dwight Howard issues are solved so the rest of the teams can go ahead and focus on getting their rosters filled out.
Astro Joe
December 12th, 2011
3:25 pm
OB, Dwight has had a fair amount of talent with him over the past 3 years or so. He almost sounds like KG did when he was the lone wolf in Minnesota. Dwight has probably had at least 2 or 3 of the following players by his side over the past few years: Vince Carter, Jameer, JRich, Turkaglu, Rashard Lewis (before he fell off the cliff) Bass, Gortat, Ryan Anderson, Bass, Pietrus and Reddick.
Excuse me if I’m not buying any notion that Dwight has been playing with a bunch of stiffs.
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 12th, 2011
3:35 pm
Players Talk!
Basket4Us: Agusti Gasol, Pau’s father, on @PlayBasketSER: “The relationship with Kobe looks good, but things are not always the way they look.” Twitter
Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol
______________
I imagine Kobe is an impossibe guy to play and get along with. Players gossip more than women do, how much do yawl wanna’ bet that deep down – nobody likes this donkey butt named Kobe? Selfish, arrogant, terse and curt are just a few words that come to mind.
You see Lamar pushed for that trade to Dallas, when his trade for CP3 quelled.
I’m just happy with Teague and am ready to see him roll now. Let’s Go!
EmirS.
December 12th, 2011
3:42 pm
“I disagree with Al saying they wore down because of depth against Chicago.”
Don’t underestimate Chicago’s depth. It was one of the contributing reasons we lost that series.
STARTERS
Noah
Boozer
Deng
Bogans
Rose
BENCH
Korver
Thomas
Gibson
Brewer
Butler
Asik
Watson
It may be true that the Bull’s are lacking offensive weapons. But when you have a bench that not only gives your starters plenty of breathing room, but also play defense and have the “ability” to score, then I you have depth. Now all of those players we’re given substantial minutes and all had a part in the Bulls series win over the hawks.
Now when you look at the Hawks depth from that series, we we’re lacking:
STARTERS
Horford
Smith
Williams
Johnson
Teague
BENCH
Zaza
Collins
Crawford
Wilkins
It may be true that the Hawks have more talent then the Bulls…but only as far as starting line ups go. When you compare the benches its all Bulls. What the Bull’s are missing is another scoring threat. Something they did not have last season. If they are to acquire someone of that caliber while not making a significant change to their overall roster, then they are Finals bound IMO.
As for the Hawks….WE NEED DEPTH. I don’t mind losing Jamal. He was great. I think T-Mac will be a huge contributor this season for us. What we should have done is focused on resigning Wilkins only for his defense. I don’t mind Rad-Man either. Him and T-Mac can help replace Jamal’s scoring while improving in areas that Jamal was weak in (ex. defense and court vision). We will miss Hinrich ALOT. We are a better team with Hinrich. For now, we are only a few defensive pieces away from making it out of the 2nd round.
I’m not on the Benson bandwagon either. As someone mentioned, the guy had 7 months to bulk up a tiny bit and he failed to do so. I believe that speaks enough.
Astro Joe
December 12th, 2011
3:44 pm
Selfish, arrogant, terse and curt are just a few words that come to mind.
My guess is they complain when they don’t win a ring, but a few years ago, Gasol looked pretty happy with all of that confetti in his hair.
Oh, and those same words likely described MJ too.
O'Brien
December 12th, 2011
3:56 pm
Joe Johnson on Teague: “When he turns that corner the Atlanta #Hawks are going to turn the corner.” .
vava,
I like Teague, I think he has alot of potential, and I think LD did not handle him correctly last year. But I dont think JJ is right, putting it all on Teague for the Hawks to turn the corner.
How about getting Al to man-up, and handle his business in the post? How about getting Josh to stop hoisting3’s, and give the ball up on the break? How about JJ playing better?
There are too many issues for me to agree with JJ, that when Teague turns the corner, the Hawks turn the corner. Teague appeared to have turned the corner against the Bulls, but it wasn’t enough when other guys didnt do their part.
STRETCH
December 12th, 2011
3:56 pm
Marc Stein: One of “changes” Dwight Howard wants is signing of Chauncey. If DH12 stays, sources say he’ll urge Billups to spurn Heat and “anchor” Magic Twitter
KevinM
December 12th, 2011
4:13 pm
If Orl gets a shot at Billups without us intervening or showing interest, I would say Management has little interest in moving us towards an elite level. Would anyone here be shocked if Sund passes?
ryan
December 12th, 2011
4:19 pm
That would be a bad PR move on Sund part if does not try lure Billups here i thought the Heat was over the cap .
hawks_4_life
December 12th, 2011
4:20 pm
KevinM,
Why should we? Teague is set to be the starter, no need shelling out cash for Billups. Not like he is going to take a backup role here in Atlanta. Teague is pretty much the unknown variable that can improve this team right now because free agency is over for us. I would be shocked if we did anything else.
Rufus1
December 12th, 2011
4:21 pm
That is the best news I could hear….JJ is follwing Teague’s lead.
This is a PG league and JJ watched his effect on the team against the Bulls. Great PG’s change the dynamic of a team. Teague will turn the Hawks from a passive jump shooting team to an attack the rim team. The ability to break down the defense creates open shots, foul trouble and offensive rebounds.
If John Wall was on our team, the offense would go thru him…So why not Teague. In the NBA your offense can only be run thru 2 players, a PG and a low post player…. Even in LA the starts with Bynum or Gasol. A PG like Teague is the only thing we haven’t had(and a dominant Big) on this team and I am very excited to see the results.
If Teague is as good as John Wall, would that change your opinion of this team?
c'mon man
December 12th, 2011
4:26 pm
http://www.videosurf.com/evideo/2_b9D2PQdRPiw Atlanta should get this guy and fill up the front court…
KevinM
December 12th, 2011
4:32 pm
Hawks_4_life, Billups may start out in a reserve role, but based on what I have seen from LD, I’d say Billups get the nod and Teague ends up as our instant energy off the bench. If you have a guy with big game experience, and your goal is to succeed at that level, then Billups is a good fit for almost every team. The Mavs made it work with Kidd and Berea. No reason why this would hurt the Hawks…..right now, we do not have a contingency plan with Teague.
Hindrich cannot be counted on at this point.
Melvin
December 12th, 2011
4:36 pm
•#Hawks F Josh Smith worked on mid-range J but plans to shoot less 3s: “You’re going to see less of that from me.”
Melvin
December 12th, 2011
4:38 pm
•Drew on T-Mac and Stack: “They are not afraid to voice their opinion, step on toes and call guys out. We haven’t had that in past.”
I was hoping these two guys would provide some leadership and step on some toes to change the culture around here since the front office refuse to make changes to the core group.
superiorblogman
December 12th, 2011
4:41 pm
SMH at Dalembert and Nene still being out there with no deals and some clown proclaiming he likes his frontline. Once again, Sund does not buy tickets. Ask the people that pay for tickets rather they like there team or frontline then you can see why no-one respects Sund.
superiorblogman
December 12th, 2011
4:49 pm
If the N.O. and Clip trade ever goes through the Hawks should offer Zaza and Kirk’s expiring to N.O. for Kaman. Zaza is more of a backup than Kaman and his contract will only have 1 year left. We could offer a 2nd rd pick along with this since it rids us of Zaza’s contract next year and puts us under the cap going into next offseason. That is a place we have not been in quite some time.
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7dzej63
Even if the Clip/N.O. trade never goes through we should offer the Clips this trade. Zaza is more of a backup than Kaman and you better believe they did not just overpay De-Andre Jordan 4 year 43 million to sit on the bench.
Peter
December 12th, 2011
4:49 pm
Day 3 we suck… thank you !
terrell
December 12th, 2011
4:52 pm
Agreed Obrien. When are the so called vets going to turn the corner?
hawks_4_life
December 12th, 2011
4:52 pm
Superiorblogman,
Why get upset at Sund, he is only the front guy and its his job to stay employed. He has a criteria to reach and lets face it he has reached it. He orders are not to go into the luxury tax and those guys will definitely put us there. Look Im not trying to defend him but only point out everything starts and ends with the owners. It is frustrating being fans to see names available and wonder why we cant have that person but in reality it is a business to make money. Sadly Ill forever be a hawks fan but right now Im not a fan of our owners.
superiorblogman
December 12th, 2011
4:59 pm
hawks_4_life
December 12th, 2011
4:52 pm
Superiorblogman,
Why get upset at Sund, he is only the front guy and its his job to stay employed. He has a criteria to reach and lets face it he has reached it. He orders are not to go into the luxury tax and those guys will definitely put us there. Look Im not trying to defend him but only point out everything starts and ends with the owners. It is frustrating being fans to see names available and wonder why we cant have that person but in reality it is a business to make money. Sadly Ill forever be a hawks fan but right now Im not a fan of our owners.
I respect your opinion but I disagree and will not try to lesson the blame which should be assigned to Sund. Sund knew last year during the offseason that Jamal wanted a contract. Jamal asked for a offer during last offseason. Sund, knew that the team had no intentions of signing Jamal if it would put them into luxury. Sund, new of the financial situation then. He knew signing Jamal to even the mid level would put them into luxury. What did he do to better that situation? He gave away 2 1st round picks for Kirk Hinrich who he knows the team will not resign this offseason and who has proven now to be unreliable. What will Sund now do with this situation other than tell us this is what we have and claim to like it. My problem is Sund is making these situations worse. The owners are not going into luxury and Sund knows that but he is not making the best of his assets knowing what he knows. So, I will not let him off the hook any. Both Sund and the ASG are incompetent.
Astro Joe
December 12th, 2011
5:00 pm
OB, I don’t take Joe’s comments tat literally. I think he is trying to keep Teague’s “head in the game” by having him take on a little of the burden… not that he actually owns it but in hopes that he will stay motivated to play like he did in the Bulls series. Some adults (I’m not just talking about ball players) won’t step up under normal circumstances, they respond better to what may require a Herculean effort. When you add Joe’s comments to what Horford said recently, I think they are just helping the youngster stay focused on his duties to the team and his teamates. AND, they are showing respect for the position of PG… QB of the team.
Fundamentals
December 12th, 2011
5:01 pm
If Chauncey is signed you might as well trade Teague cause he’s done. Kid can’t take another hit. Give him the chance he deserves. Stack, Tmac, Kirk, Joe, Sy can cover the slack if he gets hurt. 10 day contracts can suffice as well. I’d rather give the kid the drivers seat. He’s like a 19 year old kid getting told he can’t take his drivers test till he’s old enough. Trouble is he could drive just fine at 16.
Amen to stepping on toes, liking them already!
Josh’s midrange? Still no progress I see.
Teague’s penetration will hopefully cause alot of action near the basket to cut this “shotmaking” mentality. Crash the boards, shoot from the paint! Winners take shots they can actually make!
Grandmaster JeJe
December 12th, 2011
5:07 pm
JOE SAID OUR TEAM DEPENDS ON JEFF TEAGUE TO LEAD US
WTF
WHAT A JOKE
Grandmaster JeJe
December 12th, 2011
5:08 pm
HOW DOES JOE COME BACK TO CAMP EVERY YEAR AND SAY OUR TEAM IS FINE AS IS? WHAT PART OF OUR PLAYOFF PERFORMANCES MAKES HIM THINK THAT?
FIRE JOE. RECONSTRUCT YOUR CONTRACT. NO WONDER WE HAVE NO MONEY
AND FOR PEOPLE WHO CLAIM OUR BIG 3 EAT UP OUR PAYROLL, GO LOOK AT MEMPHIS. THEIR BIG 3 COMBINE FOR 50M A YEAR. OUR BIG 3 COMBINE FOR 40M A YEAR
AMNESTY ASG
Like Matt Forte?
December 12th, 2011
5:10 pm
“He gave away 2 1st round picks for Kirk Hinrich who he knows the team will not resign this offseason and who has proven now to be unreliable.”
Geemack
December 12th, 2011
5:12 pm
@pcnitai
Dallas was a team that played little D before Chandler arrived. I expect New York’s defense to be better this year.
Boston, although old they are still a better defensive team than the Hawks, and they are committed to their offensive system, that’s why I thinks they are better than the Hawks.
If the Hawks committed to the defensive end the way the Bulls did last year they could be the 2nd best team in the East behind Miami, but they won’t.
vava74
You are correct NY has a lot of holes on that roster, but that front line have the potential to be brutal.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
December 12th, 2011
5:16 pm
Grandmaster Jeje I thought the highest paid player was suppose to be the leader. Joe wants the money but he doesn’t want the responsibility.
FIRE SUND
Grandmaster JeJe
December 12th, 2011
5:19 pm
“Grandmaster Jeje I thought the highest paid player was suppose to be the leader. Joe wants the money but he doesn’t want the responsibility. ”
HE’S PAID SO HE CAN ANONYMOUSLY MAKE THE ALL STAR TEAM, NOT LEAD, NOT TAKE THE BLAME, AND DISAPPEAR IN IMPORTANT PLAYOFF GAMES