Atlanta Hawks: Camp Report Day 9
So today I was telling Larry Drew it looks like the team’s decision on which of the young point guards to keep is an important one. Because that player is likely will actually have to take on a significant role on a team looking to the playoffs until Kirk Hinrich returns.
I guess my usual reporter’s stoicism was betrayed by my skeptical expression.
“I’ve got my hands full,” Drew said. “Is that why you are giving me that look?”
Yeah, he got me. The candidates are a second-round pick who hardly played last season, a rookie free agent and a D-League star. It could be that one of them is a player but it’s not the best situation for a good team looking at a break-neck schedule to start the season.
But unless the Hawks eventually decide to add a veteran, this is where they stand. I can tell you Pape Sy, Brad Wanamaker and Donald Sloan all have looked strong at times during training camp, but what happens when the Hawks actually need them to help win real games?
We may soon find out. The Hawks get two exhibition games to evaluate them and then it’s time to start the season.
“Right now we are staring at one of these younger guys being the backup,” Drew said. “Yeah, you can swing Tracy [McGrady] to a little one and Joe [Johnson] can bring the ball up, too. That’s not something you are looking to do on a permanent basis, a 66-game schedule. We can’t ask that of Tracy or Joe. So we are really taking a look at the young guys: Sloan, Wanamaker and Pape.”
The good thing is all three players are aggressive going to the basket, though their styles differ.
Sy seems most comfortable catching the ball on the swing and then going hard to the hole before the defense can rotate and react–remember how many times Drew pleaded with his regulars to do that instead of shooting Js last season?. Sloan is explosive off the dribble and would be the only Hawks player other than Jeff Teague you could say that about. Wanamaker uses his strength to get in the lane and pre-draft reports rated him as more of a passer than Sloan.
I’m not sure how to evaluate their defense given that there’s not much to go on. In Sy’s case, it’s those cameos from last season and for Sloan and Wanamaker it’s a few minutes during these intrasquad scrimmages.
The rookies are smart, too.
Sloan: “Coming in I tried to grasp it right away that, ‘I need to be giving this man the ball, I need to be giving this man the ball.’ That’s my job, and coming in with a lot of energy.”
Wanamaker: “In order to make the team I’ve got to show Coach I know where the players belong and where their comfort zone is.”
Sloan tore up the D-League last season but he said it didn’t take him long to figure out this is different.
“It’s very physical, I will say that first and foremost,” he said. “The talent level is unbelievable, which I knew that coming in. You’ve got All-Stars like Al and Joe and even Josh [Smith] and guys like that. I am just taking it day by day and trying to learn something new each time I step between those guys, even Teague. It’s just a learning process.”
I liked Wanamaker at Pitt–I remember how he got in my Cards a couple times. His first step is ordinary but he looked good muscling by guys in college and is doing the same thing in camp. I’m curious to see how he does against bigger NBA guards–maybe we’ll see him vs. Gerald Henderson at some point on Monday.
“I have a nice body so I tend to use it a lot when I have an angle on the guy,” Wanamaker said. “Getting in the lane and making a play is my job, so that’s what I do.”
Both Sloan and Wanamker said they realize the Hawks are looking to keep a young guard. The Hawks have 12 players under contract, with all but Magnum Rolle and Sy guaranteed. But they’ve already invested a significant sum of cash in Sy–remember, they paid about $125,000 to buy out his contract with the French club and he made $473,604 last season.
Wanamaker said “competing for a job makes it funner” while Sloan said the decision is out of his control.
“It’s a great opportunity for me and Wanamaker, guys like that,” Sloan said. “To come in and adapt to change fast and take in everything they’ve been given us and execute at the same time. I think we’ve done a pretty good job of doing that. The decision will be on them at the end.”
Camp report
- The Hawks released Charles Garcia and Zach Graham. The roster is now down to 16 before the first exhibition game at Charlotte on Monday.
- The Hawks had a spirited scrimmage at the end of practice today, complete with trash talking and complaining to the refs. “It looked better than last night, that’s for doggone sure,” Drew said. “I didn’t sleep last night.”
- What didn’t Drew like? “The minute the lights went on we reverted back to old habits. As I told the guys this morning before we started, they put in 10 really good practices where they did things with a lot of energy and a lot of urgency. And we reverted back to some old habits last night. A lot of things we worked on defensively, things we talk about—not just defending and stopping plays but causing havoc defensively–we didn’t play that way last night in the scrimmage. The minute the lights went on we thought about putting on a show for the fans.”
- After appearing lethargic last night, T-Mac suddenly looked alive during the portion of scrimmage I got to watch. He was making shots, finding cutters with sharp passes and making quick moves to the basket. He bragged about it all, too.
- Josh looked strong in the post and protected the rim with vigor. He drew a charge from Jeff Teague on a fast break. He did some talking, too.
- Al Horford was better in the post than he was last night. He set up Zaza Pachulia with a couple shoulder bumps to the chest but instead of the spinning baseline J he went with a quick running hook that was effective. He got an and-1 out of it once.
- Zaza and Vladimir Radmanovic worked a couple nice pick-and-pops. They seem to mesh well together. Zaza said Vlad, who is Serbian, doesn’t speak Russian like himself. “Our common language is English,” he said. Ain’t that America?
- Teague had some shaky defensive sequences. Sy and Sloan had some blow-bys in which Teague just seemed to lose focus and Wanamaker just bulled his way past Teague into the lane. Teague’s shot hasn’t looked good yet.
- Joe Johnson picked up where he left off from last night. He looks ready.
- Sy seems to relish getting to the rim. His teammates seem to like that about him, too. I’m not sure if he’s not a better two but L.D. keeps saying he’s a one, so we’ll see.
- Rolle didn’t finish practice because of plantar fasciitis in his right foot. “I tried to play through it but then I just couldn’t do it,” he said. “it got to the point where I didn’t t want to make it worse.” He said he wasn’t able to get the proper treatment for the condition during the lockout but should be back on the court after a couple days of care.
- Drew said he still hasn’t decided how he will divvy out the minutes for the game on Monday. “I do know everybody won’t play,” he said. So we might already be able to draw some conclusions by who plays how much. That makes sense since roster decisions have to be made quickly.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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127 comments Add your comment
JSS
December 17th, 2011
11:37 pm
@ Steve W…
Assets don’t always add up to liquidity! How much of all of that is leveraged?
O'Brien
December 17th, 2011
11:38 pm
Great interview on the last blog MC (and Tim Tucker).
Michael Cunningham
December 17th, 2011
11:42 pm
@O’Brien: thanks . . . i think the only thing i forgot to ask him about is selling the Lakers jerseys at Philips. i thought about it just as he was jumping in his car to leave, and he was in a hurry. maybe next time.
O'Brien
December 17th, 2011
11:42 pm
MC,
Sy seems to relish getting to the rim. His teammates seem to like that about him, too. I’m not sure if he’s not a better two but L.D. keeps saying he’s a one, so we’ll see..
Jamal was also a better 2, but that didn’t stop LD from playing him quite a bit at PG.
O'Brien
December 17th, 2011
11:44 pm
FTPB; From a Jeff Schultz blog in June this year;
And so, we give you ESPN The Magazine’s ninth annual “Ultimate Standings” of 2011. The magazine ranked all 122 sports franchises, including those who might be moving to Winnipeg.
Their eight criteria were bang for the buck (wins vs. revenue in the last three years); fan relations; ownership (the word “honesty” was invoked); affordability; stadium experience; players (effort and likability); coaching; and title track (championships won or expected in lifetime of current fans).
The Braves and Falcons fared well, ranking 19th and 20th, respectively. You’ll have to go lower to find the Hawks and Thrashers.
Lower. Still lower. Almost there.
The Hawks rank 103rd, a huge drop of 59 spots from last year’s No. 44 ranking. The Thrashers rank 115, and it’s not surprising what dragged them down the most — ownership..
I’m surprised Gearon didnt blame ESPN the magazine too.
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 17th, 2011
11:45 pm
“If guys come in here not focused on a championship, just making the playoffs, we need to trade them. We need to be talking about a championship and nothing else. You can’t limit yourself to just playoffs. Who wants to do that? Playoffs is not really an achievement to me. Anybody can get to the playoffs.”
- Stephen Jackson, injured Bucks forward
Hawks trade HORFORD NOW. No more budget moves (Space Cadet Radmanovic, The Artist formerly known as T-Mac)
T-Mac is looking for a free Big Meal. Stack as well. Who wants to win and avoids being a backup for us like the plague? Mike Redd.
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut
Melvin
December 17th, 2011
11:46 pm
Watching the Kings/Warriors game and Cousins is not playing. He’s sitting on the bench (with a sour face) in his warmups. I haven’t heard why he wasn’t playing but I would guess it’s more of a CD than injury. It’s been reported that he’s had several attitude problems since he was drafted by the Kings. Anyway, if made me think. How many would be willing do a trade for Al for DeMarcus Cousins? The Kings would probably have to package another player to make the salaries match but the base of the trade would be AL for DeMarcus.
JSS
December 17th, 2011
11:47 pm
@ Michael Cunnigham…
When you interviewed Gearon, did he really make that Schultz comment with a straight face?
Are they really going to into this season with a real plan for using the D-League? Are they keeping Reno as their D-League affiliate?
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 17th, 2011
11:50 pm
Ignoring that Sy is a shaky shooter, O’Brien that creates a logjam.
What didn’t Drew like? “The minute the lights went on we reverted back to old habits. As I told the guys this morning before we started, they put in 10 really good practices where they did things with a lot of energy and a lot of urgency. And we reverted back to some old habits last night. A lot of things we worked on defensively, things we talk about—not just defending and stopping plays but causing havoc defensively–we didn’t play that way last night in the scrimmage. The minute the lights went on we thought about putting on a show for the fans.”
Old Habits Die Hard. Trade PF Horford.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 17th, 2011
11:50 pm
I am open-minded about the possibility of Sy being an NBA caliber player, but I haven’t seen anything to convince me that he can handle the ball like a point guard at the NBA level.
And if his role on the team just ends up being an energetic wing defender who can get some points off the ball, I only hope he can do that close to as well as Damien did.
Michael Cunningham
December 17th, 2011
11:52 pm
@JSS: Gearon believes some of the Hawks coverage by the AJC columnists is unfair. he mentioned it several times.
Reno is still the D-League affiliate. not sure of their plans to use it. the hectic schedule may dictate keeping the end-of-bench guys around.
JSS
December 17th, 2011
11:56 pm
Man, this is going to be interesting then…
Grandmaster JeJe
December 17th, 2011
11:57 pm
So we are not signing Stack? *yawn*
I MUS WRITE
December 17th, 2011
11:59 pm
Al Horford”s ceiling is Otis Thorpe…..Wait Thorpe had a nice post game Al not so much
JSS
December 18th, 2011
12:01 am
Nobody except for maybe Niremetal has complained about the tone (by the columnists) more than me in comparison to the Braves and the Falcons. Still, I just understand how they can be so tone deaf to what the perception is out in the real world?
JSS
December 18th, 2011
12:03 am
“just don’t understand” sorry…
Carrlos Lyles
December 18th, 2011
12:10 am
lol the start to the season is going to be interesting… they play some tough point guards..
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 18th, 2011
12:29 am
Otis Thorpe had a handle that led to scoring. Horford leads to passes for your perimeters.
Our perimeters…Josh Smith and Marvin Williams.
Gearon Should be ashamed,
Maybe
December 18th, 2011
12:47 am
Kobe’s getting a divorce. Vanessa filed first. He loses Lamar AND Vanessa in less than a week? Damn…..
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
December 18th, 2011
1:02 am
The Spirit Group likes to blame everyone but themselves for the Hawks failures.
So Yeah...
December 18th, 2011
1:19 am
Horford and Smith are the same height, and Smith has the better hops, yet Horford has always outrebounded him. Getting rid of the only guy who seems to care about hitting the glass, on a team that ranked 28th in rebounding last season. Only an idiot would endorse that. LOL.
Ra'mon
December 18th, 2011
1:28 am
MC, great piece earlier with Gearon.
I must say I criticize the franchise as much as anyone. But I can’t truly say I read anything Gearon said, and didn’t see where he was coming from at all. As I said the other day, Cuban prolonged Dallas’ championship, when he let Steve Nash get away. Dirk, Nash, and Finley should’ve played 6 more seasons together, and they would’ve beaten the Lakers, Spurs, and Pistons!
I think though, the problem with ASG, isn’t more so how much they spend on players. However, it is how much they spend on their staff (management and coaching). They’re not spending nearly as much on coaches as other play off teams! They’re routinely employing the cheapest coach and GM. And that’s where everyone get the feeling that they’re cheap!
Ra'mon
December 18th, 2011
1:33 am
So’Yeah, if you add Josh’s and Al’s defensive rebounds and blocks together, Josh has more. A handful of Al’s rebounds come off of shots that Josh forced to be altered, or that he blocked. And lets not compare the steals also. Josh is a proactive player, while Al is a reactive player. Al doesn’t create plays on the offensive end, or on the defensive end. Al is more of a product of system and coaching.
atl dominique
December 18th, 2011
1:34 am
What about kito Benson
Grandad
December 18th, 2011
2:04 am
Michael,
I’m very appreciative of the Gearon article.
His answers were manure. [my reckoning]
I do appreciate you trying to give him a feel for
the mindset of [we] your blog people.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 18th, 2011
4:12 am
OUR ASSISTANTS SUCK.
BOB BENDER
TYRONE HILL
LMSAO
Grandmaster JeJe
December 18th, 2011
4:22 am
Plantar fasciitis. Wow our bigs will rot this yr.
AMNESTY DBASKG
Grandmaster JeJe
December 18th, 2011
4:24 am
MC great blogs. Excellent work.
What are your thoughts on Josh losing this weight? If he is mostly playing the 4, I feel this is bad and he will be injury prone. You gotta have meat on them bones if you want to bang in the post. No homo
superiorblogman
December 18th, 2011
5:03 am
Lost interest in this garbage team already
Dawg
December 18th, 2011
6:54 am
MC: Great update. It is hard to believe that any NBA team would go in to a season with so little experience at PC and Center. Those are the most important positions. The Hawks don’t seem to get it.
The problem with the Hawks management is that the fans are smarter than the management. The whole NBA knows it and that is why no one really wants to come here.
The ASG is horrible.
Marcus
December 18th, 2011
7:13 am
MC,
any talk of the Hawks picking up ex-CHI Bull Keith Bogans? I haven’t checked the FA list to see if anyone else snagged him.
Indy Hawk
December 18th, 2011
7:49 am
I just cant put my finger on it,but i still feel like something is missing. Were so close, but i think we need better leadership to steer us in the right direction(coaches and players).
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 18th, 2011
8:10 am
Getting to The Point!
” Sloan is explosive off the dribble and would be the only Hawks player other than Jeff Teague you could say that about. Wanamaker uses his strength to get in the lane and pre-draft reports rated him as more of a passer than Sloan.” -MC-
_____________
IDK anything about Wanamaker nor Sloan, but from what I’ve read on here it sounds like Wanamaker has more of a NBA body type and could be that change of pace RB type
to spell Jeff Teague and give other teams a different look.
If he can back smaller PG’s down in the paint and post them up – he may work.
Teams defenses aren’t just going to let sloan cross them up play after play once they game plan for him. With Jeff being a smallish PG, I’d probably go with the bruiser for his back up.
But, hey what do I know? Aren’t there any veteran PG’s we can get? I’m not feeling too many more rookies and undrafted FA D-Leaguers.
Cwebb
December 18th, 2011
8:13 am
If you had no hope for this team, you wouldn’t post everyday…
It’s always a pleasure to read your blog MC, appreciate it. I’d like to have your job.
But I’m always surprise to see the negativity of your bloggers.Piss me off…
Go Hawks!
Prove them wrong
Dawg
December 18th, 2011
8:26 am
Gerran and Sunds answers are an insult to people who keep up with the Hawks at all.
Smith is not a small forward, we have one PG on the team. We have no center. We are not dumb. This is not a core. This is not a core. This is not a core.
KevinM
December 18th, 2011
8:44 am
Melvin, I like your thinking and you know talent when you see it. Cousins is talented; he just needs some add’l attention. You think Cuban would limit his funds to keep Cousins positive? I just think the Hawks wouldn’t do what is needed to help Cousins become more mature. My wish out of that draft was to somehow get him because he fit the lineup here……but LD is not a strong enough or impressionable coach for a Cousins.
GMJeJe, kudos to you for the last 2 blogs….you call it as you see it, and you have 20/15 vision when it comes to this organization.
If we aren’t going to make a move, Sloan should get 1st crack at Teague’s backup minutes. I like both he and Brad, but Solan has more poise about him.
If Marvin is going to get 30 minutes, then tell m to focus on being our defensive presence. Is that possible? I think we’ve seen what we are going to get out of Marvin, so let’s quit hyping camp reports about a taller, more fluid Marvin….he still jogs most of the time up the court.
And on Joe and T-Mac running the offense, count on no fast breaks there. At least Jc1 gave us a chance to run.
Still trying to understand where ournimprovements are this year outside of Teague? I acknowledge his skillset, but unless he is lobbing to Josh, we will look the same in so many areas. Finally, our rebounding is lacking from everyone not named Josh and Al…..it needs to be a group effort here.
Our guys play too cautious to be scrappy and fighting for extra possessions.
BTW, not counting on any production from Kirk at this time. He may get back in time to run for 33 games, but is Sund prepping for such a situation? Nope, I don’t see it.
And if it were me, save the 500M and let Pape Sy develop elsewhere. He is in no position to helpf this team. I don’t see the PG skillset.
KevinM
December 18th, 2011
8:51 am
Indy, we are missing a lot still:
Our bench is questionable at best, and if Marvin isn’t on it, we’re back to more of the same when the lights go on.
Rebounding as a team
Points in the paint as a team…….we’re 29th in the league….ournguyS want to be perimeter heroes!!
I thinks there are better coaches out there, but LD gets nothing but accolades from the faithful Gearon.
Can we beat .500 and above teams this year? We have the formula correct for the most part for under .500.
Just 3-4 roster improvements and we might have enough.
heardthisallbefore
December 18th, 2011
9:16 am
Quote from Michael Gearon in the previous blog. “You guys have done a hell of a job running that franchise because you are in a market that’s not a large revenue market, you’ve been competitive, you’ve kept your base players, you’ve been willing to pay Josh Smith 50-something million, Al Horford his $60 million, Joe Johnson his $100 million, Marvin his $40 million and so forth.”
At least two of the four contracts mentioned were horrible mistakes that will insure that the Hawks do not markedly improve in the next few years. Most fans do not think the ASG is cheap. We do realize they are incompetent.
The really bad news is it appears that Atlanta is stuck with this collection of knuckleheads as owners of the Hawks for the foreseeable future. There is no reason for real optimism until the team is sold. Get used to Gearon’s spin that a second round playoff exit every year equals success.
Amnesty the ASG!
Ra'mon
December 18th, 2011
9:27 am
Josh Smith losing weight just prolonged his career, not hurt him. Everyone’s body frame isn’t built to hold 240+ pounds while running and jumping at a high level. Every season since ‘bulking up’ to play PF, Josh has had knee problems, that take him longer and longer to recover from (remember Sekou’s article of Josh’s Wolverine like healing). Josh is a leaper, so the more weight going down on his knees, will take away a lot of his explosiveness! (*drmaryb or doc* please help me with this).
tony
December 18th, 2011
9:36 am
“The most important thing to me is I want to play, whether that’s here or somewhere else. I don’t know where that’s at,” said Mason, who was also initially offered by Iowa and later Virginia and Mississippi State. “I know I can play here, I’ve seen the improvements I’ve made and I probably go against the No. 2, 3 or 4 defense in the country every day and to see yourself succeed and make strides every single day, it gives you confidence that you can play at this level and you can play anywhere.”
If this young man didn’t believe that he’s better than Aaron Murray he wouldn’t be contemplating leaving uga. If Zach Mettenberger didn’t believe he was better than Aaron Murray he wouldn’t have gotten upset when Mr.Richt announced that Murray will be his starter. Everybody knows Mettenberger looked better than Murray in that G-DAY game.
I was Aaron Murray’s biggest supporter but the young man is too inconsistent and he doesn’t make smart decisions a against good teams. Why isn’t Mr.Richt aware of this?
tony
December 18th, 2011
9:41 am
My bad hawks fans . My last post was for the dawg blog.
Ray
December 18th, 2011
9:43 am
@ Tony
WHAT!!!! This isn’t college FB boards
Ray
December 18th, 2011
9:43 am
@ Tony
Oh okay lol that was still kind of funny though.
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 18th, 2011
9:47 am
Cheap Suits!
“They’re routinely employing the cheapest coach and GM. And that’s where everyone get the feeling that they’re cheap!” -Ra’mon-
___________
The ASKG are the equivalent of a guy wearing a 10K Armani suit with Pay Less Shoes. They just don’t get it. Everyone is looking at the shoes and they say,
“But I’m wearing an Armani Suit!”
It just doesn’t make sense to the everyday man.
Ray
December 18th, 2011
9:50 am
As for contributing to the blog though I don’t like what I’m hearing about Teague, but I do know it’s to be expected I’m not going to make a mistake and put him on too high a pedestal that if he messes up he has no where to go but down.
Also this reverting back to old habits I’ve heard that for the last time and if we just remove one person the old habits thing wouldn’t exist.
AG
December 18th, 2011
9:50 am
nothing about Marvin in any writeup. Looks like same ol Marvin
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 18th, 2011
9:59 am
Bees Knees!
Ra’mon you are correct re: excessive weight on a jumpers knees. The knee is the most complicated joint in the entire body. It has more ligaments, muscle tendons and the largest two muscle groups anchored on it. The quadriceps and hamstrings are the most powerful and perplexing injury for leapers and runners.
So without going into too much detail, Josh will be better off for losing that extra weight. This doesn’t mean he can’t get stronger though, see Dennis Rodman. What a lean, mean rebounding machine. Dennis had the best legs and his power was undeniable.
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 18th, 2011
10:08 am
The Poser!
“But I’m always surprise to see the negativity of your bloggers.Piss me off…
Go Hawks!” -CWebb’s Poser-
____________
If you want to pose as CWEBB? You may want to learn your script. Immediately after last season’s 2nd round exit at the Bulls handy work, The NBA TV crew host asked CWEBB what was wrong with the Hawks?
CWebb said one word, “Management!”
________________
Hey poser! Learn your lines.
vava74
December 18th, 2011
10:31 am
KevinM,
“At least Jc1 gave us a chance to run.”
Kevin, Jamal is one of the WORST rebounders in the league. His presence on the court immediately eliminates fast break opportunities since he did not have any interest in loose balls.
Add to this the fact that he was prone to jacking up ill advised shots in transition rather than going to the rack or passing the ball.
Although I am very very very doubtful on T-Mac’s ability to contribute at this moment of his career, he was one of the best rebounders in the clutch for the back court positions SF’s down (last 5 minutes of regulation and or overtime).
Check http://www.82games.com (punch clutch stats).
So, if he plays at an equivalent level again this year, his eventual presence on the court should improve our rebounding and consequently our chances of winning close games.
So Yeah...
December 18th, 2011
10:33 am
Yep, my point was proven. LOL
steven A.
December 18th, 2011
10:43 am
Trade Al Horford ASAP. Josh Smith value as a defender is far more important to this team.
How many shots have AL blocked?
Grandmaster JeJe
December 18th, 2011
11:26 am
Drmaryb,
What are your thoughts on Josh losing this weight? If he is mostly playing the 4, I feel this is bad and he will be injury prone. You gotta have meat on them bones if you want to bang in the post. No homo. Shaq said that was why he was so injury prone in MIA- he had to cut so much body fat
jsu1244n
December 18th, 2011
11:37 am
These moves excite me so much that I want to buy season tickets now!! No WAY!! This is why this town lost the Thrashers and it seems like these owners are trying to do the same with the Hawks!! WOW!! Must have a deal in place to wreck this team and then move them out West!!
vava74
December 18th, 2011
11:39 am
JeJe,
Taking for good any justification said by Shaq on why he was always overweight and poorly conditioned is simply crazy. Certifiably crazy.
Shaq put on weight because he was lazy.
You may be too young to remember but Shaq was dominant and even went coast to coast with the rock for power flushes when he came into the league.
Also, his semi-revival in Phoenix came when he again came below the 300lbs mark.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 18th, 2011
11:39 am
Gearon said the goal is to be competitive and entertaining and not necessarily to try win a championship.
There you go.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 18th, 2011
11:46 am
Vava74: You may be too young to remember but Shaq was dominant and even went coast to coast with the rock for power flushes when he came into the league.
*******
yeah but wasn’t he pretty heavy in the LAL glory years? I’m just worried Smoove won’t have “cushion” and is too skinny to stay in post
Ken Strickland
December 18th, 2011
12:04 pm
With the season starting in 10 days, and our 1st of 2 exhibition gms starting tomorrow, it’s doubtful that a vet PG would signed. I think the decision has been made to go with Pape Sy, Wanamaker, and/or Sloan until they prove themselves unworthy. That’s when we’ll consider signing a vet PG.
The biggest decision will be how many Bigs will we carry. We know Zaza, Twin and Radmanovic are locks. Carrying 5 backup Bigs leaves only 3 open spots on the 12 man roster. With TMac also being a lock, that leaves only 2 open spots. I believe Pape Sy will get one slot, because of his versatility, unless Drew prefers to go with experience(Stackhouse). That leaves either Sloan or Wanamaker.
If we decide to go with only 4 backup Bigs, that opens up the roster for more backcourt help. Keep in mind that of the 16 remaining players in camp, 4 won’t make the 12 man roster. Of that 4, at least 2-3 will be signed and placed on the inactive roster. With the schedule being what it is, I believe the wiser move would be for us to go with youth, stamina, and versatility(Pape Sy, Wanamaker and/or Sloan) over experience and age(Stackhouse).
moboman
December 18th, 2011
12:08 pm
Got to agree about Sy. He will be abused at the PG. Dont think he has the foot quickness to guard. He’s a 2. I would be counting on one of the other two guys if we dont pick up someone else. Doesnt the Clippers have way too many PGs on their roster now that they have gotten CP?
darrell starks
December 18th, 2011
12:08 pm
If LD play the right personal this team could win.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
December 18th, 2011
12:10 pm
Marvin should come off the bench and not starte, this would allow the Hawks on a deeper rotation. Plus Marvin is a better player coming of the bench.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
December 18th, 2011
12:13 pm
Horford should not starte at center, stay with the big line up at all times, but if LD continue with the small lineup look for the weakness to be explore on inside in the paint.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
December 18th, 2011
12:15 pm
2011 ATLANTA HAWKS
STARTER JEFF, JOE, JOSH, HORFORD, COLLINS
BENCH PAPE, STACK, TMAC, MARVIN, ZAZA
RESERVE VLAD, BENSON
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
vava74
December 18th, 2011
12:22 pm
JeJe,
Shaq was always injured and missed on average 16 or so games per season.
He could have won a LOT more rings if he had put more dedication.
KevinM
December 18th, 2011
12:28 pm
Ken S. I agree Pape will make this roster. I just am not convinced he will be that useful. If we have him like a Mario West, I guess so.
I have seen his shooting form and it doesn’t look like he is a natural jump shooter to me. We will disagree on him being a valuable player off the bench.
As for the bigs, yes, you nailed the 1st 3, then you have either Benson or Rolle. Me, I see some I like in Rolle, and both will get very little real time. See if Rolle can develop a bit more, because he has a nice face up jumper. He appears to have an active body down low as well, but will get pushed around some.
Are you thinking we are going to a 12 man roster with this hectic a schedule? That would make us very thin if ‘any’ injury takes place.
Joe/Josh/Al/Marvin/Jeff
Zaza/Jason/Sloan/T-Mac/Vladimir
Sy/Wannamaker/Benson?/Rolle?/Stack?orIvan? and when Hindrich returns, that takes one more away.
There needs to be room for Rolle and/or Benson, but the problem still exsits that you have a Marvin who probably gets the nod as a starter. I don’t like him in first five matchups and he sometimes shows some life as a reserve. He isn’t going to JC1 for us, but he’s here and he will get his 30mpg.
KevinM
December 18th, 2011
12:30 pm
Vava, I’m not asking if JC1 was going to rebound more; I simply implied we are better in the open court with him. He was still a positive (one of the few) when he was on the court.
JC1 had many flaws, but to pick up his production will be one of the biggest challenges of this team.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 18th, 2011
12:47 pm
Vava74,
Shaq said he was more injury prone on MIA then ever before. This was NOT just his arthritic toe. anyway, we’ll wait and see. We won’t have to worry too much about it ecause I expect Al and Josh to stay 20 feet away from the hoop and to not attack the post.
SMGDMFHFFSKTC
Not So Casual Observer
December 18th, 2011
12:57 pm
The Hawks must keep one of the young PG’s at least until Hinrich returns, or sign/trade for a veteran PG for insurance.
Take out the All-Star break and the Hawks play 66 games in 123 days – pure insanity!
The Hawks play 16 road games in 3 trips out of town (almost half the road games for the season), but 8 of the last 12 games are at home. While on the road in one trip the team has games in the upper Mid-West followed by games in Texas every other day. The schedule means the team could appear out of the playoffs until April.
The most important aspect of coaching this team will be limiting the minutes of the starters to avoid injury as the season drags toward April. Expect wide spread injury problems throughout the league as a result of trying to fit so many games in so few days. The season is starting almost 60 days late but losing only 16 games.
This will be more like a “death march” than a basketball season.
Not So Casual Observer
December 18th, 2011
1:00 pm
Shaq’s last season in Miami he was averaging less than 5 min of play in the 4th quarter and OT, along with 2 pts and 1 rebound in the same time. In other words, he was benched because he was non-productive and a free throw liability.
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 18th, 2011
1:15 pm
Fat Cats!
“Drmaryb,
What are your thoughts on Josh losing this weight? If he is mostly playing the 4, I feel this is bad and he will be injury prone. You gotta have meat on them bones if you want to bang in the post. No homo. Shaq said that was why he was so injury prone in MIA- he had to cut so much body fat.”
-Grandmaster JeJe-
_____________
I remember a debate some twenty years ago re: which sport touts the world’s best conditioned athlete and this debate resurfaced again when Tiger Woods ruled the world in Golf and sports across the board.
Back to Golf in a minute. The original debate narrowed it down to two sports:
The NBA
The PTA
Now myself being a tennis prodigy leaned toward my first love – Tennis. I believe the general consensus was the NBA IS the world’s best conditioned athlete, mainly due to the cardio workout from running, the explosiveness of jumping and the stamina required to run like a deer for 48 minutes hard. Agility also factored in because after running 90 feet, you need power and strength to finish the play, be it a 3 point shot (which requires leg lift) or a dunk (which is just crazy hops).
However, Tennis was not a distant seconds by any means, for pretty much all of the same assessments. Besides, a Tennis player performs to the death, some matches endure 4 + hours to determine a winner versus just 48 minutes in basketball.
Back to Golf, that debate was whether or not Golfers are really athletes or not. Historically golf was played by old white men and many were soft and fat in their physique. They drink beers and hard liquor sometimes between holes.
Tiger Woods re-wrote the script with a superior workout regimen and physicality. The out classed haters rumored Tiger was using PED’s to explain such pure dominance which he displayed over him. Turns out his only kryptonite proved to be women and not his competitors.
Golf players may not be considered world class athletes, however Tiger Woods caused the world to make that debatable.
To answer your question:
The NBA is not a fat cat’s game! There is no way the Big Baby’s of the wrorld can carve out a niche for themselves. Just being near 7 feet in and of itself makes it hard to put on weight. See the Kito Benson body types that can’t hold position inside the paint. Charles Barkley slowed down dramatically towards the end of his career, as he added the middle aged weight gain that comes from a slower metabolism and piled up injuries. The wear and tear on the joints will eventually tap you on the shoulder with age and loss of cardio -conditioning, stamina, agility and, yes Grandmaster JeJe added weight!
I hope that answers your query. Great topic and thanks for asking. Oh and re: Josh? He came to the NBA at his current weight and was jumping out of the gym! Fast forward 7 years and at age 25 he will probably return to dominating from a blocked shots perspective. He will swoop in from every perceivable angle to get that ISH outa’ there! Josh will resume incredible lift off and defy gravity most every night IF he lives near the rim and away from the perimeter. He should be able to out-jump the bigs on rebound at the four. But, dennis Rodman always knew where the ball was gonna’ be, Dennis was special, played the rim angles like a pool shark sinking 8 balls. There will never be another like him. Josh will probably be a shot blocking and rebounding leader at the SF and a 1st time All Star this year.
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 18th, 2011
1:29 pm
Ya Heard!
What in the world was Sam Heard thinking? Allegedly playing king pen under a neon billboard? Did he really believe, no one would notice or roll over when caught on a routine traffic stop?
Doesn’t he have satelite TV or cable? Just dumb. I guess he will soon be comparing notes with Javaris Crittendon.
Ken Strickland
December 18th, 2011
1:31 pm
With what we all know about the ASGs fondness for AHorford and what he means to the Hawks, one would have to be downright STUPID, and totally out of touch with reality to continue calling for him to be traded, especially with the season only 10 days away. But then again, what else is new?
When it comes to a choice between Sloan, Wanamaker or Pape Sy, it depends on what you want or need. If we value passing and runnning the OFF over scoring, then it’s Wanamaker. If speed, quickness, penetrating ability, scoring by creating your own shot, then it’s Sloan. If we are looking for a combo guard type versatility, then it’s Pape Sy.
I believe we’ll end up covering both bases by going with Pape Sy and either Sloan or Wanamaker. Which ever way we decide to go, I see us finally being able to utilize DEF, especially perimeter DEF, as a way for us to get better.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 18th, 2011
1:33 pm
FIRE ASG
J from the A
December 18th, 2011
1:53 pm
@Melvin:
You do NOT want DeMarcus Cousins. He has about as bad of an attitude as anyone in the NBA. (I happen to know a handful of people who know DeMarcus personally, relatives and the like. He is Trouble, and despite his talent, his attitude may be so bad that he will not last in the NBA.)
Melvin
December 18th, 2011
2:39 pm
J from the A,
I agree, Cousins does have a bad attitude. Watched him play several times and his size, ability, and talent would make you say WOW but you can’t help but notice his body language and attitude which makes you scratch your head. If he ever matures, then look out b/c he will be a monster. I definitely think he needs a coach with a strong personality that could reign in his talent and keep him in check mentally. I wouldn’t mind if the Hawks trade for him and hire that tough coach to maximize his talent b/c he’s a game changer.
However I don’t think this team could win a championship with Horford playing center. This team needs a big body that can bang and score in the low post. Neither AL nor Josh like playing in the low post area. So either the Hawks are going to have to trade one of those guys to get that low post player or be willing to spend to sign one.
Grandad
December 18th, 2011
2:39 pm
Dawg
” Gerran and Sunds answers are an insult
to people who keep up with the Hawks at all ”
So very true Dawg.
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 18th, 2011
2:40 pm
Moves!
Troy Murphy to the Lakers.
Baron Davis to the Knicks.
Teams around us are just making moves. The Knicks are gonna’ be really good this year. The Lakers? Who cares … they do what they always do. And so, the Hawks beat goes on. It doesn’t matter who’s left – we get nothing.
Steven A.
December 18th, 2011
2:44 pm
Trade Al Horford ot Denver for Aaron Aflalo plus others to make salaries match. Aaron will be your long term back-up SG and can allow Joe to
swing to SF. TRADE AL NOW PLEASE ASG!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hubie
December 18th, 2011
2:48 pm
The Atlanta Hawks need to “SCORE” the basketball people!!!!
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
brigadierjerry
December 18th, 2011
2:49 pm
drmaryb,
I think the Lakers even if they get Dwight this season are not going to win. With Odom gone and if they give up Bynum and Gasol their frontline will be gone other than Dwight. Knicks will be better if they get Davis because their point guard play needs an upgrade
Melvin
December 18th, 2011
2:58 pm
I’m not ready to write the Celtics off yet. I think their supporting cast is better this season than last. Wilcox, Bass, Dooling and Marques Daniels is not a bad bench. They are going to miss Jeff Green.
But I cant believe they brought Mike Sweetney to camp, he look like two big babes together.
Michael Cunningham
December 18th, 2011
2:59 pm
@JeJe: “What are your thoughts on Josh losing this weight?”
i’m interested to see how it goes. he’s certainly much faster. i wonder if it means that L.D. is going to use lineups that get him away from the bigger 4s.
Michael Cunningham
December 18th, 2011
3:03 pm
@Marcus: “MC, any talk of the Hawks picking up ex-CHI Bull Keith Bogans? I haven’t checked the FA list to see if anyone else snagged him.”
he’s still out there. i haven’t heard that the Hawks are interested. i’m thinking if the Hawks don’t like what they see in this game tomorrow then they will look more closely at the FAs out there.
Michael Cunningham
December 18th, 2011
3:04 pm
@Cwebb: “It’s always a pleasure to read your blog MC, appreciate it. I’d like to have your job.”
thanks, but don’t give my bosses any ideas.
northcyde
December 18th, 2011
3:26 pm
IN Gearon’s defense . . Schultz and Bradley are garbage, when it comes to the Hawks.
Big Ray would be a better AJC columnist for the Hawks than those two, because at least Big Ray watches the team on a game by game basis. Schultz and Bradley only catch the Hawks during “big games”. When they write about the Hawks, it comes across as sophomoric at best. I do understand why Gearon would take a shot at guys like that.
With MC being an outsider to ATL, he at least is objective about this team, whether it be good or bad. Those other two take pride in ripping the Hawks, and hardly ever say anything good about them.
At the end of the day though, Gearon and his boys have to hire the right basketball personnel to get us to the next level. That’s not the fault of the AJC, that’s all on him.
JPM3
December 18th, 2011
3:38 pm
@MC…..Love the interview with Gearing. Question…Do you get the impression that ASG actually believes spending a ton of money on Joe is the same has having a superstar? I mean kudos for spending money but if you want me as a fan to be committed (as in season tickets) how about spending money WISELY???
I can’t believe that they think a high payroll is the same thing as being good owners.
JPM3
December 18th, 2011
3:40 pm
Gearon**……..stupid autocorrect.
brigadierjerry
December 18th, 2011
4:10 pm
Looks like Kenyon Martin is about to be released by the China team. I dont know how much he has left in his knees but MC do you see the Hawks giving Martin a minimum contract?
Prison Mike
December 18th, 2011
4:12 pm
Twin started 28 games which means Josh started atleast 28 games at SF. With Twin coming into shape like he was back in Jersey, Josh may start half of the 66 games at the 3. Some people won’t like it but it creates depth.
Teague
Joe
Josh
Al
Twin
Kirk
T-mac
Marv
Vlad
Zaza
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 18th, 2011
4:13 pm
Not in My House!
Shoot! Josh might block 10 shots tomorrow night.
steven A.
December 18th, 2011
4:20 pm
AMNESTY Marvin? That’s a no brainer, 7 million against the cap!
Ra'mon
December 18th, 2011
4:54 pm
Drmaryb, Thanks.
MC, was Bogans cut or amnestied?
Ra'mon
December 18th, 2011
5:07 pm
Trade of the preseason!
Hawks get:
Pau Gasol
Lakers get:
Al Horford
Marvin Williams
The Hawks gets a bonafide 20/10 post player who can score off of the block. And he can defend MOST centers in the league (majority of the time when Bynum has been out, Gasol has stepped over). Also the Hawks saves a million dollars on this trade. So now the Hawks are able to get the back up PG, or get Bogans and another veteran wing man.
Ra'mon
December 18th, 2011
5:09 pm
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7ccy3ne
Astro Joe
December 18th, 2011
5:36 pm
It would be so much better if the replacement for Hinrich was a proven NBA vet and LD wasn’t choosing between an NBDL player or an undrfted rookie (sorry, I refuse to put Pape Sy in the PG discusson). But if that is the crappy hand that he is dealt, I would likely side with Sloan because I am worried about the offensive production from the bench and he appears to have better offensive skills. I like Wanamaker’s size, the way he bullied his way to the rim Friday night and the number of passes he deflected on defense… he has very active hands. But Sloan’s year in the D-League and his offensive talent may make him the better of the two.
Where’s Dan Dickau?
northcyde
December 18th, 2011
5:44 pm
LOL Dan Dickau.
Might as well bring back Acie Law IV.
Astro Joe
December 18th, 2011
5:51 pm
northcyde, I lobbied for him a few days ago (Acie).
Michael Cunningham
December 18th, 2011
5:51 pm
@JPM3: “@MC…..Love the interview with Gearing. Question…Do you get the impression that ASG actually believes spending a ton of money on Joe is the same has having a superstar? I mean kudos for spending money but if you want me as a fan to be committed (as in season tickets) how about spending money WISELY???”
i think it’s more accurate to say they believe they needed to keep Joe because it’s difficult to acquire players of his caliber and losing him would mean rebuilding on some level.
Michael Cunningham
December 18th, 2011
5:53 pm
@brigadierjerry: “Looks like Kenyon Martin is about to be released by the China team. I dont know how much he has left in his knees but MC do you see the Hawks giving Martin a minimum contract?”
not sure about K-Mart but pretty sure they’d be interested in J.R. Smith if/when he gets out of his contract.
Michael Cunningham
December 18th, 2011
5:55 pm
@Ra’mon: “MC, was Bogans cut or amnestied?”
cut just before his contract would have become guaranteed.
Ra'mon
December 18th, 2011
6:03 pm
If the Hawks could trade Marvin for the Lakers’ trade exception (from Dallas), they may would be able to add Bogans and JR Smith to the bench.
Astro Joe
December 18th, 2011
6:03 pm
MC, was Chris Quinn with the Heat when you covered them? Would he be any better than Wanamaker/Sloan/Dude Eating at The Varsity?
Grandad
December 18th, 2011
6:11 pm
Michael
Please tell me the hawks are lookin’ for a Big, somewhere.
Even if it’s a lie.
KevinM
December 18th, 2011
6:14 pm
G-Dad, I hear Leon Powe is interested…….
You told me I could lie to you! That’s better than Sund silence.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 18th, 2011
6:18 pm
Northcyde,
IDK how much I agree with that. MB and Schultz have written some excellent blogs on the team. Go read Bradley’s piece after the huge comeback win vs. CHI. Even if they don’t watch all the games,nit doesn’t mean their writing sucks.nthenworst blognI have read, however, is that we should offer ANY 2 players for Dwight. It’s an ide I’ve flirted with for a while but his blog seemed pretty unoriginL
Hue B. Brown
December 18th, 2011
6:23 pm
” Just heard the Hawks are adding D.J. Mbenga” (Bleacher Report)
Grandad
December 18th, 2011
6:34 pm
KevinM
I appreciate the subterfuge,
but Leon Powe is just another undersized wannebig.
He would be a nice fit if we had already had some legit Bigs.
Understand I’m not knocking Josh nor Al, or Powe even.
He falls in the same category of Big Baby Brandon Bass and the like.
Heck – it’s something though.
Thanks for trying.
I asked for lie and all I do is complain.
I sound like a republican.
Grandad
December 18th, 2011
6:36 pm
*Should have been a comma between Bg Bby, [&] Brndn Bss
Slimjr
December 18th, 2011
7:12 pm
“It’s [difficult] trying to get the interest of the casual fan that doesn’t know us and believes, ‘They really don’t spend money and they are not successful,’” Gearon said. “The last six or seven years, by our record, we are the most successful team in Atlanta.”
Still, the NBA’s superstars go elsewhere. Chris Webber doesn’t blame them.
Webber said players like Paul and Howard aren’t interested in Atlanta because the Hawks lack the kind of fan support that attracts them. He notes the sellouts are rare at Philips Arena and that when the place is full there’s usually wide support for visiting superstars—a reality that irks Hawks players and management.
“Atlanta, it’s a hard place to claim [for star players],” Webber said. “You have to have die-hard fans.”
But doesn’t the fact that fans come out to see superstars from other teams suggest they would do the same if those players were in a Hawks uniform?
“I remember when Dominique [Wilkins] played here,” Webber said, alluding to how fans didn’t always pack The Omni to see the Hawks legend. Lackluster attendance prompted the Hawks to play some games at New Orleans’ Lakefront Arena during the 1984-85 season.
Gearon said the Hawks already have an underrated star, five-time All-Star Joe Johnson.Gearon acknowledged Johnson’s low-key demeanor doesn’t cause a buzz but said he wishes fans would appreciate Johnson’s professionalism, which includes playing hurt without complaint.
In the summer of 2010 the Hawks signed Johnson to a six-year, $123.7 million contract. Johnson then had what he admits was his worst season since joining the Hawks in 2005.
“If you are paying guys like superstars, then you can’t ask me, ‘Why are superstars not choosing Atlanta?” Kenny Smith said.
You cant fool us or the FA NBA AllStars Mr. BIGS! lol
Truth B Told
December 18th, 2011
7:59 pm
Woody wasnt the greatest coach that every lived but he was good, and good for the hawks. He got exploited for not having a quality center. Periods. Having said that, to move from Woodson to Drew, Is a throw back to Forest Gump. Stupid is as stupid Does.
Drew is < Woodson.
another dumb move hawks.
Truth B Told
December 18th, 2011
7:59 pm
*ever lived
northcyde
December 18th, 2011
8:12 pm
Gearon and the ASG had a chance to make a big time statement with the hiring of Avery Johnson . . a guy that all basketball fans know about.
Instead, they promoted Woody’s assistant, Larry Drew
Even if he WAS the more worthy candidate and the players liked Drew more, the perception of that move meant ( to fans ) that ownership was not serious about turning a perennial playoff team, into a championship caliber team. That’s also a guy that could’ve become the instant “face of the franchise”, and brought this team instant credibility.
How Gearon and his buddies did not see this, I do not know.
Here is a quote from former ATL PG Anthony Johnson about Avery:
“He runs a tight ship, he cracks the whip and when he cracks it, you know it and feel it. Avery holds everybody accountable. Dirk (Nowitzki), if he’s out there messing around, he subs him out. There’s no situation where he allows guys to play through inconsistency or lack of intensity. That’s something that is welcome by all NBA players.” — Anthony Johnson, 2007.
Fans around here have long cried out for a coach that holds EVERYBODY accountable, from the last guy on the bench to the highest paid player on the team. Avery would’ve been that guy.
- experienced coach
- coached a superstar
- reached the NBA Finals
- won an NBA Championship as a player
- is one of the most recognizable faces in the league
All of the elements that would “sell” casual fans on the Atlanta Hawks.
Yet, the ASG & Sund did NOT hire that guy?
When you make decisions like that, you deserve whatever backlash from the public you receive.
Slimjr
December 18th, 2011
8:20 pm
Heat up 37 on the Magic tonight.Watchin the stream!
Magic in trouble this season? An understatement!
KevinM
December 18th, 2011
8:22 pm
Gearon had no intention of getting the best coach in here. He has Dwayne Casey, Mark Jackson, and Drew on his final list of candidates?
What an absolute sham that Gearon tries to pull off here. He wants fans who simply don’t hold him accountable for his moves because he says he is trying with all his resources to bring a championship team here.
I didn’t buy it when they arrived after trying to swindle McDavid, and it hasn’t gotten any better. Our big 3 is not a big 3. Gearon doesn’t know how to build a legit contender. If he did, Marvin would have been gone at the last negotiation table.
Astro Joe
December 18th, 2011
8:26 pm
northcyde, follow the money. It is really just that simple. LD (alledgedly) signed a low-budget offer that included some proration based on the potential work stoppage. And again, I think you have to consider the timing of LD’s hiring decision coming a year before the reported sale to Meruelo. I suspect that there decisions for the past 12+ months have been made much like a homeowner makes decisions when they know they are short-timers in that house. Avery likey demanded more money for more years. A cheap 2 year contract offers more “curb appeal” to prospective owners. Lastly, until the owners show some stability, we may not find a credible coach who will come here unless they are overpaid.
O'Brien
December 18th, 2011
8:31 pm
Northcyde,
Although Bradley only watches the Hawks during “big games”, it didn’t take him long to realize Marvin needed to go. In fact, he wrote about it in 2009.
Marvin Williams is the least essential Hawks starter. He scores points and takes rebounds but seems to leave no imprint on games, and one of the reasons Joe Johnson gets the ball with three seconds on the shot clock — or, worse, Josh Smith gets it 25 feet from the hoop — is that Marvin, four years a pro, still won’t assert himself.
I want to see Marvin not assert himself elsewhere next season. I want the Hawks to re-sign him — he’s a restricted free agent — and ship him and Acie Law to Washington for Caron Butler and Javaris Crittenton. The Wizards are looking to cut salary, so that part would work for them, and they’re also looking to get younger. Williams turns 23 on Friday; Butler is 29..
And if the Hawks had listened to Bradley, we would have been better off
Instead, they resigned Marvin for 5 years, $37.5 mil, with the 5th year being a player option…SMH
O'Brien
December 18th, 2011
8:33 pm
And AJ is right. In one year, Avery Johnson probably makes what LD makes in all 3 years combined. Plus LD’s contract was only partially guaranteed (or pro-rated) during the lockout.
Astro Joe
December 18th, 2011
8:34 pm
If he did, Marvin would have been gone at the last negotiation table.
Kevin, Marvin had averaged around 14ppg/6rpg for the previous 2 seasons when he became a FA. And he was 23 years old and the team’s 4th option. Its one thing to say that he was overpaid, quite another to say that he should have been thrown off the team with that type of production at 23 YO.
Astro Joe
December 18th, 2011
8:38 pm
OB, I’m not sure. I’m personally giving Marvin another half-season to see if the back surgery makes a difference. I’m anxious to see if he can get back to that 14/6 level from a few years ao with less pain and possibly more shot attempts (without Flip or Jamal or someonelike them on the sqaud). And since I have no idea if his back injuries are related to “clumsiness”, I won’t assume that he will find himself hurt again this season.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 18th, 2011
8:40 pm
“And if the Hawks had listened to Bradley, we would have been better off”
Except for the Crittenton part.
Hue B. Brown
December 18th, 2011
8:56 pm
Marvin Williams needs to be on a team that runs plays primairily for him. He is a scorer!!!!
Grandmaster JeJe
December 18th, 2011
8:59 pm
Northcyde,
Don’t forget about our assistants. Bob Bender? I bet teams would laugh at the idea of having him as a coach.
ARE WE EVER GOING TO GET A LEGIT BIG MAN COACH?
F IT WHERE IS KEVIN WILLIS?
Dawg
December 18th, 2011
9:01 pm
The Hawks hire the absolute least expensive head coach and assistants. They also hired the absolute least expensive GM.
That was the only criteria that they searched for.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 18th, 2011
9:31 pm
“Marvin Williams needs to be on a team that runs plays primairily for him. He is a scorer!!!!”
That team would go 12-70.
O'Brien
December 18th, 2011
9:48 pm
AJ,
I’m anxious to see if he can get back to that 14/6 level from a few years ao with less pain and possibly more shot attempts (without Flip or Jamal or someone like them on the squad)..
A consistent 14 and 6 from Marvin would help the team tremendously. But despite there being more shot attempts, the issue is 1) Will he take the shots (or will he defer) and 2) Will he make those shots if he does take them.
I hope he takes (and makes them). If that happens, we might not hear from Rod very much
O'Brien
December 18th, 2011
9:49 pm
Doc,
Your boy Stuckey is about to get paid. 3 years, $25 mil from the Pistons. meanwhile, the guy we took (Acie Law) might be on his way out of the NBA…
J.J.M.
December 18th, 2011
9:51 pm
hes serbian huh? he probably was in “a serbian film”
Michael Cunningham
December 18th, 2011
10:06 pm
new blog is posted. shutting down this thread.