Atlanta Hawks: Good fit for Fesenko?
The Hawks plan to sign a center and it almost certainly will be a guy on a 10-day contract rather than a permanent addition. They’ve discussed Kyrylo Fesenko, Erick Dampier and Dan Gadzuric but, as far as I know, they haven’t inquired with those guys yet to gauge their interest in a short-term gig in Atlanta.
(Ravell Call, Deseret News)
I’ve always thought Fesenko, the massive 7-foot Ukranian, is probably the best item in the Big Man Bargain Bin (excluding Joel Przybilla, who has eyes for the Heat or Bulls). But you figured something was up when the Warriors reportedly had an agreement with Fesenko in December but balked at signing him and then passed on him again after Kwame Brown went down last month. Word is the knee injury Fesenko suffered playing for the Ukraine last summer remains a concern; his conditioning and work ethic were suspect before he got hurt and so you have to wonder how much he can give.
But it might be worth it for the Hawks to find out on a 10-day because if Fesenko can give them 8-10 minutes a night he’s a good fit (and he’s only 24-years old, too, so Hawks could get a jump on looking ahead). Fesenko recorded amazing on-court, off-court defensive numbers in Utah: The Jazz allowed 11.91 fewer points per 100 possessions in 2010-11 with Fesenko and 8.68 points fewer in 2009-10 according to basketballvalue.com. Synergy Sports Technology ranked Fesenko ninth in the league in 2010-11 with .71 points per possession allowed (on just 93 possessions used in 53 games, but still). And 82games. com had Fesenko’s opposing PER at 10.4 last season and 12.9 in 2009-10.
In other words, Fesenko has provided an even better Twin Effect than Jason Collins with better rebound and blocks rates (and, to be sure, lots and lots of fouls). Fesenko offers next to nothing offensively but he’s got Twin beat there, too, in large part because he can score on putbacks–1 point per possession on offensive rebounds last season, according to Synergy.
Finally, from my selfish perspective, bringing in Fesenko would at least add some intrigue for the Hawks. Don’t get me wrong: It’s been fun to see Ivan Johnson defying the odds to become a bona fide rotation player. But wouldn’t it be even cooler to see a giant Ukranian taking on Roy Hibbert and Dwight Howard this week?
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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271 comments Add your comment
Just Joe
February 5th, 2012
9:30 pm
Sean Williams with another good game in the d league tonight. 22 pts. 8 rebs. 4 blocks. Send Dallas some cash considerations and try this guy in the league again.
Another GM
February 5th, 2012
10:28 pm
Sorry to bust some bubbles, but Josh Smith is not thought well of around the league. Everyone has scouts and GM’s just roll their eyes when his name is mentioned. JSmith might bring another headache in Cousins, but not sure Sac has completely given up on him just yet. Billy Knight set this franchise back several years with his thought process of how a teamn should be built. The Hawk do not have a low post player and that is killing them, plenty of jumpshooters, but NO lowpost threats or players that can get to the line.
Jody
February 5th, 2012
10:38 pm
He may not be considered a superstar, but Josh Smith’s expiring deal next year will be sought after. After he was reportedly hoping to be traded before this season started, I think the Hawks need to be looking to trade him before the deadline this year before they find themselves in a position where they could loose him for nothing or have to overpay him ala Joe Johnson to keep him.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 5th, 2012
10:54 pm
WTF @ my team this week.
1st place and got completely owned by 2nd to last place team. Not even close.
SMGDMFH
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 5th, 2012
10:55 pm
ASG & Rick Sund = losers
We are SHORT ON BIG MEN EVEN WITH THE ENTIRE ROSTER HEALTHY
It doesn’t take a HARVARD PHD CANDIDATE TO REALIZE WE HAVE 920241120581529102587 GUARDS ON THIS F’ING ROSTER (ABOUT 2938529375613193254 TOO MANY) AND THAT WE NEED SOME DAMN BIGS TO FILL OUT THE ROSTER
WHY THE HELL DO WE STILL HAVE STACKHOUSE?
GET RID OF HINRICH. PARGO WAS PLAYING VERY WELL.
GOOD GOD.
Grandad
February 5th, 2012
10:56 pm
Not our Josh Powell:
Nonetheless, prayers to the families involved.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 5th, 2012
10:57 pm
TEAGUE PARGO HINRICH JOE T-MAC STACKHOSUE. WE HAVE 6 GUYS WHO ALL DO PRETTY MUCH THE SAME !@#$.
WITH HEALTH HORFORD, ALL WE GOT IS AL, ZAZA (WHO SUCKS THESE DAYS), CHEESEBURGER, AND IVAN
ARE YOU F’ING SERIOUS
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 5th, 2012
11:00 pm
ZAZA PACHULIA SHOULD BE DOING FASHION MAGAZINE PHOTO SHOOTS, NOT STARTING ON A PLAYOFF ROSTER.
GET RID OF HINRICH WHO OBVIOUSLY IS GARBAGE RIGHT NOW AND GET AN OVERPRICED BIG WHO WILL HELP IN THE MIDDLE.
YOU DON’T WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS KEEPING THE SAME LOSER CORE FOR 23948 YEARS AND SIGNING A BUNCH OF CLEARANCE SALE INVENTORY ITEMS THAT HAVE BEEN SITTING ON THE RACK FOR 6 MONTHS BECAUSE NO ONE ELSE WANTED THEM.
REALIST ISH I EVER WROTE
FIRE SUND
FIRE LD
FIRE ASG
FIRE WOODY
FIRE SUND
FIRE SUND
FIRE SUND
FIRE SUND
FIRE GEARON
The core
February 5th, 2012
11:00 pm
Je je: We are SHORT ON BIG MEN EVEN WITH THE ENTIRE ROSTER HEALTHY
Cosign, ditto
The core
February 5th, 2012
11:06 pm
Sacramento is going nowhere and not about to give up on cousins. They showed that when they fired westphal.
Might be able to get javale mcgee, who isma restricted free agent. But you would have to take rashard lewis and/or blatche.
I say do it! Wizards can have ANYONE they want. After all, the roster is basically 12 guys who all play the same position
The core
February 5th, 2012
11:35 pm
Blatche is 6 11″ center-16&8 last year. Had off the court troubles but a legit big
Mcgee is 7 foot center- 3 blocks and 9 boards a game
Get both and the wizards can have whoever they want!
KevinM
February 5th, 2012
11:37 pm
As long as we have the combination of ASG/Sund, we will continue to have a replay each year of the same strategy; cap strapped, an overpaid starting SF, an underachieving backup center when put into a critical role, and no defensive post presence.
Is there time to save this season with a different GM?
Slimjr
February 5th, 2012
11:43 pm
Billy’s Dream: JBF(JUST A BUNCH OF FORWARDS)…
Knight’s impact will linger for at least 10 years starting with his last round of picks in 2007…
Grandad
February 5th, 2012
11:45 pm
northcyde
I paraphrased your comments to make a point;
not to debate with you.
I read what you said; then what I ruminated was my interpretation
of your intent.
Coaching is easy from afar.
Coaching is easy after the fact.
Many times coaches must go with their instinct.
The more experience, the older they get,
the more wisdom they acquire, the sharper their instinct becomes.
This applies to substitutions, rotations, having balls,
discipline: (when, where, how), whom to play & when,
and every other item from media relations to handling player personalities.
Not to mention X’s & O’s, conditioning, practice planning …..
and everything in between.
By the way;
LD is a pretty good X and O coach !
____________________________________________
Aside from all that;
I still do not understand why you think Josh Smith is ever going to
be the offensive player that would bring us back in a game.
I would never wish for him to ever try.
Once again for the sake of the franchise;
trade JS now while the iron is Hot !
Slimjr
February 5th, 2012
11:45 pm
Up next: Phoenix by double digits( another Western Conference waxing)
Slimjr
February 5th, 2012
11:47 pm
Larry for Collins asap!
Kevin
February 5th, 2012
11:48 pm
Fesenko sucks….i want no piece of him!!!
Also check out cool ivan johnson t shirts…..the hawks have to support him more!
http://skreened.com/ivanjohnson?
Slimjr
February 5th, 2012
11:50 pm
The Patriots receivers looked like the Falcon receivers out there.. Dropping everything in crunch time….
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
February 6th, 2012
12:33 am
“Sean Williams with another good game in the d league tonight. 22 pts. 8 rebs. 4 blocks. Send Dallas some cash considerations and try this guy in the league again.” -Just Joe
Took the words right out of my mouth.
Hawks Fan Down Under
February 6th, 2012
12:37 am
The thing I like about Fesenko after watching that youtube clip is at least he has some attitude. Lord knows this team needs some more IVAN in it. Fesenko could be that. So long as he challenges shots and contests rebounds I’ll be happy (he does look incredibly awkward though). No one else seems to do that with any consistantcy except maybe Ivan. (and I loved that Ivan interview..asked to play C; ok lets do it! Great attitude)
The true measure of this team is in the below above 500 records.
Below 12-0
Above 4-8.
Thats the Hawks and thats JJ in a nutshell. So we should get into the playoffs but will undoubtably fall at the first hurdle. Only then will they get rid of LD….but even if they do would you trust them to bring in someone good?
Hawks Fan Down Under
February 6th, 2012
12:40 am
Looking at other teams its clear that OKC and Miami are the best in the league. With Chi only being 7-5 against 500 they are playing like pretenders(in fact Indy are better against 500 teams). Same with Portland, Denver, Philly and Clipps.
Hawks arent even close to parity like the pretenders are. We’re simply also-rans….
Rusty
February 6th, 2012
1:03 am
Does any one really think that ld would have the balls to cut jt’s minutes to give to KH.
Grandad
February 6th, 2012
1:30 am
.Rusty
It’s late;
you’ve got to catch the bus in the morning.
You need your sleep.
Remember, you have a geometry test on Tues.
and an Am Lit exam on Thur. Are you prepared ?
SteveW
February 6th, 2012
1:30 am
Rusty – Yes, of course.
Fesenko looked good two years ago. Looked like garbage as the season wore on last season to me. Maybe the knee was bothering him? I don’t know.
The Bucks sites are saying the Bucks are making a play for Fesenko or Pryzbilla. Pryzbilla lives in Milwaukee according to them.
I liked Hoopinion’s statement that Ivan is already better than Perkins at C. Wow! That’s some statement. Then Ivan goes out and backs it up.
They also had a stat, that as of Jan. 28th, the Hawks were +4.8 points per 100 better with Al this season than without Al. I wonder where that number is at now? It was convincing to me that we are quite a bit better with Al than without. I was seeing that a little with my eyes already.
SteveW
February 6th, 2012
1:38 am
Rusty – It would not surprise me to see LD suspend JT for the remainder of the season or something. Nothing LD does with Teague in a negative way surprises me in the least. The guy is not buried right now on the bench because Hinrich was hurt for the 2nd round last season, and had shoulder surgery to start this season. It would probably be Hinrich, Green, and JJ as a 3 G rotation if Hinrich wasn’t hurt to begin the season, with Teague crying on the end of the bench knowing he was the best PG on the team, but couldn’t play.
I’ve said all along I think OKC has the best chance to beat the Heat for the Championship. I haven’t changed my mind yet.
I also said JT’s stats this season as a starter would be 11 and 5 with above average D. I’m not too far off.
SteveW
February 6th, 2012
1:45 am
Of C’s currently in the D League, who haven’t been plucked up by NBA teams, or signed overseas, Jeff Foote is the best C. Grandad says he’s garbage, and I believe him. The best big is Marcus Roberson (I think that’s his name) who’s averaging around 14pts and 13rbs, with an efficiency rating about the same as Ivan had last season. He’s only 6-8 245 however.
Somebody on Hoopinion (Buddy?) says Ivan will not embaress himself against Dwight this week. They said Ivan is that strong. That should be interesting.
Rusty
February 6th, 2012
2:07 am
Grandad did you drink your self to sleep,you sure seemed on your way or is it just old age catching up with you?
Najeh Davenpoop
February 6th, 2012
2:12 am
Sund will probably sign Mikki Moore and expect him to guard Dwight straight up even though he is Teague’s weight.
GET A DAMN BIG MAN SUND
Najeh Davenpoop
February 6th, 2012
2:15 am
“Why he also pulled Teague early, and didn’t put him back in until the 4th quarter, is another mystery in that game.”
Probably the same reason he didn’t play him all of last year until he was forced to do so.
Why he pulls Teague 6 minutes into every game for Kirk, who is a shell of his former self and right now is no better than Pargo, is another mystery to me. He used Pargo correctly before Kirk came back, but he is playing Kirk way too many minutes right now for what Kirk is contributing.
Grandad
February 6th, 2012
2:17 am
** ** vava ** **
One of my former players has signed a contract
with Lusitania Angra Patrimonio Mundial,
a team in the 12-team Portuguese League,
better known to the rest of the world as
Liga Portuguesa de Basquetebol
or Portuguese Basketball Premier League.
I prefer not to give his name;
rather than link his connection to me.
However, he’s the only player from,
the state of Ga, USA, on their roster.
I do not know the logistics of any opportunity you may have
to see him play, live or on TV ?
I just thought you might enjoy the connection.
6-7; long wing-span; played the [3] collegiately; [white kid]
Rusty
February 6th, 2012
2:19 am
SteveW I totally agree with you.LD will always fk with JT even tho he would hurt the team. I really don’t see any value to the man. He makes changes that make no sense at all.when IJ or JT is playing good he pulls them,this man don’t have us playing any kind of real offense. He let’s JJ play iso which really fks up our offense. He has no real feel whats happening on the court. Our offense looks good when we are running & when JT is driving to the basket,he certainly doesn’t encourage this type of play. He shows a lot of favoritism & don’t hold people accountable.
Grandad
February 6th, 2012
2:21 am
** ** vava ** **
* ‘`rather than link his connection to me`’
* should have been:
‘` link his connection to me with my identity `’
Grandad
February 6th, 2012
2:26 am
Rusty
Are you the pubescent rusty or the 70 yr old Rusty ?
If you’re my generation Rusty then my apologies.
Rusty
February 6th, 2012
2:31 am
JT has great potential to be an all-star ,a good coach would show a great faith in him & get off his butt & just let him play big minutes. We don’t have a pg anywhere near his skill level.he play great defense & is the only player on the team who has the ability to drive to the hoop. LD I know you hate him but please don’t hurt the team. You screwed him long enough.
Rusty
February 6th, 2012
2:35 am
Try 72 years,I was watching the Knicks when Carl Braun & Harry the horse was playing & you probably was in diapers.
Grandad
February 6th, 2012
2:40 am
SteveW
If I called Jeff Foote garbage, then I was a bit harsh with my rhetoric.
When he played for Colgate, he was a nice player for an all white team.
Colgate had a nice run in the tournament his Sr yr.
Randy Wittman’s kid was their best player on that team however.
RW’s kid was a [great shooter] but slow.
Colgate ran alot of old timey stuff;
plays I ran when I was in HS.
But, they ran their plays with such precision
and out of a ‘`motion`’ concept, that they were a delight to watch.
On the other hand;
I never, not one time, felt like JF had a shot at playing Professionally.
Good size, hands, decent passer;
too slow, too weak, too soft, not athletic at all.
The label ‘`stiff `’ comes to mind.
I reckon stiff sounds better than garbage.
Grandad
February 6th, 2012
2:57 am
Rusty
If you are truly 72 you have me by a bit.
It’s interesting you brought up Carl Braun just after I talked about Colgate.
CB matriculated and played collegiately @ Colgate.
Harry Gallatin Coached our Hawks [St Louis] for 3 yrs, I think,
and was Coach of the Year in `63 for our St Louis Hawks.
I may have been in diapers when Harry the Horse began his career;
but I was surely out before his career ended.
I take it you were / are a knicks fan ?
BBQ MAN
February 6th, 2012
3:25 am
heard tree rollins was looking for a job. no worse at 50 something than what we have
Rusty
February 6th, 2012
3:29 am
A die heart hawks fan,bordering on a love hate relationship.still have soft spot for Knicks tho not much. One & half years ago started getting ny post on iPad & become big fan of ny giants & Eli ,although big falcon fan. Came here in 82 & fell in love with hawks mostly nique & spud.
Dawg
February 6th, 2012
7:25 am
Trade a 2nd rounder to Dallas for Sean Williams, sign the big guy from the Ukrain.
Dawg
February 6th, 2012
7:36 am
The amazing part of this article is that none of the potential minimum salary centers who might agree to a 10 day contract have been contacted by the Hawks.
Not even contacted?
Hawks looking for help at Center?
February 6th, 2012
7:40 am
[...] they have raised their level of play since Horford went down, the Hawks are looking for help. According to Michael Cunningham of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution the Hawks are looking at several Free Agent Big Men to help fill the void. Names that have come up [...]
O'Brien
February 6th, 2012
7:46 am
I know Hinrich might not have his legs back 100% yet. But since he returned from injuries, he has been so-so. 6 games, 19 mpg, 33% FG (40% from 3), 1.5 rebs, 3 assists, and 0 trips to the FT line, with a 4 ppg average.
Pargo’s season average is 4 ppg, 40% from the field (29% from 3), 1 reb, 1.5 assists, 4-4 from the FT line, 11 mpg. All that for the vet min. Meanwhile, we are paying Kirk $8 mil (after trading away 2 first round picks for h im).
Why is LD playing Kirk 19 mpg when he has not been all that effective? In the last Sixers game, Ivan Joshnson was a beast. But yet he only played 25 minutes. What is LD doing?
If I was Rick, I would be on the phone to see if I can find a taker for Kirk. His contract is expiring, and I’m sure he could help somebody out there.
Slimjr
February 6th, 2012
7:55 am
Ryan for Eli…Joke…Hahaha….
Slimjr
February 6th, 2012
7:56 am
Down 3 Bigs at the moment Gearon..Keep count….
Slimjr
February 6th, 2012
7:58 am
Gearon and his puppet, BLOWING MAJOR SMOKE UP YOUR…….
Slimjr
February 6th, 2012
7:59 am
Good one tonight @7:30, Da Hawks vs. Da Suns!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Naw…..
Mac-Town (#maconchevyrider)
February 6th, 2012
8:06 am
lol
Mac-Town (#maconchevyrider)
February 6th, 2012
8:07 am
We need some help in the paint so of course we’ll sign a guard
Slimjr
February 6th, 2012
8:28 am
Looks like ole Karma catching Bill Belicheat…..Yep……