Atlanta Hawks: Season Review: Erick Dampier

@SteveW

SteveW
June 7th, 2012
11:13 am

Jamal was 67th in efficiency

Interesting about Jamal – he has averaged 17+ ppg 5 times in his career, and 4+ assists per game 6 times in his career – including 2 seasons with 5.0 or more assists per game.
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I assume you’re talkin’ about [Aaron] Jamal Crawford and not Jama[a]l Tinsley, Jama[a]l Magloire, Jamal Mashburn or Aaron [Jamal] Brooks. [LOL]

Thanks for the info.

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Grandad. . . remember when I tell you this.

This draft is straight up “Pyrite”. “Fool’s Gold” if you will.

The only potential superstar in this draft is Jeremy Lamb. Thomas Robinson has a shot to be a very good starter/fringe All-Star. I think Anthony Davis will be good . . but in a Tyson Chandler/Marcus Camby type good.

All of the UNC players have the potential to be busts. As much as I loved watching Kendall Marshall play in college, he has Mateen Cleaves written all over him on the pro level.

It’s a distinct reason why some of these lottery teams are trying to sell out of this draft. If they can fool a team into trading for one of those lottery picks and give them a good player in return, those lottery teams will be ecstatic.

I like Kidd-Gilchrist, but even he has to be in the right situation. He won’t automatically be good on just any team.

Those combines are going to expose a lot of these kids. The pre-draft camps will do it even more.

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Some point guards to consider:

1. Dee Bost (Mississippi State) — Bost (6-2, 176) has the potential to be a very good player. Excellent at times, he can also be erratic. But the talent is there. He’s an athletic point guard who can be pass-first or shoot-first. In the halfcourt, Bost can pull-up from deep and can fire picture-perfect bounce passes through the defense. In the open court, he’s explosive and always looks to finish with a dunk. Defensively, his steals numbers have improved every year. Bost just needs to become more consistent and improve his basketball IQ.

2. Tu Holloway (Xavier) — Holloway is a short point guard at 6-0, but he’s a strong 190 pounds and physical. Unfortunately, he used some of that aggression in an ugly brawl with Cincinnati in early December, which resulted in a one-game suspension. With his broad, running back-like shoulders, Holloway can barrel his way inside. On the NBA level, however, he needs more creative moves to get to the rim. On defense, he uses that strength to his advantage. Holloway isn’t afraid to body up opposing guards quickly when they triple threat.

3. Scott Machado (Iona) — Machado (6-1, 180) says he’s a top-three point guard in the draft class, and he’s probably right. Last year, he led Iona, a small Division I school, to the NCAA tournament, while finishing first in assists per game (9.9). His ball control is superior and he passes well in traffic out of the paint — a needed skill in the NBA. Machado can also D up (1.6 steals per game) and shoot the three (40.4 percent). He could drop in the draft since he’s not very athletic (low 30s vertical). He also needs to work on speeding it up in the halfcourt.

4. Tyshawn Taylor (Kansas) — At times, Taylor (6-3, 185) looks more like a shooting guard for his ability to score off the ball (mostly 3-pointers) and finish on the fastbreak. But he can score — he’s quick and can get to the rim — and distribute (4.8 assists per game). He’s also a solid defender who has great timing for steals. Taylor got way better towards the second half of his senior season, so drafting him will be a bit of a gamble because he hasn’t fully proved himself. Right now, he’s more of a transition player with a simple but decently effective game.

5. Maalik Wayns (Villanova) — Wayns (6-2, 185) was once considered a potential lottery prospect, but he’s been disappointing at times during his college career. His biggest issue is his outside accuracy. In fact, he finished his junior season shooting 29.8 percent from downtown. But he has a very high motor on offense and defense. Overall, he’s a solid passer and when he gets to the rim, he excels at finishing — but that’s mostly in transition. Wayns likes to get out and go, but he needs to improve his halfcourt penetration. He settles for a floater too often.

As far as shooting guards:

1. William Buford (Ohio State) — Buford’s four years in college paid off, as he became a smarter player over time. He’s very active moving without the ball — something the Knicks need more of — and knows how to come off screens to hit mid-range jumpshots, as well as attack and finish with creativity and strength (he’s 6-6, 220). He’s also active on defense and jumps out on passing lanes well. Where he has to improve is 3-point consistency (he went from 44.2 percent as a junior to 35.8 last year) and creating for himself better off the triple threat.

2. Jared Cunningham (Oregon State) — While Cunningham is a bit undersized (6-4, 194), he makes his presence felt on both ends. He knows how to maneuver around pick-and-rolls and use his speed to get into the lane, where he’s athletic enough to finish. But he sometimes drives too quickly and is not balanced, thereby prone to offensive fouls. He needs to learn how to pull-up and stop-and-go more. On defense, he’s a ball hawk and doesn’t give up if he gets beat, and he’ll even make blocks in transition. He’s fearless and has a winning attitude.

3. Kim English (Missouri) — Some of the recent mock drafts have the Knicks selecting English (6-6, 200), mostly because the team needs 3-point shooters and he’s deadly in that department. After shooting 36.6 percent from downtown in 2011, he improved to 45.9 percent as a senior — one of the best marks in the country. He’s money in catch-and-shoot situations, especially because he doesn’t drop the ball below his waist during his quick setup (Ray Allen-esque). With his high basketball IQ and intense D, he’ll be a solid role player on an NBA team.

4. Darius Johnson-Odom (Marquette) — Johnson-Odom is the most undersized out of this bunch at 6-2, but he makes up for this with his tenacity and strength (215 pounds). At the Brooklyn Nets’ draft combine two weeks ago, he was the best perimeter defender. He was the loudest one, calling out screens and back picks, and aggressively getting up on guys and causing turnovers. He has some Shumpert DNA. Offensively, he can stroke it from deep and score in the paint with creative playmaking, including NBA-like stop-on-the-dime moves.

5. Tomas Satoransky (Czech Republic) — Satoransky (6-7, 210) could be the second player from the Czech Republic drafted in the first round in consecutive years. (In 2011, it was Jan Vesely.) But it’s likely Satoransky will slip into the second because he lacks some off-guard skills. He’s mostly played the one and has excelled with his passing, but he hasn’t showed enough scoring abilities. However, he’s athletic, can catch and shoot, and is active on the offensive glass. Defensively, he’s an asset because he can guard multiple positions.

For Small Forwards:

1. Jae Crowder (Marquette) — The consensus on Crowder is that there isn’t an exact position for him. But that’s because he’s viewed as a very good all-around player who has the size (6-6, 235) to play inside and out. He was basically a double-double machine this past season and he would likely become a fan favorite in New York for his intensity, toughness, active motor and unique style (he has long dreadlocks). Perhaps most impressive is that he has an NBA-needed quick release and range to 3-point territory.

2. Draymond Green (Michigan State) — While Green is about the same size as Crowder (6-7, 230), he’s not as athletic and his release is a bit slower because he takes more time to set up. Crowder is better on the catch-and-shoot. But Green is more skilled on the block on offense and defense. He makes strong moves, has good footwork, an effective spin move and a nice touch around the basket. He can also initiate the fast break, handle the ball a bit in the half court and pass well to teammates from the wing and out of the post.

3. Kris Joseph (Syracuse) — The Knicks could have two Orangemen to choose from with the 48th pick. One is point guard Scoop Jardine; the other could be Joseph (6-7, 215), who can drain the outside jump shot and finish with authority. However, he needs to add more creativity to his drives in half-court sets. He’s more of a linear penetrator who likes to rely on his long strides to get to the basket. But in the NBA that won’t cut it. Defensively, he plays passing lanes well and has the ability to be a one-man fast break.

4. Khris Middleton (Texas A&M) — Middleton (6-7, 210) could have been a lottery pick if he didn’t suffer a partially torn right meniscus in November, which required surgery and him to miss about four weeks. When he returned from the injury, he looked out of sync. For example, his 3-point shooting dropped from 36.1 percent as a sophomore to 26 this past year. But the potential is there because of his skills and athleticism. He’s a solid isolation scorer, creative dribbler and locked in on D, but he needs to work on his rebounding.

5. Kostas Papanikolaou (Greece) — The lefty Papanikolaou (6-8, 225) is a little bit of a cross between foreign NBA players Manu Ginobili and Carlos Delfino. He has some craftiness like Ginobili — he has crossover moves, can split defenders and knows how to finish — but he’s not as good of a passer. Papanikolaou is a pure scorer, who also demonstrates defensive intensity like Delfino. In fact, he’ll hustle back and make blocks in transition. Like both of the current NBA players, Papanikolaou’s best asset is arguably his 3-point shot.

Power Forwards:

1. Yancy Gates (Cincinnati) — Gates’ draft stock dipped after his involvement in an ugly brawl with Xavier in early December, which resulted in a six-game suspension. He plays aggressively, but sometimes needs to tone it down. He also needs to change his scoring mentality, as he tends to play 15 feet away from the basket and shoot midrange jumpers. But when he plays inside, he’s a beast and double-double threat. He’s a strong four at 6-9, 260 pounds, and can do lots of work down low offensively and defensively.

2. Kevin Jones (West Virginia) — Jones is a natural four who is a creative scorer in post-up situations, even hitting tough, turnaround jump hooks. This past year, he became more of a versatile scorer, refining his pull-up and dribble-drive game, but he’s still an average outside shooter. At 6-8, 260, he’s strong and has great timing on the boards, including the offensive glass. Defensively, what may be most impressive is that after he scores, he hardly ever celebrates, but almost always runs back to get into defensive position.

3. Cameron Moore (UAB) — Even though Moore (6-10, 230) played four years in college, he’s still a bit raw. At this point, his game is almost confined to the paint area, and he doesn’t have many skillful post moves. He’s also not a good passer out of double teams. But what he does have is a tremendous motor, which helps him score quickly and get into positions early to rebound and block shots. If he develops his down-low game — not just being a highlight reel — and refines his midrange jump shot, he’ll be a surprise prospect.

4. Andrew Nicholson (St. Bonaventure) — Nicholson (6-9, 240) plays with a lot of confidence, as he constantly demands the ball in the post and likes to go to work quickly. He can shoot the turnaround and score with either hand, and his long stride gets him to the basket faster. But he tends to use the same combination to score — a spin, hesitation and then layup. From outside, he has a quick release and has range. He just needs to play more aggressive offensively; he doesn’t dunk a lot. He may get drafted higher, but could slip.

5. Wesley Witherspoon (Memphis) — Witherspoon (6-9, 207) has always had potential, but he hasn’t shown up yet consistently. As a senior, he would sometimes go from two points in one game to 15 the next, or vice versa. He actually has a lot of guard skills and when his jumper is on, he’s dangerous. He’s also effective attacking the basket in face-up situations and shows a commitment to D. He just needs to develop more of an interior game, but with the right NBA coaching, he could make a decent impact in his rookie season.

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Rudy Gay??

He makes 18 mill a year.

Pretty sure DBASKG isn’t getting him

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Damp over Collins?? no way. I dunno what yall are smoking but Damp is done. I still think us not signing the big guy that Utah dropped was a mistake and cost us big time when Zaza went down.

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Oh forgot to comment, that Damp has terrible hands on the offensive end.

Aren’t you guys tired of playing 4 on 5 on offense with he and Collins?

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SteveW,

If you’re Philly, would you keep Brand and his $18 mil expiring contract to make a run at Josh Smith again next year when Brand’s contract comes off the books? Or do you think that ship has sailed?

Just Joe,

A Josh Smith for Rudy Gay swap?.

Hawks wont make that deal because that means ~$3 mil in extra salary coming back our way, plus that would leave us with $24.8 mil tied up in the SF position (Rudy Gay at $16.5 mil, Marvin at $8.3 mil).

And with ZBo at PF, that means Memphis will have to commit to playing Josh at SF full time. I don’t think its a good deal for either party.

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“I’ve been scouring the internet for even a rumor on Rudy Gay to Atlanta…yet I’ve not been able to find anything. I’m very curious as to what source Grandad got that from.”

Tyrone’s cousin BooBoo is on the case.

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“What would you guys say to us getting Kris Humphries?” – EmirS.

You’d have to dump Marvin’s salary to create space for him, but if you can get Hump, do it. He’s a dirty work player, and you can never have too many of those.

“Gay makes $16.5, $17.9, and $19.3. Under contract one year short of Joe and Al.” – Just Joe

The Hawks know they have A. No chance to re-sign Josh and B. Little chance to get equivalent talent in return because the whole NBA knows Josh is going to walk after this season. A deal like Josh for Rudy may be the ONLY opportunity the Hawks have to get value for Josh. Rudy is not the talent that Josh is, but he gives the Hawks a legit small forward (finally) and removes the Horford/Josh redundancy. Most importantly, it gives the Hawks a high-level talent UNDER CONTRACT for three more years. This is the only way the Hawks can obtain a player as talented as Rudy. Ain’t no free agents at Rudy’s level coming here any time soon.

“With LD on a one year lease, he’s not going to develop anyone and that is what makes me cringe at this year’s draft.” KevinM

/co-sign. Which is why we need the most NBA-ready talent available. A guy like Wroten, who might be good in 3-5 years, is not going to help this team now. Doron Lamb had 22 points in the NCAA championship game.

“Aren’t you guys tired of playing 4 on 5 on offense with he and Collins?”

Beyond tired, just like Wroten’s jumper is “beyond broken.” (Chad Ford)

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Buddy Gizzard, Why would the Hawks want Chris Humphries ? Josh, Horford, Ivan is enough PF on this team.

GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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My opinion on Philly’s plan? They’re going after Kris Humphries.

Rod Thorn was formerly the NJ GM and if I’m not mistaken, he saw the potential in Kris.

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EmirS.

I`m sorry, I cannot divulge my source.
but, I did say “rumor”, I never said bank on it;
like the much maligned Boo Boo from PHX.

My best guess is a three way involving Memphis & Minny.
*(remember I said we are attempting to gain the 18 pick as well)

** -speculation- **
Gay to Atl … [+ # 18 pick]
Derrick Williams to Memphis
Josh to Minny
* works on trade machine w/o the [pick]

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If I can get that Charlotte pick at 2, give me your top 2 picks you like coming in this year:

1) Drummond – we so need that big man and the most potential
2) MKG – could we get him as our LeBron defender?

I don’t see Barnes or Beal being able to help with LeBron or Wade. We don’t need Robinson, so it has to be Drummond or MKG.

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I say if we do anything with the #23 Either Fab Melo or Taylor out of Vandy just play it safe.

Still we need new ownership and not this 5 headed dragon thingy lol. Where is that one guy from Texas was it?

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Grandad, Rudy Gay might be on his way play for Bobcats for the 2# pick.

GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Would not mind having Rudy Gay at least glad to here the Hawks are working the phones i think Josh Smith and Marvin Williams are gone if the rumors are true i know they trying to get rid of Joe’s contract so will see what happens .

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Ryan, where did you hear the Hawks were working the phones? Our org is so tight lipped, there are very few rumors that ever come out.

OB,
“I have a hard time seeing a team using the amnesty on someone with an expiring contract (especially when that expiring contract is $18 mil).”

It does happen; last year, NY did it with Billups. Perhaps they want to work on another area on their team than Brand’s position.

darrell, again, we’re playing 4 on 5 and the little I’ve seen from Melo, has he ever been a big rebounder? I don’t think so. I just think he has been disappointing for both years at Syracuse for on court and off court issues. That tells me the guy isn’t focused on what’s important. Boeheim’s zone doesn’t exactly get you ready for the pros IMO.

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Follow me on Twitter @drmaryeb

Gery Woelfel ‏@GeryWoelfel
I’m hearing Tom Penn is legit GM candidate for Orlando.
Retweeted by John Hollinger

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KevinM, It’s hard to get many rebounds when your always giving your team backside help on defense.

KevinM, If Melo had played in that tournament i guarantee Syracuse would have won NCAA championship.

Melo would be a lottery pick.

GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

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DMB, yikes! We’ve been following this organization way too long in their bad decision making.

But I will add that Boston isn’t great at it either, but they know how to make dust into gold with trades for those draft picks. I put their list out their on the Collins blog, and it is spotty at best.
If Ainge couldn’t trade pieces, he wouldn’t be in the league. And if Sund could trade or make good draft picks, we might have ourselves a decent GM.

I haven’t quite figured out after 30+ years what Ricky Sund does that enamours so many owners?

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G-dad`s Draft Combine Update

Measurement Analysis:

Note – standing reach max vertical [released tomorrow];
Are perhaps the two most important measurement data, or at least the initial
measurements one needs to see when searching for a [Big] / [Rim Protector].

Myers Leonard – tallest plyr helped himself just by being Big
6-11.75; 7-1.25; 7-3 wing-span

Fab Melo – a touch smaller than expected 6-10.75; with only a 7-2.5 wing-span
Did not help his cause … as you will see … others will move up;
Due to their measurebles

*Case in Point*

Henry Sims – Georgetown; 6-10; 6-11.5; with a 7-4 wing-span
-and- he has much better skills ! … particularly as a passer

Miles Plumlee – 6.10.5; 6.11.75; avg wing-span … but …
It has been reported – He will have the highest vertical leap
And has already been measured at 42 inches in the max vert.
He is taller than expected … if he can achieve the best max vert,
He will vault up the draft boards.
High-Sider will say it`s only because he`s white

Note – If that is true … Royce will be drafted # 1.

Sorry – I couldn`t help myself

Festus Ezeli – wore lifts; but had a 7-5.75 wing-span

Anthony Davis – 6-10.5 with shoes; 7-5.5 wing-span … no wonder

Andre Drummond – wore lifts; but he had a 7-6.25 wing-span

Andrew Nicholson “ My main Guy ” – 6-8.5, with & 6-9.5 w/o shoes
Equals .25 of an inch shorter than Al Horford //// but;
Wing-span = 7-4 and Huge hands @ 10 length & 10.75 width.
Analysts are projecting him as a [3];
However, I still say he can succeed @ the [3, 4, -&- 5] versatile
_______________________________________________________

This concludes the Bigs … more notes later

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darrell, I think its hard to rebound when you’re always playing zone.

Melo is marginal and I wouldn’t give him a guaranteed 4 year deal. I don’t see the upside.

And you had to play Kentucky to win the NC. Syracuse didn’t. And to go one step further, if Waiters was so good, why is he coming off the bench, in college for 2 years? Again, I don’t see it.

Defensive guys will always be out there….I think we can do better, and we need punch off the bench if we aren’t looking for a SF to replace Marvin.

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Taylor has a short wingspan. He is 6′7 with a 6′6 wingspan. They say he has a 40 inch vertical though. Quincy Miller looked better today. He has a nice midrange game and has solid low post moves. He really needs to bulk up.

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well let me try and post the measurements again

http://www.nbadraft.net/2012-nba-combine-measurements

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From earlier:

northcyde:

You may be correct;
there may not be a SuperDuperStar in the 2012 class.

But;
I like this class, nonetheless.

I honestly feel like this is a ‘`Deep`’ class.
But;
just like any yr, one must know what they are doing.

Morons draft Williamses in successive yrs ahead of
Pauls & Rondos all the time.

Usually they are Clippers & Hawks
-but-
I hope you see my point.

Then there is San Antone who trades up …
10 or more spots to # 15 for Kawhi Leonard
-while-
@ least 10 [needy] lottery teams drafted
significantly lesser players.

A deep draft lessens the chances of a dimwitted Sund
making another mistake.

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