Atlanta Hawks: Season Review: Erick Dampier
Season reviews presented in alphabetical order . . .
When I think back to Erick Dampier’s 2012 season with the Hawks, three memories stand out.
The first is from his introduction at Hawks practice on Feb. 9. Somebody asked Dampier if he thought his career might be finished before he got the call because, well, he was 36-years old.
“I didn’t really think that,” he said flatly. “With all of the injuries at some point some team would need my service.”
You won’t hear many 6-5 guys say that. This was the latest example of how cool it must feel to be 7-feet tall, motor coordinated and skilled at basketball.
Dampier also was asked if he’d been working out back home in Jackson, Miss., during his idle time: “I’ve been working out but I wouldn’t say it’s basketball shape.”
You had to be there to really appreciate it. The “working out” needed air quotes.
The second thing I will always remember about Dampier is that he ended up on the injury report in April in spite of not playing a game since March 18. At least the Hawks didn’t count him as missing games like they did with Pape Sy (never forget).
And my final, most relevant memory of Dampier is from Game 3 at Boston. As he headed to the scorer’s table to check in, a wise guy Celtics hack turned to me and asked: “Dampier?” I shrugged, unable to explain it . . . and then Dampier had his best game of the season. “Dang near spry” is how I described him in my blog post.
That was shocking enough, but Dampier validated that skin with another solid outing in Game 4. Yeah it was a blowout loss, but, still.
Here’s what I wrote about Dampier back when the Hawks signed him:
The biggest red flags for Dampier last season were drastic declines in his scoring and rebounding rates. The two are related because Dampier didn’t grab as many offensive boards and so didn’t have as many putbacks. But Dampier still was effective when he managed to collect misses: His 1.1 points scored per possession on offensive rebounds (on 31 possessions) ranked 84th in the league last season, according to Synergy Sports Technology.
And Dampier may still have some value as a defender. His opponent PER of 14.3 last season was solid. Dampier’s Synergy defensive numbers were good: .83 points per possession allowed, 83rd-best in the league. Plus, let’s face it: At this point the Hawks just need a big body to plug in the middle so bigs can’t bull their way to the basket at will and smalls at least have an obstacle to navigate on their way to the basket.
I guess Dampier filled that role effectively, but it’s hard to say for sure because he played just 83 regular-season minutes. Offered with the usual Small Sample Size Disclaimer are Dampier’s target=”new”strong opponent PER and .84 points per possession allowed. His rebounding rate bounced back even as his already-anemic scoring rate plummeted to rank near the bottom of the league.
The Hawks, flush with guards and wings on the roster, needed a big after Al Horford and Jason Collins went down. A center-starved league had snapped up nearly every quality big by then. The Hawks turned to Dampier, whose salary ended up pushing them further over the luxury-tax line.
(Dampier and Jerry Stackhouse are the answers to a future Hawks trivia question: Which players’ contracts contributed to the team paying the luxury tax for the first time in the franchise’s history?)
Dampier eventually worked himself into reasonable shape and showed he can be an effective defender in short stints even as he offers next-to-nothing offensively. Dampier provided some decent minutes in the playoffs in spite of essentially being on the shelf for more than six weeks.
In this league, that might be enough for Dampier to get another call when some team needs his service next season.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
213 comments Add your comment
Astro Joe
June 7th, 2012
4:47 pm
Steve, I used the wrong link FTPB.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=1893152
Astro Joe
June 7th, 2012
4:49 pm
Damp was better than I expected and I would have no problems if he returns as our 3rd center.
Astro Joe
June 7th, 2012
4:50 pm
Actually, 4th center, I want our 3rd center to be a project (like what Benson or Rolle was supposed to be).
Astro Joe
June 7th, 2012
4:50 pm
4th?
SteveW
June 7th, 2012
4:56 pm
Aj – Dude – actually I’d never heard of him – wow – so that’s where Najeh got his handle
cp
June 7th, 2012
4:56 pm
Yea Damp wasnt bad at all when he actually played. I would rather have him back than Collins.
@Astro. Taylor really looked good today at the combine. Dude is a lot better shooter than I thought. I wasnt a big fan of his but if the Hawks drafted him I would not be mad. Looks like he can come in and play from day 1. Im intrested to see what his measurements are though.I think because of his age some teams are low on him but he looks like a player.
Astro Joe
June 7th, 2012
4:56 pm
“It’s just me, myself and I…”
GT Alum
June 7th, 2012
5:00 pm
So alpabetical order means we’ve gotten 2 of the frountcourt slugs out of the way. We start with Collins and Damp and get to end with Marvin. Frontcourt depth is definitely not one of this team’s strengths. Hopefully we can pick up a rookie to supplant at least one of the three.
SteveW
June 7th, 2012
5:00 pm
So what if we roll into this season with a dangling Smoove, Jeff Taylor as Marvin’s backup, and some filler – Can we do anything next season? Like make the ECF or the Finals.
Astro Joe
June 7th, 2012
5:01 pm
cp, I forgot that you said the combine would be televised. Shoot, I forgot to set my DVR (being the basketball nerd that I am, I would have nejoyed watching some of the coverage). He’s supposedly 6′7″ with good athleticism to go along with a smooth stroke. But like most seniors, folk fixate an what he isn’t as opposed to what he is. And hard to imagine that a Vandy guy isn’t a little smarter than the average jock.
SteveW
June 7th, 2012
5:01 pm
Cp – They said Taylor shot 100’s of J’s a day last summer, and became a rather adept jumpshooter
SteveW
June 7th, 2012
5:03 pm
AJ – But you know the way Rome said it was some guy named najeh davenport – but maybe he was being facetious.
Sautee
June 7th, 2012
5:07 pm
SteveW,
Google “Najeh Davenport + defacation” and you will become enlightened. I suspect that Jim Rome was making a throwaway joke on the air.
cp
June 7th, 2012
5:09 pm
@Astro they are showing it again at 7pm on ESPNU. I missed the guards so I will be looking at it again.
@SteveW. I can believe it.Chad Ford was saying how scouts didnt like how he couldnt shoot his first few years so he worked on it and became a better shooter but instead of giving him credit for improving they think it might be a fluke…. I just hope the Hawks stay away from Wroten. It was rumored they really like him but that dude cant shoot at all and is turnover prone. They say he really struggled today with his jumper. Im going to look at it tonight and see just how bad it was.
GT Alum
June 7th, 2012
5:10 pm
The Hawks could make the ECF if things break their way – get good matchups, maybe get an opponent that’s hampered in one way or another – but even if the Hawks are able to bring back contributors off the bench like Pargo, Green and Ivan and are able to make marginal upgrades on other bench positions, I don’t think you can expect the ECF. That’s why I think it will be a mistake for them to hold on to Smoove for 1 last run with this core group.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
June 7th, 2012
5:30 pm
For the next blog, can we get a season review of Arthur Triche?
Good God…
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
5:39 pm
Crickets…………………………………. [eyes roll]
Hugo
June 7th, 2012
5:39 pm
Maybe Atlanta franchises are jinx. Braves sholuld have have at least three championships, 1991, 1993, and 1995. I think 1994 would have been too, if not for the strike. Hawks definetly 1988. And Falcons 1980 and one or two other years. I cant remember right now.
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
5:40 pm
Tear it down……
Jettison the Warp Core Scottie! Aye Captain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ryan
June 7th, 2012
5:43 pm
Its sounds like the Hawks will waist another pick we just can not ever have a good draft maybe they will surprise us but doubt it probably wont watch the NBA draft i hope the Hawks try and move up if they trade Josh Smith .
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
5:43 pm
Hugo
June 7th, 2012
5:39 pm
“Maybe Atlanta franchises are jinx”
Yea bring in the Exorcist pronto!
Buddy Grizzard
June 7th, 2012
5:44 pm
Damp was CLEARLY better than Collins. Not saying much, but what’s with the love affair between Drew and Collins? Can we please let Collins retire so we don’t lose in the playoffs for a third straight season because Drew thinks Collins can play?
Grandad
June 7th, 2012
5:46 pm
The NBA combine today:
Our blog is Erick Dampier ?
Ain`t it Great to be a Hawks Fan !
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
June 7th, 2012
5:51 pm
“Its sounds like the Hawks will waist another pick”
Must be a “middle” of the draft pick.
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
5:54 pm
Thats right the NBA Draft combine starts in 1 hour [7pm-9pm] on ESPNU Channel 883 tonight!
The Hawks= Y-A-W-N-
BIG DOG
June 7th, 2012
5:55 pm
M J need to call me ASAP, i would turn the Bobcats into Thunders of the East Coast.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
5:57 pm
DUI, in the pursuit of perfection! Hehehehehehe
steve brown
June 7th, 2012
5:59 pm
OMG – you are actually going through with this garbage. Why don’t we guess Dampier’s stats at the YMCA next year?
BIG DOG
June 7th, 2012
5:59 pm
Andre Drummond is the building block for the Bobcats.
MJ can’t miss this one.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Buddy Grizzard
June 7th, 2012
6:07 pm
“This Hinrich shut down Rondo fantasy you have in your head is almost laughable.” – Rod from C.P.
Rod, it’s not a fantasy, it’s a fact. Rondo did not score while Hinrich was on the floor in Game 3. MC did a whole blog post about it. He posted the Synergy logs for every defensive posession against Rondo.
So let’s go on the record here. Do you think playing Pargo (-11) in the 4th quarter and sitting Hinrich (0) was the right move? Hinrich had the best +/- of any starter in Game 3. He sat all of the 4th quarter and overtime. Do you think that was the right move? Rondo didn’t score with Hinrich in the game, but he scored 3 baskets (2 layups) in the 4th quarter with Hinrich on the bench. Was playing Pargo in the 4th quarter the correct call by Larry Drew?
doc
June 7th, 2012
6:17 pm
aj, it kept the blog talking if nothing else.
i was a lot more serious about taking stuckey over acie though. i really wasnt upset with the al move but i was furious with the acie pick. i also said the leg length discrepancy of three inches or something like that once pointed out, was something the blazers better pay attention to in odum. it was fun as i think you might have even chimed in on how the hawks could be the team of china and it would be a good business move. heh heh
atlnative
June 7th, 2012
6:32 pm
I want to know what kind of weed is the Atlanta Hawks’ General Manager is smoking? Erick Dampier wasn’t worth a damn when he was a young player! What kind of productivity are you gonna get from a 36 year old unproven player?
Jay
June 7th, 2012
6:34 pm
So…does that mean you thinks he’s goe?
BIG DOG
June 7th, 2012
6:50 pm
Buddy Grizzard – Pargo have won atleast 4 games for the Hawks coming of the bench, Hinrich showed me nothing, yes bringing Pargo was the right move, Pargo played like boo boo during playoffs but it’ was just one of them thing that Green also played bad during playoffs.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Buddy Grizzard
June 7th, 2012
6:50 pm
“Tough to picture the Hawks shipping Josh or Joe up I-85, as tempting as it may sound depending on how much you like Beal or MKG.”
Like MKG a whole lot. If Charlotte wants Josh, we dump a player who doesn’t want to be here and isn’t going to extend and get our small forward of the future, a guy with great competitive fire. Al gets to play PF and we look for a center (Zaza starts in the meantime).
“I thought a move or trade [such as the one above] that would allow the Hawks to rid itself of Marvin Williams would be welcomed on the blog.” – High-Sider
It would certainly be welcomed on the blog. It would not be welcomed in New Orleans where they are trying to dump salary, not take on more bad salary in the form of Marvin Williams.
Buddy Grizzard
June 7th, 2012
6:55 pm
BIG DOG, you do realize that Game 3 went into overtime, right? That means at the end of the 4th quarter, the score was tied. I’m not saying that Hinrich would have kept Rondo from scoring in the 4th quarter if he had played Pargo’s minutes. But what if Rondo only scored two baskets in the 4th instead of 3? Hawks win.
Do you understand the +/- statistic? Pargo was -11, which means the Celtics outscored the Hawks by 11 points while Pargo was on the floor. Hinrich’s +/- for that game was (0), meaning the Hawks scored the same number of points while Hinrich was on the floor that the Celtics scored. So the Hawks were 11 points better with Hinrich on the floor in Game 3 than they were with Pargo. The Hawks ONLY NEEDED TO BE ONE POINT BETTER THAN THE CELTICS TO WIN THAT GAME IN REGULATION.
Paddy
June 7th, 2012
6:57 pm
The ASG is not spending one waking minute trying to improve this team.. Their sole purpose is to find some bozo to buy this team. They are tired of losing their fortunes and being the most hated folks ever in ATL.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
June 7th, 2012
7:02 pm
Writing a freaking blog about Jason Collins, who no one on here has thought of for 4 weeks, then follow that up with Erick WaHo Dampier who could be an NFL lineman for all I know. WTF is this BS? Can we get blogs on players who actually are crucial to this team?
Sautee
June 7th, 2012
7:55 pm
“Can we get blogs on players who actually are crucial to this team?” – Jeje
Michael said in the heading that he’s going by alphabetical order. Reading is fundamental.
Just kidding, GG.
High-sider
June 7th, 2012
8:29 pm
@BIG DOG [and Buddy Grizzard]
“…Do you understand the +/- statistic? Pargo was -11, which means the Celtics outscored the Hawks by 11 points while Pargo was on the floor. Hinrich’s +/- for that game was (0), meaning the Hawks scored the same number of points while Hinrich was on the floor that the Celtics scored. So the Hawks were 11 points better with Hinrich on the floor in Game 3 than they were with Pargo. The Hawks ONLY NEEDED TO BE ONE POINT BETTER THAN THE CELTICS TO WIN THAT GAME IN REGULATION.” – Buddy Grizzard
Ask him [Buddy Grizzard], if the Hawks needed only one point to win Game 3 in regulation, then why didn’t Hinrich score that one point since he played [approximately] 26 minutes in Game 3? Ask him [BG], why was Hinrich held scoreless in Game 3? Ask him [Buddy Grizzard], how many points did Kirk Hinrich score in Game 3 and Game 4 for that matter vs. the Celtics in the [2012] playoffs? Then, wait and see how he [Buddy Grizzard] will respond. FYI, Hinrich scored a total of two points combined in Games 3 and 4 vs. Boston. Furthermore, Hinrich only scored a combined total of two points from the beginning of the 3rd quarter of Game 2 to the end of the 4th quarter of Game 4; that’s a total of 10+ quarters [125 minutes] of playoff basketball. Remember, Game 3 vs. the Celtics was an overtime game. Tell him [Buddy Grizzard] that Kirk Hinrich logged [approximately] 85 minutes and 17 seconds of playing time from the beginning of Game 2 to the end of Game 4 but yet only scored a combined total of two points. What good are +/- statistics for a player like Kirk Hinrich if he’s not giving you anything on the offensive end? Plus/minus statistics are not “statistics in a vacuum.” Tell him to research Hinrich’s 2010-2011 regular season [individual aggregate] +/- statistics which was the [regular] season the Hawks made that trade for him [Hinrich].
2010-2011 NBA Regular Season [Individual Aggregate] Plus/Minus Statistics:
Kirk Hinrich w/ Hawks: -125
Mike Bibby w/ Hawks: +137
Kirk Hinrich w/ Wizards: -260
Mike Bibby w/ Wizards: -12
http://www.nba.com/statistics/plusminus/plusminus_sort.jsp?pcomb=1&season=22010&split=9&team=Hawks
Ask him [BG], where was that Hinrich stellar defensive prowess during the regular season of 2010-2011?
High-sider
June 7th, 2012
8:34 pm
^Correction: “…Tell him [Buddy Grizzard] that Kirk Hinrich logged [approximately] 85 minutes and 17 seconds of playing time from the beginning of Game 2 to the end of Game 4 but yet only scored a combined total of ten* [10*] points…”
Buddy Grizzard
June 7th, 2012
8:35 pm
I’m watching a replay of the combine on ESPN3. Chad ford on Tony Wrote:
“His jump shot is beyond broken… can’t shoot AT ALL.”
Eye test confirms this… he’s #11 and he’s building a house with these bricks.
RaJaH
June 7th, 2012
8:37 pm
Was Sund was making his decision last Monday? Does it really matter?
Buddy Grizzard
June 7th, 2012
8:40 pm
High-sider, so was playing Pargo in the 4th quarter in Game 3 the correct call?
SteveW
June 7th, 2012
8:43 pm
So if you did flip Josh for the #2 pick – would you keep it, or try and trade down to Portland for the #6 and #11?
Or to Houston for for picks #14 and #16 and maybe Kyle Lowry (if they’d do that)
Or Trade the #2 to the Hornets, along with Marvin Williams for #10, Ariza, and Jarrett Jack?
Or keep the pick, and take the best available player.
Since Josh only has 1 year left, and has the 15% kicker, you may have to throw in our 1st pick (#23) and maybe even the 2nd rounder (43) to get that deal done.
Your trading a known commodity for an unknown, yes. But your also obtaining a player that should play 10-12 years to a team who may only keep him for 1.
SteveW
June 7th, 2012
8:48 pm
Wroten should fit right in then not being able to shoot J’s. It’s his athleticism and court vision we need – he has elite skills, who cares about a jumper?
The above is facetious BTW
SteveW
June 7th, 2012
8:51 pm
Wll, OKC beat last years Champ in Round 1
The 2 season before that Champs in Round 2 (back to back champs)
4x Champs the Spurs after that in Round 3.
I think the kids are pretty mentally tough wouldn’t you say?
I wonder if the Celts could get in their heads? If anybody can, they can. But OKC just has so much talent, I don’t think the Celts can compete.
Who knows, maybe Miami comes back and wins it all. Hope not.
SteveW
June 7th, 2012
8:54 pm
I’ve been sold on Jeff Taylor at #23 for awhile. I think he can be at least a 10 and 5 guy with very good D for 8-10 years in the League.
And coming from Vandy, you’d think he’d be smart also.
I’m not against Moultrie either. I think he can play C in the NBA – maybe not right away, but in a couple of years.
Jae Crowder at #43 is my type of player also – tough – defended all 5 spots in college – a real grunt guy. Good bench, role player.
SteveW
June 7th, 2012
8:58 pm
Collins and Dampier, with a little training, actually could probably help the Falcons on the Line.
Astro Joe
June 7th, 2012
9:01 pm
Interesting to see Ainge sitting next to McHale and Bird sitting next to Carlisle during the combine. I didn’t see LD sitting next to Woody, though.
cp
June 7th, 2012
9:09 pm
Wroten looked terrible in the shooting drills. He has to have great individual workouts or he could slip into the second round. I think Quincy Miller looked bad in the shooting drills too.
Astro Joe
June 7th, 2012
9:26 pm
Boston may need to have Bill Russell guard Lebron tonight.
High-sider
June 7th, 2012
9:29 pm
Buddy Grizzard
June 7th, 2012
8:40 pm
High-sider, so was playing Pargo in the 4th quarter in Game 3 the correct call?
———————————————————————–
Man, I don’t even know why you would ask me that question. The “correct call” would’ve been [for Sund] to re-sign Jamal Crawford for “clutch” games, situations and circumstances that we are discussing right now.
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
9:31 pm
Lebron going for 60?
doc
June 7th, 2012
9:36 pm
he better and win as well slimj. hate that thought though.
Buddy Grizzard
June 7th, 2012
9:37 pm
I’m literally LOL here, thanks for the laugh High-sider.
High-sider
June 7th, 2012
9:42 pm
@Sautee
Sautee
June 7th, 2012
7:55 pm
“Can we get blogs on players who actually are crucial to this team?” – Jeje
Michael said in the heading that he’s going by alphabetical order. Reading is fundamental.
Just kidding, GG.
————————————————————–
On the cool, I thought he [Michael Cunningham] was going from “worst to first” [or worst player to best player]. After Dampier, I thought the next blog was going to be on VladRad.
Astro Joe
June 7th, 2012
9:43 pm
I hate copy-cats (like the way we stole the stand up until the Hawks score their first basket thing from the Thunder). I hope that I NEVER see a Hawk do the stupid knuckle push-up thing. Leave that nonsense in Boston with the beans and cream pie.
High-sider
June 7th, 2012
9:43 pm
LBJ is straight ballin’ and is getting no help from his weak ass teammates – that includes D-Wade and Bosh.
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
9:46 pm
Paul has been riding the bench for a while doc….Getting his azz demolished tonight? hehehehehehe
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
9:48 pm
Wilt Jr tonight man-o-man….
O'Brien
June 7th, 2012
9:49 pm
Najeh,
Why are you concerned about who guards Dwight? Dude averaged 27 pts, 16 rebs and 2 blocks against us a couple years ago in the playoffs…and his team lost.
It’s not about one player. It’s about team.
And if it is blown up, do you trust the ASG to get it right?
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
9:49 pm
Hey doc he caught that ball at the 12 foot mark for the put back! Huh?
Astro Joe
June 7th, 2012
9:52 pm
Doc Rivers just texted his former teammate, Cliff Levingston, to see if he can come to the arena and foul Lebron 6 times to start the 3rd quarter.
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
9:52 pm
HS, when you play with a special player like that and he is in a zone, you’ll stand around and watch something wonderful happening before your very eyes! LOL..
Sautee
June 7th, 2012
9:52 pm
LOL @ High-sider running away from Buddy’s question. Hey Buddy, I’ll answer it:
OF COURSE Hinrich should have played at least some of Pargo’s minutes in Game 3. But the Kirk haters will never admit that he even played well. Where is Clarification when we need him?
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
9:53 pm
Labron aint cooling off! Feed him and Fan him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
9:54 pm
[Lebron]= Le machine…..
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
9:55 pm
[Lebron]^^^^^
Melvin
June 7th, 2012
9:57 pm
Lebron always put up good number. Lets see what he does if this game is close in crunchtime.
Sautee
June 7th, 2012
9:58 pm
If Boston can get to the last 5 minutes within 6 or so, I think the pressure will start getting to the heat.
O'Brien
June 7th, 2012
9:59 pm
Doc,
As much as it pains me to say it…the queen is looking might good in the first half.
Melvin,
As bad as the Celtics look, will they be able to make it close? I hope so.
High-sider
June 7th, 2012
10:00 pm
LeBron James has 30 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists in the first half plus he [LBJ] has missed four free throws. Next Heat scoring leaders for Game 6 at halftime have 6 points ['Rio and D-Wade]. That’s what I call getting “no help.” The Heat need[s] Jamal Crawford for “instant offense” off the bench. Hey ‘Mal, if you’re reading this post, tell your agent to look into a possibility of signing with the Heat this upcoming regular season; you might can get that “coveted ring” with “The King.” [LOL]
Jamal, go ahead and be down with “The King” and get that “ring.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clhg5PYsVpc
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
10:00 pm
30 pts in 24 mins is absurd…… Those 5 defenders look more like 5 fans?
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
10:03 pm
The “King” trying to take back his Throne?
Hawkeye
June 7th, 2012
10:05 pm
your kidding right. An article about a player that didn’t play. Times must be hard when you have to fill up space with crap like this.GOODNIGHT.
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
10:07 pm
Le Machine is playing H-O-R-S-E? Huh?
O'Brien
June 7th, 2012
10:13 pm
From hoopshype;
Bill Ingram: Rumor also has it the 76ers are considering using amnesty to unload Elton Brand’s final year @ 18mill. Looking to be players in free agency.. Twitter.
More from hoopshype;
Bill Ingram:League source confirms #2 pick for sale, but Bobcats asking for the world and will look to include Diop or Tyrus Thomas…. Twitter
O'Brien
June 7th, 2012
10:15 pm
Dampier played well in his limited minutes, and there where times when Collins was giving us nothing, but LD still wouldnt play Dampier.
I am ok with Damp as our 4th center.
Any interest in taking the best available Center at 23 (Fab Melo for example)? Zaza is a free agent next offseason, so who knows what will happen there.
Astro Joe
June 7th, 2012
10:15 pm
Bron has been taking some awful shots that have been going in… at some point you wonder if they will stop falling. Mr. Gabrielle Union better start getting his ish together or the Celtics will steal this game (and win the series).
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
10:17 pm
Wade playing like iso..Brutal…
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
10:19 pm
34-4=30.. Hay Paul wheres the D????????????
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
10:21 pm
Hey^^^^^^
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
10:23 pm
No answers for Le Machine doc.
Just give him the ball and let him get 75!
Najeh Davenpoop
June 7th, 2012
10:24 pm
“Why are you concerned about who guards Dwight? Dude averaged 27 pts, 16 rebs and 2 blocks against us a couple years ago in the playoffs…and his team lost.”
I say “Dwight” sometimes as a placeholder for any competent center. I very easily could have said Bynum, Hibbert, or Bogut too.
“And if it is blown up, do you trust the ASG to get it right?”
I wouldn’t trust the DASG to tie my shoes. That doesn’t mean they should make lateral moves and not even try to get it right.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 7th, 2012
10:26 pm
Since there appears to be some conclusion, for the record, no, “Najeh Davenpoop” is not the name my momma gave me. It is a reference to my favorite hamper sh-tting ex-Packers and Steelers running back.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 7th, 2012
10:27 pm
Confusion, not conclusion. DUI would have loved that one.
Buddy Grizzard
June 7th, 2012
10:29 pm
“Any interest in taking the best available Center at 23 (Fab Melo for example)? Zaza is a free agent next offseason, so who knows what will happen there.”
Grandad was saying that from his observation of Melo, he doesn’t change ends well (is frequently behind the action). Dude is a project and might not contribute for years. We don’t need that. We need to fill our most obvious position of need, which is backup point guard. We’ve got Al, Zaza and Ivan who can all play center. Both forward positions are covered. We need a backup 2 as well, but backup point is more important. Marquis Teague has to be the pick if he’s still there at 23. Wroten will not make an NBA roster.
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
June 7th, 2012
10:30 pm
Najeh – As Maxwell Smart would say: “Missed it by that much”.
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
10:32 pm
60-41=19…..
Almost doc! Wow!
Buddy Grizzard
June 7th, 2012
10:34 pm
They talk about how Wroten can make the spectacular pass, and yet he’s turnover prone. If he can’t take care of the ball, he can’t play point against NBA defense. And, as Chad Fort said, he can’t shot AT ALL, so he can’t be an NBA two guard. Tony Wroten does not have an NBA position because he does not have NBA talent. Marquis Teague started at point for an NCAA championship team so loaded with talent that it’s easy to overlook him. Think Eric Bledsoe the year John Wall was the first overall pick. I said at the time that Bledsoe was going to be a steal late in the first round because you just don’t get to see his talent when it’s overshadowed by higher picks on the same team.
Astro Joe
June 7th, 2012
10:35 pm
Buddy, back-up PGs are a dime a dozen. And finding a rookie PG worthy of 15 minutes/game will be tough to find at #23. Oops, that’s right, every PG drafted in the 1st round should get 12+ minutes/game. Never mind.
Buddy Grizzard
June 7th, 2012
10:35 pm
Tony Wroten shoots as well as I type.
Buddy Grizzard
June 7th, 2012
10:36 pm
So who do you think we should take, AJ?
doc
June 7th, 2012
10:38 pm
queen is finally focused running to his own drum beat. maybe the durant queen match up can be seen after all.
very funny comments slimj and boston is sucking tonight.
high sider i too thought mc was going least to best. muy vote for the next worst would go to stackhouse though. he was “healthy” the whole year.
doc
June 7th, 2012
10:40 pm
tony wroten plays as well as i type, too!
doc
June 7th, 2012
10:42 pm
lbj still playing horse there it seems.
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
10:43 pm
‘terrible’ call ref, Le Machine got that shot clean!
Clinic?
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
10:44 pm
” “^^^^^
doc
June 7th, 2012
10:44 pm
when is lbj going to take the half courter he did against the hawks to end a half then slowed to take it again as the third quarter ended?
doc
June 7th, 2012
10:45 pm
geez is queen playing in boston or atlanta?
doc
June 7th, 2012
10:46 pm
boston bricks tonight.
doc
June 7th, 2012
10:47 pm
guess we will see d wade and queen holding hands as they come to the podium all smiles tonight.
Astro Joe
June 7th, 2012
10:47 pm
Buddy, I have only started reading drat info in the past 2 weeks and watched maybe 3 hours of college ball last season… so I won’t mention any specific names.
I would like to see the Hawks draft a wing defender with a good shooting stroke. That player could eventually become a starter at either SG or SF… I’m envisioning a poor man’s Afflalo. I would also be good with a good rebounding wide body/space eater. Think a younger and more skilled version of Ivan. Lastly, a project center. The Hawks have plenty holes to fill. Even a sniper type would be good (as long as he isn’t a complete defensive liability).
I just think that given Teague’s inexperience and questions about his playmaking ability (for his teammates), I’d rather see a vet PG added (think Duhan, Earl Watson or Sebastian Telfair) who knows how to run a team for 12-15 minutes/game.
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
10:49 pm
Yea doc, everyone is stunned at what they are watching? Paul and Pietrus are being dismantled!
Astro Joe
June 7th, 2012
10:52 pm
drat info? Let’s change that to “draft info”.
doc
June 7th, 2012
10:54 pm
drat choice? is that what fans say after the hawks make their picks, aj?
doc
June 7th, 2012
10:54 pm
miami is pouring it on now, really classless as umm usual.
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
10:55 pm
doc he’s 5 assist from a triple double!
doc
June 7th, 2012
10:55 pm
too slow for you aj.
doc
June 7th, 2012
10:56 pm
he probably is as aware of it as you are slimj.
doc
June 7th, 2012
10:57 pm
doesnt boston have a pittman type on their team to clothes line wade or something?
Astro Joe
June 7th, 2012
10:58 pm
doc, yes, Kevin Garnett is their Pittman type. But he would clothes line Norris Cole, not Wade or Lebron.
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
10:59 pm
Paul shot 4-18?
If that were Le Machine “nimbers”? Oh the Humanity………….
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
11:01 pm
45-15-5…..just
Astro Joe
June 7th, 2012
11:01 pm
Slim, unfortunately for Lebron… only Game 7 nimbers will matter. Folk will forget tonight the moment the ball is tipped off in a few days.
High-sider
June 7th, 2012
11:04 pm
See LeBron, there’s no need for a “clutch” shot [or moment] when you and your team have a 22-point lead with less than two minutes remaining in a playoff game while you’re resting on the bench.
SteveW
June 7th, 2012
11:07 pm
AJ – 2 Teague’s on this team would be almost more than you could bear.
Sorry, I couldn’t resist…
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
11:07 pm
Great point High-sider. You put 30 up on Paul Pierce by the half, clutch shot irrelevant!!
Melvin
June 7th, 2012
11:08 pm
Give the Celtics Fans credit. Most of them stayed until the end of the game and chanted “Lets Go Celtics” until the final buzzer of a blowout lost…
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
11:08 pm
AJ you are correct Sir. Le Machine will have to do it again in game 7!
Paul got smoked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Buddy Grizzard
June 7th, 2012
11:10 pm
“I would like to see the Hawks draft a wing defender with a good shooting stroke.”
Jeff Taylor from Vanderbilt seems to be that guy. I have a bad feeling he won’t last until 23. Those guys beat Kentucky in the SEC championship game which is no small feat.
High-sider
June 7th, 2012
11:11 pm
Celtics’ fans look and sound stupid with their chant “Let’s Go Celtics!” while their team is getting the doors blown off their asses. LMAO
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
11:11 pm
doc, he[45-15-5] put up Wilt like numbers [50-15-6] 1964! Whew…..
doc
June 7th, 2012
11:12 pm
aj you can go low on saturday at the us open but if you dont finish it off in round four it doesnt matter. the only thing that will matter right now is if he wins the trophy. oscar robertson, wilt and elgin baylor are similar examples of greatness that didnt win until late but none had the gall to say he was the king and let their play determine who they were.
doc
June 7th, 2012
11:13 pm
thing is i think queen has a 60 in his pocket and everyone knows it. he has to do just that every night in the playoffs.
SteveW
June 7th, 2012
11:15 pm
Well I think Saturday nite will be war with the Heat – Boston. Doc played it smart, and rested Pierce and Garnett, while Spoelestra let LeBron play 45 minutes and DWade 38.
Doc lost the battle to try and win the war. Who knows? These old Celts may want the privilege of winning on Miami’s home court.
But hats off to LeBron – he played like the best player since Micheal tonite. Sorry Kobe – but I still want Kobe in crunch time.
Rufus1
June 7th, 2012
11:16 pm
Wroten maybe the the Josh Smith of this draft…. 6′6, with a 6′9 wing span an NBA body, NBA athlete and PG skills.
At worst, he could be an ELITE defender(Tony Allen)… at Best, he could be a STAR…. at #23, I am willing to take a chance.
SteveW
June 7th, 2012
11:17 pm
H-S – I wonder if Josh thinks that chant is stupid?
Meaning he may want to play there with buddy Rondo.
Melvin
June 7th, 2012
11:18 pm
Pierce should have stayed in Miami tonight.
SteveW
June 7th, 2012
11:19 pm
If Philly amnesty’s Brand, that will change alot in the East – especially if they spend that 17.1 mill wisely.
SteveW
June 7th, 2012
11:21 pm
And the young Thunder are sitting at home relaxing…
Buddy Grizzard
June 7th, 2012
11:22 pm
A star? Wroten makes Stacey Augmon and Josh Childress look like Ray Allen.
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
11:32 pm
Paul forgot to T-bow? Hahahahah
High-sider
June 7th, 2012
11:33 pm
@Slimjr
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
9:52 pm
HS, when you play with a special player like that and he is in a zone, you’ll stand around and watch something wonderful happening before your very eyes! LOL..
—————————————————————————–
Then why don’t his [LBJ's] teammates grab a seat and get their popcorn ready like me? LOL
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
11:34 pm
MID-Range post, doc he owned it tonight!
Rusty
June 7th, 2012
11:41 pm
The stupid thing LD did was not to leave JT & the rest of the team in to play more minutes this was the playoffs,they have the whole off season to rest.LDlost the Boston series for the hawks.
Slimjr
June 7th, 2012
11:42 pm
Hey Paul why would you say he cant hold me after you hit that 3 the other night? Ya big dope!
High-sider
June 7th, 2012
11:46 pm
Buddy Grizzard
June 7th, 2012
11:22 pm
A star? Wroten makes Stacey Augmon and Josh Childress look like Ray Allen.
——————————————————-
Rick Sund [still] has an affinity for the Pacific Northwest as well as players from that area or who played in that area. He [Sund] re-signed Marvin Williams from Bremerton, WA, signed Jamal Crawford from Seattle, WA, and signed Vladimir Radmanovic who played for the Seattle Supersonics. From all these posts, it sounds like Sund has an interest in Tony Wroten, Jr., from Renton, WA.
Rufus1
June 7th, 2012
11:49 pm
“Wroten makes Stacey Augmon and Josh Childress look like Ray”- Buddy
Those players were drafted in the top 10… I am talking about the 23rd pick.
Any player we select at that point will have issues, I want the player with the issues that can be corrected…Shooting can be corrected.
Wroten is a penetrating, pass first guard who get to the line a lot…. We need that more than another shooter…. But I wouldn’t complain if we drafted Jeff Taylor, Nicholson, Royce White or Moultrie…. I hate FAB MELO
PS. Darius Miller will be just as good as Jeff Taylor.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Tony-Wroten-5250/
High-sider
June 7th, 2012
11:59 pm
@SteveW
SteveW
June 7th, 2012
11:17 pm
H-S – I wonder if Josh thinks that chant is stupid?
Meaning he may want to play there with buddy Rondo.
————————————————————
I think Josh Smith is better off staying in Atlanta. I mean, hell, where else can the guy [Josh Smith] go and take all the stupid, bad and/or ill-advised shots [that] he wants without repercussions and consequences other than Charlotte, Washington and New Orleans?
Message to Josh Smith: You betta come on in, man [sic].
Rusty
June 8th, 2012
12:00 am
Rufus what the hell do you smoke.
Rufus1
June 8th, 2012
12:06 am
@Rusty ????… LIFE
Wroten has as much physical talent as Josh Smith had when he came out and the same issues…. We drafted Josh 18th.
You take a risk on a player with his kind of physical talent.
High-sider
June 8th, 2012
12:11 am
Bloggers on here want and are interested in the understudy [Tony Wroten, Jr.] but yet, they, the bloggers, are quick to dismiss the guide and director [Jamal Crawford] to the understudy. What’s up with that? [SMH]
Rufus1
June 8th, 2012
12:17 am
The Book on Jamal is written(and many of us don’t like it)… Wroten is in his 1st chapter and his story has many possibilities.
High-sider
June 8th, 2012
12:28 am
@doc
doc
June 7th, 2012
11:13 pm
thing is i think queen has a 60 in his pocket and everyone knows it. he has to do just that every night in the playoffs.
———————————————————————————————————
LBJ tries to get his teammates involved so, if he’s [LBJ] “off” in a particular game, someone else “can pick up the slack.”
High-sider
June 8th, 2012
12:42 am
@Rufus1
Rufus1
June 8th, 2012
12:17 am
The Book on Jamal is written(and many of us don’t like it)… Wroten is in his 1st chapter and his story has many possibilities.
————————————————————————————————————-
The so-called “Book on Jamal” is not finished. Trust me; I’m still writing it [the Book on Jamal]. The saga continues. You’ll see. [LOL]
UNC 2012 NBA [potential] Draft busts:
Kendall Marshall [most likely]
Tyler Zeller [very likely]
Harrison Barnes [likely]
John Henson [very likely]
Grandad
June 8th, 2012
12:51 am
Observations:
From a day of watching, listening, reading, and studying,
as many prospects as my feeble mind can tolerate in one day.
1. Tony Wroten is perhaps the worst shooter
I`ve ever seen at this level.
I`m not saying his shot is not fixable & he`s only 19 yrs old.
But; phewee that was pure ugly.
2. *** Scoop *** Thomas Robinson;
only measured 6-8 3/4 with shoes !
3. Royce White who has been diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder
* [It is manifested by his fear of flying]
Did a remarkable job with his interviews today.
Many scouts were concerned or noting
that his draft status might be contingent
upon how he handled the interview process.
R.W. – will most likely measure at around 6-7;
between 265 -280 lbs.
Were it baseball he would be a 5 tool player:
Score, shoot (both inside & out), rebound, pass, defend.
4. Arnett Moultrie – Did not show up ? //// “Bad move on his part”
5. Damian Lillard – shot the lights out //// However; most are saying;
” he`s not a pg ” //// comparison = Jet Terry
6. Scott Machado:
who is one of my guys, looked Great in point guard drills;
especially the defensive drills;
That`s where scouts had the most questions …
That`s all for tonite … More tomorrow.
G-dad
concerning S.M.`s ability to defend at the next level.
Grandad
June 8th, 2012
12:55 am
Not real sure how I did that ?
* That`s where scouts had the most questions …
concerning S.M.`s ability to defend at the next level.
However this ^^^^^above^^^^^ is how it should have been.
Grandad
June 8th, 2012
1:49 am
Hey Guys: ~~~ Sorry if this is 0ld News
This rumor has legs …
The Hawks are engaged in talks for Rudy Gay.
Rudy Gay to Atl. … maybe ?
* [remember, Memphis is trying to clear salary]
Also, the Hawks are trying to move up to the # 18 pick.
* [Minnesota] … has the 18th pick
____________________________________________
Most of Yawl know me:
I will propose trades & I love scouting;
However,
I rarely if ever drop a rumor.
note – legit source
High-sider
June 8th, 2012
2:08 am
@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.
—————————————————————————————————
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.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
June 8th, 2012
2:27 am
Hey Joe Johnson
Superstars make a name for themselves in the post season
northcyde
June 8th, 2012
2:58 am
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.
EmirS.
June 8th, 2012
4:29 am
I have read a few reports of Toronto trying to acquire Nash and Rudy Gay. I hope not….Nash wont win anything in Toronto.
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.
However, while doing so I have managed to find out that Charlotte, Toronto (as stated earlier), and Golden State are all interested in acquiring Rudy Gay. If the rumor is indeed true…would it be smart of the Grizz getting the number 2 pick from the Bobcats and giving them Gay?
And just throwing this out there AGAIN:
What would you guys say to us getting Kris Humphries?
brigadierjerry
June 8th, 2012
5:47 am
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.
Just Joe
June 8th, 2012
5:49 am
Grandad….to add to speculation, if Hawks want to get to 18, is it because they know Orlando will likely be looking PG with 19? Marquis Teague or a slipping Kendall Marshall?
A Josh Smith for Rudy Gay swap? You know that would be a best-case scenario for Memphis. Save $, but maintain their talent level. Hawks take on some $, but at less than they expect Josh to re-sign for.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
June 8th, 2012
6:17 am
Rudy Gay??
He makes 18 mill a year.
Pretty sure DBASKG isn’t getting him
Just Joe
June 8th, 2012
6:48 am
Gay makes $16.5, $17.9, and $19.3. Under contract one year short of Joe and Al.
Bravesfan79
June 8th, 2012
7:56 am
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.
KevinM
June 8th, 2012
9:25 am
“BIG DOG
June 7th, 2012
5:59 pm
Andre Drummond is the building block for the Bobcats.
MJ can’t miss this one.”
BD, I don’t think Jordan rolls the dice, but he might be the next Bynum whom the Lakers got as a risk at 10. Good teams can take chances like that though, and good teams have resources to teach these guys.
If MJ picks Robinson, more duplication at the PF slot, the easiest spot to fill in the league.
I love Gilchrist, but I don’t see him as a go-to guy. He’s missing a scorer’s jumper that Harrison Barnes has. I would go Barnes at 2 for the star power if I can’t move a bad contract.
Buddy, Jeff Taylor and Darius Miller are milimeters apart. They both do the same things, but Taylor looks more polished, so there he is in the 1st round.
I think in order to get points on the board, we have to bring in the best scorer. So who do you see as the best scorer around 23? That’s a lot of slots to make us for. I like what I saw from Buford at the combine yesterday as he has the length. I am also high on my UK guys, Teague and Lamb, at that slot. Lamb is a quiet assassin and when you look up, he’s got 15 on the board. Plus, like Chalmers, he can run the point for a few spot minutes when he comes in the league.
Frankly, the Hawks are going to have to count on cheap labor to fill this roster. 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. It might be a complete wasted effort based on our management circumstances.
And I do this this franchise is still for sale and I can’t wait for the ASG to find anyone to put some fire in this franchise.
KevinM
June 8th, 2012
9:26 am
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?
KevinM
June 8th, 2012
9:59 am
After last night in Boston, I think the Celtics will find a way to win ANOTHER Game 7. I don’t know how it’s possible, but they will be focused to stun the Heat.
I don’t see LeBron getting in a comfort zone in Game 7.
Those ESPN commercials with Pierce and Durant are just amazing to think that they are that close to coming to fruition.
Oh yeah, another day of NBA rookie workouts in Chicago today. I think Day 1 is a better way to show off these guys. Measurements don’t really expose a lot.
Did anyone ever see a Hawks rep at the combine yesterday or were they just invisible like they are as a contender?
O'Brien
June 8th, 2012
10:10 am
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.
KevinM
June 8th, 2012
10:17 am
The Celtics dry board message after Game 6:
12:30 FLT – Pack for a week
That’s how a championship team plans, not these 1 year, maybe I’ll come back approaches.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 8th, 2012
10:49 am
“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.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 8th, 2012
10:53 am
Amnestying an expiring player makes no sense unless Philly has pinpointed an upper echelon free agent they are really confident will sign with them this summer. I don’t know who that would be though. D-Will ain’t going there, I have a hard time seeing Ray Allen or KG not taking a pay cut to stay in Boston, and I haven’t heard Steve Nash or Eric Gordon connected with them.
Buddy Grizzard
June 8th, 2012
11:45 am
“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)
Dawg
June 8th, 2012
12:07 pm
What can we as fans expect from the draft? We know that Larry does not ever want to develop a rookie, it takes too long with such a short contract.
We know that Sund is too cheap to want a rookie. He will probably trade down to get a cheaper alternative.
We have the cheapest and worst coaching. We have the cheapest and worst management and we have the poorest and most stupid ownership group in the NBA. I thought Stern was suppose to not allow such enept wonership.
darrell starks
June 8th, 2012
12:33 pm
Buddy Gizzard, Why would the Hawks want Chris Humphries ? Josh, Horford, Ivan is enough PF on this team.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
June 8th, 2012
12:41 pm
Hawks need not make any moves, keep this team attach and draft Melo with #23 pick.
People are undervaluing this guy, the best low post defender in this draft behind Anthony Davis, if the Hawks miss out on this like they do almost every year come draft day this will be a big disappiontment.
Melo A legit center fall in your lap at #23 will be a long path of dum drafting from this organization.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KevinM
June 8th, 2012
12:45 pm
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.
darrell starks
June 8th, 2012
12:48 pm
Hawks need make a strong move for free agent Gerald Green.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Grandad
June 8th, 2012
12:48 pm
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]
darrell starks
June 8th, 2012
12:50 pm
STARTER TEAGUE, JOE, JOSH, HORFORD, ZAZA
BENCH PARGO, GERALD GREEN, MARVIN, IVAN, MELO
RESERVE GREEN, TMAC, COLLINS
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KevinM
June 8th, 2012
12:58 pm
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.
KevinM
June 8th, 2012
1:03 pm
“darrell starks
June 8th, 2012
12:41 pm
Hawks need not make any moves, keep this team attach and draft Melo with #23 pick.”
Yeah, but darrell, we’re still playing 4 on 5 when we have the ball. And have you seen Melo defend in a man-2-man? We need a guy that can help on both ends of the floor…..one dimensional guys belong in the 2nd round.
Isn’t this supposed to be a deep draft?
Ray
June 8th, 2012
1:05 pm
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?
O'Brien
June 8th, 2012
1:10 pm
Grandad,
Given the ASG’s tight budget, I have a hard time seeing them trade Josh and his $13.2 mil salary for Rudy Gay and his $16 mil salary, while still playing Marvin $8.2 mil.
KevinM,
I would take Kris Humphries over Elton Brand, and he will probably cost $6-$8 mil less. But I’m with Najeh. 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).
darrell starks
June 8th, 2012
1:11 pm
Grandad, Rudy Gay might be on his way play for Bobcats for the 2# pick.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
June 8th, 2012
1:19 pm
KevinM, The Hawks have a talent team but no superstars, when your build like this team you continue to think defense and rebound is the most important thing Hawks need be focus on, Melo will change this team into defense mind team finally giving the Hawks a legit 7′0 who defend the paint and rebound making the Hawks a transition team with Josh and Teague be able to run the floor and score easy basket.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!
ryan
June 8th, 2012
1:24 pm
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 .
ryan
June 8th, 2012
1:26 pm
I do like idea of Fab Melo but will Hawks make the pick just don’t trust the Hawks to do the right thing with history in there drafts .
KevinM
June 8th, 2012
1:40 pm
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.
KevinM
June 8th, 2012
1:47 pm
OB, perhaps SteveW has a point with Draymond Green. If the guy can be a SF, and I hear he is passionate about rebounding, then I think this could be a fit here if he’s there at 23. He has good SF size and I think he can be a tough guy for us willing to take the ball to the rim.
drmaryb.(*_*).
June 8th, 2012
1:47 pm
Follow me on Twitter @drmaryeb
Gery Woelfel @GeryWoelfel
I’m hearing Tom Penn is legit GM candidate for Orlando.
Retweeted by John Hollinger
drmaryb.(*_*).
June 8th, 2012
1:48 pm
And with the 23rd pick of The NBA Draft … The Atlanta Hawks select:
Adam Keefe! (Arrrggghhh …)
darrell starks
June 8th, 2012
1:52 pm
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!!!!!!!!!!!!
donte080
June 8th, 2012
1:52 pm
re; “The book on Jamal isn’t finished” (High-sider)
Sorry bro, but the 32 year old Jamal is coming off the worst year of his career….I know you have some weird love infatuation for the guy, but he’s on that slow downward spiral…..he had a couple of fine years here, and I wish him well, but overall one would have to classify his career as erratic overall….
KevinM
June 8th, 2012
1:55 pm
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?
KevinM
June 8th, 2012
1:56 pm
DMB, do you know what Grunfeld said when Sund agreed to trade Hinrich?
‘Sucker’!
Grandad
June 8th, 2012
1:59 pm
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
darrell starks
June 8th, 2012
2:00 pm
Syracuse started out 21 – 0 Why because of Melo defense.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!
KevinM
June 8th, 2012
2:01 pm
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.
darrell starks
June 8th, 2012
2:15 pm
KevinM, Hawks need a legit 7′0 to play in the paint, 12 years since the Hawks have had a legit 7′0, how many times are Hawks are going draft GUYS between 6′4 and 6′10.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
cp
June 8th, 2012
2:17 pm
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.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 8th, 2012
2:27 pm
“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.”
More importantly, it means his latest big booty Kardashian lookalike girlfriend will be sitting courtside.
cp
June 8th, 2012
2:29 pm
well let me try and post the measurements again
http://www.nbadraft.net/2012-nba-combine-measurements
Najeh Davenpoop
June 8th, 2012
2:29 pm
I am not doing cartwheels over a possible Josh for Rudy Gay trade, but they could do worse. At least Gay fills a position of weakness, isn’t declining, and doesn’t cause defensive problems like Gasol would.
Of course, if you think Hawks jersey sales are low now, wait until Gay joins the team.
Grandad
June 8th, 2012
2:31 pm
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.
SteveW
June 8th, 2012
2:53 pm
Grandad – I wonder if Josh, Marvin, and #23, 43, and maybe 1 or both 2nd picks (not your 1st rounder) gets you Rudy Gay and #18 in that 3 way trade?
Then they draft Meyers Leonard at #18 – some have him still being there at that spot.
SteveW
June 8th, 2012
2:54 pm
Then your squad is:
ZaZa/Leonard
Al/Ivan
Gay
JJ
Teague
I could live with that team.
SteveW
June 8th, 2012
2:56 pm
That team would be more balanced maybe than the team we currently have – and would still be young and athletic.
SteveW
June 8th, 2012
3:03 pm
Well here’s some good news on the FA PG front – Chicago is (probably) not picking up the option on CJ Watson.
Good backup PG for Teague.
Buddy Grizzard
June 8th, 2012
3:17 pm
“Given the ASG’s tight budget, I have a hard time seeing them trade Josh and his $13.2 mil salary for Rudy Gay and his $16 mil salary, while still playing Marvin $8.2 mil.” – O’Brien
Agreed. Marvin would have to go.
“DMB, do you know what Grunfeld said when Sund agreed to trade Hinrich?
‘Sucker’!” – KevinM
Worked out great for Washington because Bibby agreed to a buyout and sacrificed his last season’s salary. Wizards were 28th in 3-point shooting and John Wall wants the team to draft a 2 guard so JC2 not working out so good. Jury out on Singleton. On the Hawks end, without Bibby gone, the Hawks lose to Orlando last year. This year, if Drew had played Hinrich in the 4th quarter of Game 3 instead of Pargo, the Hawks might still be playing. So it’s hard to judge how well the trade worked out for the Hawks because Drew played a scrub instead of Hinrich when it counted most.
“Then they draft Meyers Leonard at #18 – some have him still being there at that spot.” – SteveW
Won’t be there at 18
Dawg
June 8th, 2012
3:21 pm
Are the Hawks represented at the Combines? Can they afford the plane tickets? Who is there for the Hawks (our part time, semi retired GM)? What positions are the Hawks looking for in the draft? What is their strategy?
I wish some one would ask these questions.
tyger
June 8th, 2012
3:40 pm
Hawks quickest path to success…
PG, Damian Lillard, Weber State, shines at NBA combine
http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/221446/Lillard_Generates_Biggest_Buzz_In_Combine_Drills
Astro Joe
June 8th, 2012
3:40 pm
So what first round draft mistake has Sund and his staff made with the Hawks?
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
June 8th, 2012
4:10 pm
Hawks don’t care about the draft. They are probably going to draft Melo and cut him just like they did Keith Benson. Then sell their second round pick for cash or draft a European that will never play for them.
SAME OLE HAWKS
terrell
June 8th, 2012
4:40 pm
Hey Northcyde, those pre draft workouts didnt expose Marvin too much did they? Anybody can look good in a predraft workout. They’ll get exposed when they go up against the best, just like Marvin did, and continues to be. Btw only a dumba.. or a BK would draft a guy 2nd overall who couldnt even start on his coleege team. smmfgdh
terrell
June 8th, 2012
4:41 pm
Correction:
A dumba.., a BK, or a Woody.
terrell
June 8th, 2012
4:43 pm
Have we sold 1 of our picks yet? Counting the days.
terrell
June 8th, 2012
4:46 pm
Damien Lillard Shines at combine? Please. Teague will eat his lunch $. PG AND CENTER ARE NOT THE PROBLEM. I repeat, PG AND CENTER ARE NOT THE PROBLEM. SF is.
Michael Cunningham
June 8th, 2012
4:51 pm
new blog posted. shutting down this thread.