Atlanta Hawks: Prospect focus: Baylor’s Quincy Miller
Baylor forward Quincy Miller is the highest-rated draft prospect who’s scheduled to work out for the Hawks, according to DraftExpress.com. He’d probably be ranked higher if not for the torn left ACL he suffered in December 2010.
David Aldridge reports the knee is a major concern for teams. He quoted an anonymous Central Division executive as saying: “He needs to spend these couple of months actually working out and rehabbing, and he never did it. He clearly never rehabbed. The atrophy in his leg was incredible. If he gets his leg strength back, he’s Durant-like in his ability to get a shot off. He’s 6-10 and he can snap his shot off with no trouble.”
The Hawks’ medical and basketball people have yet to meet to scrutinize Miller’s medical history in detail. But Miller was said to be moving better during his workout over the weekend than he did during his one season at Baylor.
The Hawks always covet versatile players and they aren’t sure if Miller could play power forward in addition to small forward. Hawks assistant GM Dave Pendergraft:
“That’s a good question. It’s kind of like Rashard Lewis with the Sonics. You didn’t know if he was a three or a four. A lot of that will be answered with the maturation of [Miller's] body. How strong can he get? How quickly can he get strong? And then can his frame carry weight? I would say right now he has to be a three because at the four he would get pushed around like a chess piece. So right now he’d have to keep him as much on the perimeter as much as he can. Now in time can he [get stronger]? Rashard Lewis, I think the most he ever weighed was 238, maybe. But he could bench 320 pounds. He’s an unbelievably strong guy. Now, can Quincy do that some day? Maybe. When you look at ‘Q,’ you look at the upside. How good can he be? And he does have a lot of upside. But right now I would classify him as a 3-4. Maybe somewhere down the line he could be a 4-3. But Rashard Lewis would be the case in point.”
Miller said he’s already gained significant weight since Baylor’s season ended.
“Once I put on a little more muscle I can play four,” he said. “I weigh 220 right now. I want to get up to 235, 240 almost. Somewhere around there.”
Miller said the added weight hasn’t affected his mobility. Hawks coach Larry Drew wonders if there could be diminishing returns:
“I don’t know what a bigger frame will do for him. Will it take anything away from him? Certainly he is going to have to get stronger moving to this next level and playing the position he plays. He certainly has to get stronger. From what I’ve seen of him, his wiry frame, that’s kind of who he is. You can really see the potential of this kid. He’s a good mid-range shooter, very skilled around the basket and he has length. He handles the ball good enough. He’s getting better at it. He’s a talented guy.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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273 comments Add your comment
STRETCH
June 20th, 2012
12:14 am
But on a serious note, Joe Johnson would be a goo fit for them. They need a guy that can give them 15 ppg. Just send Ibaka or Perkins to ATL.
High-sider
June 20th, 2012
12:29 am
“…As much as I like Durant, his relative lack of shot attempts has a lot to do with his own inability to get open against physical defenders, not just Westbrook’s supposed ball-hogging.” – Najeh Davenpoop @11:39pm at 6/19/2012
Maybe, Ibaka needed to have STFU and taken more ESL [English Second Language] classes before he [Ibaka] he said LBJ “wasn’t that good of a defender.” Why give a player like that [LBJ] extra motivation?!
High-sider
June 20th, 2012
12:32 am
^Correction: “…Maybe, Ibaka needed to have STFU and taken more ESL [English Second Language] classes before he [Ibaka]* said LBJ “wasn’t that good of a defender…”
TMACfan
June 20th, 2012
12:33 am
DO WE REALLY WANT ANOTHER POWER FORWARD!?!?!?
Ra'mon
June 20th, 2012
12:45 am
I think tonight showed that Joe is better than Harden, so he’s still the 3rd best SG in the league. But I would still trade Joe for Harden, just because of the contracts if nothing else, lol.
Ra'mon
June 20th, 2012
12:48 am
If the Hawks sign Ray Allen as reported, that would open so many things up on the team.
High-sider
June 20th, 2012
12:54 am
Dwyane Wade with the “Dwayne Wayne” [Kadeem Hardison] eyeglasses on [made famous on the sitcom "A Different World"] while doing an interview on ESPN.
STRETCH
June 20th, 2012
1:03 am
Stephen A. Smith…i didnt really care for this guy, but he made so much sense tonight when he pointed out 3 things:
1. People should NOT fault Westbrook cause he just took over the game because no one eles wanted it. He did everything he could to keep them in the game.
2. James Harden has NOT shown up at all for the NBA Finals.
3. Durant didnt want it and he wasnt the only one on that team that didnt want it. They are not ready.
SuckerFree
June 20th, 2012
1:03 am
Larry Drew is so stupid. I really can’t stand him.
He never knows and all he says is “energy this and that”. No strategy, no in game adjustments, no half time adjustments, no utilization of matchups. No player development, can’t see the potential in his own players etc. etc.
High-sider
June 20th, 2012
1:20 am
“…Why are you blaming Westbrook? Atleast he was stepping up to the challenge. He was taking it to a team that was taking it to his team. The rest of his teamates froze up once again…” – STRETCH @12:01am dated 6/20/2012
In Games 1 – 3 of the 2012 NBA Finals, “Westbrick” is/was 28-68 from the field while Durant, the NBA’s scoring champion for three consecutive years, is/was 35-61 from the field.
If you include Game 4 of the 2012 NBA Finals, “Westbrick” is now currently 48-100 from the field while Durant is 44-80 from the field. “Westbrick” has 20 more shots than the 2012 NBA scoring champ[ion] [in Kevin Durant] through Game 4 of the 2012 NBA Finals. Durant should have more [cumulative] shot attempts than “Westbrick” – hands down. Please verify my [statistical] calculations as I could be incorrect.
http://www.nba.com/playoffs/2012/finals/index.html?ls=st&g=4&t=bs
Najeh Davenpoop
June 20th, 2012
1:38 am
“I think tonight showed that Joe is better than Harden, so he’s still the 3rd best SG in the league. But I would still trade Joe for Harden, just because of the contracts if nothing else, lol.”
I think Joe is marginally better than Harden at this point in their careers, but Harden has been having a little too much fun on South Beach the last few days so we are probably not seeing the best he has to offer.
biggreal
June 20th, 2012
1:40 am
DAM DAM DAM!!!! Do the Hawks believe n 7footer’s. why they keep looking @ 6′ 9 players Josh need to go & bring in some 7′ footers maybe one 6′ 9 that can play the three. what we need is some big man help. meaning 7′ footers…
High-sider
June 20th, 2012
2:10 am
STRETCH
June 20th, 2012
1:03 am
Stephen A. Smith…i didnt really care for this guy, but he made so much sense tonight when he pointed out 3 things:
1. People should NOT fault Westbrook cause he just took over the game because no one eles wanted it. He did everything he could to keep them in the game.
2. James Harden has NOT shown up at all for the NBA Finals.
3. Durant didnt want it and he wasnt the only one on that team that didnt want it. They are not ready.
—————————————————————-
Steven A. Smith is an obnoxious lackey and flunky for ESPN First Take’s Skip Bayless. Smith is the quintessential “flip-flopper” of all “flip-floppers.” At the beginning of the season, Smith picked the Heat to beat the Thunder in the NBA Finals. Then, he switched to the Thunder as the Heat began to fade in the regular season. Then, he switched to the Spurs when San Antonio got “hot” late and won ten straight playoff games. Then, he switched back to the Thunder when the Spurs lost in the WCF. This guy, Smith, is an opportunist and is almost as repugnant as Skip Bayless. If, and when, the Heat win the 2012 NBA Finals with LBJ winning the NBA Finals MVP, he, Smith, will be right back on LBJ’s jock riding with saddle, boots and full horseback gear.
EmirS.
June 20th, 2012
2:24 am
Blaming Westbrook? Seriously?
Westbrook: 20 – 32 with 43 Points
Durant: 9 – 19 with 28 Points
Harden: 2 – 10 with 8 points
So you’re telling me it was Westbrooks fault that he only missed 12 shots out of his attempted 32. While Durant missed 10 out of only 19. You’re also going to tell me that Thabo Sefolosha should be giving the ball up to Durant. As the leader of the Oklahoma City Thunder…Durant needs to DEMAND the ball. Not from Westbrook..but everyone else. You don’t demand the ball from a guy that’s on fire and is helping keep you in the game.
I’m not trying to be biased against Durant. I think he had an overall decent game. Could have had a few more assist, rebounds, and blocks. But when you look at the Heats best player…and his overall contribution….you can’t help but to think what if Durant gave his team what LeBron gave to his.
And what about everyone else on the OKC. Harden? Fisher? Thabo? Someone need’s to step up. Chalmers stepped up for the Heat. Hell even Norris Cole stepped in and drained 8 points in 8 minutes and had the same rebounding total as Durant.
For you guys to sit here at your computers and blame Westbrook for this loss….is an enormous show of ignorance.
High-sider
June 20th, 2012
2:51 am
Do you [bloggers] realize that Durant has scored a total of 9,978 points in his first five NBA seasons with the fifth season being a 66-game, lockout-shortened season? Durant is on pace to score over 10,000 points every five NBA seasons. After his [Durant's] 15th season, Durant, if he keeps this scoring pace up, will have scored over 30,000 points. And you still wonder why I think Durant should take more shots than [the] ball-hoggin’ “Westbrick”? BTW, Durant has a career regular season FG% and FT% of 46.8% (~47%) and 87.8% (~88%), respectively. Dude [Durant] is a pure shooter and a pure scorer.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/duranke01.html
Grandad
June 20th, 2012
3:03 am
Mr High-Sider
I`ve always tried to treat you with respect.
However;
under the circumstances, on this day, you have failed miserably
toward deserving said respect.
Before I begin;
let me say, that if you ever meet me, and face to face,
look me in the eye, then engage in rude behavior;
such as refer to me in any way as a racist or having a racist agenda;
then I will at that time beat your ass.
Now; not knowing your age and figuring you looked up the
Bill Walton stats for your own edification;
I sir watched most of those games, and I can tell you
the entire Celts team entire team was -not- about stats
but rather team 1st and winning.
I never said one derogatory word about Dennis Johnson.
Furthermore;
your a punk and a poser for even mentioning race .
It never enters my mind when discussing basketball players
and their abilities.
It never occurred to me that speaking of Walton & Bird was racist.
I even mentioned that Pistol had -no- impact on the 80`s Celts.
Now we can reinstate our previously courteous and civil discourse.
If you wish.
That`s up to you.
My advice to you sir;
don`t rassle with a hawg, `cause you git all muddy,
and besides the hawg likes it !
Evenin`,
G-dad
High-sider
June 20th, 2012
3:05 am
“…For you guys to sit here at your computers and blame Westbrook for this loss….is an enormous show of ignorance.” – EmirS.
Okay, I won’t blame Westbrook entirely for the OKC Game 4 loss but he, Westbrook, is the starting point guard and should work to get Durant more shots and/or scoring opportunities. The bulk of this OKC Game 4 loss goes the OKC Thunder players [and coaches] not surnamed Durant or Westbrook.
Grandad
June 20th, 2012
3:10 am
My previous post was in response to:
High-sider
June 19th, 2012
9:56 pm
High-sider
June 20th, 2012
3:40 am
@Grandad
Don’t get your “knickers in a knot”; we’re only blogging. What’s up with the pugnacious attitude? Dennis Johnson did average 15.6ppg during that ‘85-’86 regular season for the Celtics. Bill Walton was not on the same level as Dennis Johnson [was] during that season. I personally thought you were, and still are, inflating and embellishing Walton’s contributions in your earlier post. FYI, you commented on my comment in reference to Gearon, Jr., leaving out Dennis Johnson as one of the top/main [five] scoring options for the Celtics in the [mid-]’80’s. Bill Walton was not one of the main scoring options for the Celtics in the [mid-]’80’s. You and I both know this [to be true]. I was old enough to watch and understand those games in the ’80’s also. Please don’t threaten me; that’s beneath you. You should know better than that.
High-sider
June 20th, 2012
3:53 am
@Grandad
FYI, I’m not upset. BTW, it’s mornin’ time.
Grandad
June 20th, 2012
4:23 am
Mr High-Sider sir:
I no longer wear drawers, therefore, no chaffing no bunching.
‘`Grandad, [that's] enough with the pro-white,
revisionist history.
Let’s not disrespect the deceased black [American] slaves`’
—-High-Sider—-
I was responding to the above verbage.
Plus, I did not threaten you;
I merely promised you the outcome
of what would take place in a face to face encounter;
were you to speak to me in such a rude manner.
I do not tolerate rude behavior.
Insinuating that my post today;
which was acurrate, was in any way shaded was rude.
I was never debating your post:
Only bringing to everyone`s attn that Walton was a key member
of the 80`s Celts, particularly the 86 team.
Yes, he was essentially the 6th man as I stated.
I never mentioned DJ.
However, many times in the past I have alluded to
both DJ and Ainge being a pair of combo guards,
neither a true pg nor a traditional [shooting] guard.
But Walton being the 6th man doesn`t in any way
diminish DJ or any of his many skills nor accomplishments;
including the HOF.
Their Coach KC Jones was one of the old Celts I watched
during the Russell era as I was a Celtic fan in the Pre-Hawk days.
By the way KC Jones was a fine gentleman and a great Coach.
I`m quite certain he was delighted to have Walton on his team
as a back-up to ‘`the Chief `’.
Oh yeah, everything I said about Walton was true.
Once again – no threat – shall we maintain civil discourse ?
That most certainly would be my wish.
I hope all is well with you and yours,
G-dad
Grandad
June 20th, 2012
4:28 am
H-S
We old-timers sleep when we can.
Sometimes our body might feel like sleepin`
other times it may not be up to the task.
Just Joe
June 20th, 2012
6:39 am
Hawks could do a lot worse than picking from seniors Draymond Green, Andrew Nicholson, and Jeff Taylor in the first.
I’m not hearing much on Kevin Murphy. If he slips to the Hawks at 43, that’s a big win for us.
Ray
June 20th, 2012
7:27 am
Yet after this Finals Series will be over you guys will be debating who’s fault it is with Game 4’s loss when all 3 times after Game 1. Yes that means Games 2-4 people will remember it as the officials cheating the OKC Thunder.
At the very end of Game 2 is a prime example and a lot of stuff that happened in Game 3. Plus some calls made in Game 4.
I hope there is a astriek next to this season because Miami Heat really get on my nerves.
High-sider
June 20th, 2012
7:38 am
@Ray
“…I hope there is a astriek next to this season because Miami Heat really get on my nerves.” – Ray @7:27am dated 6/20/2012
I hope you put an asterisk next to your “astriek.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asterisk
MsDee
June 20th, 2012
7:57 am
@Najeh
Dang, according to that pic, Harden has some small feet..lol
High-sider
June 20th, 2012
7:58 am
^Correction: “…The bulk of this OKC Game 4 loss goes to* the OKC Thunder players [and coaches] not surnamed Durant or Westbrook.”
Buddy Grizzard
June 20th, 2012
8:30 am
Westbrick shooting 48%? As a guard? That’s fantastic… shoot it every time.
Atticus
June 20th, 2012
8:34 am
Enter your comments here
Atticus
June 20th, 2012
8:35 am
Really? Like who the Hawks draft makes ANY difference at all?? The owners are buffoons and this team will NEVER do anything meaningful while they control it. This blog is irrelevant and I feel sorry for any player that is drafted by these clowns.
Fundamentals
June 20th, 2012
8:48 am
Thunder are showing their youth. I do feel Westbrick took some bad shots late, but everyone else had long dissappeared. At least he tried. Durant didn’t step up. Heat made plays when it matters. Heat in 6.
Now back to drafting our tweener who won’t pan out.
Astro Joe
June 20th, 2012
9:16 am
Harden vs. Joe? Are you kidding me? Let Joe Johnson play next to a 3-time leading scorer who demands constant attention and see what happens. Throw in a PG who is able to get off his shot or drive to the front of the rim at will, and Joe would probably shoot 55% and score 16 points in 20 minutes/game. Harden is an excellent player but he is more like every other SMOY than he is like a guy worthy of being a team’s #1 scoring option on a 2nd round playoff team. And he most definitely benefits from playing next to guys like Durant and Westbrook.
KevinM
June 20th, 2012
9:21 am
I’d rather see Harden with Joe as opposed to replacing Joe.
And throw in Jodie Meeks and bring him in as a cheap alternative to Lou Williams, who we would never be in the running to get.
STRETCH
June 20th, 2012
9:52 am
I would take Harden in a heartbeat playing next to Joe! He was awful last night, but i wonder how would I have done if i had to guard LBJ most of the night.
OKC will be ok, they just needed another scoring option this series. Also, they are probably the youngest team in the NBA and they made it to the NBA Finals. SOmething the Hawks “Core” cant say.
KevinM
June 20th, 2012
10:00 am
Agree STRETCH, and I think OKC needs an inside guy to balance out their offense. You know what Barkley says when you depend on the jumpshooter….you live and die by the jumpshooter.
Our team has tried to play this way as well, with limited success.
Astro Joe
June 20th, 2012
10:19 am
So Mario Chalmers is about to be a 3-time champion. Evidently he won a state title in high school, he hit the game winning shot for Kansas and he just had a huge game last night. The Heat have clearly gotten better performances from their role players (i.e. Battier and Chalmers) than the Thunder.
Ray
June 20th, 2012
10:25 am
@ High-Sider
I didn’t know you were hired by the grammar police?
It was just a typo dude that’s all geez.
THE IMMORTAL...I MUS WRITE
June 20th, 2012
10:32 am
It really doesnt matter who we draft as long as LD is the coach. The inmates run the assylum. Taylor Nichols Melo-They will all be glued to the bench. The guy I want we have no shot at getting…..Michael Kidd Gilchrist-Insert him at SF day one.
I would look at acquiring Ramon Sessions he justed opted out of his deal with the Lakers.
I wonder if we could do a Josh/Marvin for Ibakka/#31 pick
lets face it Marvin is terrible and Ibakka could defend the paint while Al Horford is shooting jumpers -being soft….
Teague,JJ,? Horford,Ibakka
Slimjr
June 20th, 2012
10:39 am
2 rebounds 6′11″ Durant? C’mon man?
Durant has to bulk up..He is very weak..Dude needs a trainer…
Harden should not have put on a uniform last night..He played with Mavins cloak…Just Brutal!
I wish we had Westbrook! His 43 kept OKC from losing by 20……
Very young team..They’ll be back…..
Slimjr
June 20th, 2012
10:40 am
[Marvin's]^^^^^
THE IMMORTAL...I MUS WRITE
June 20th, 2012
10:41 am
Highsider-Durant is my favorite player in the league,he is a natural scorer its what he was put here to do….BUT he needs to find that inner dogg when it matters most. I dont really care about his point production we know he can score You have to carry the team when the going gets tuff….Last night and on sunday Durant and Harden clearly didnt show in the biggest games of their life so far….This is the FINALS….
Dont really like Miami but i have to give Bron Bron and company props they are showing up in a major way.
Grandad why u mad -make peace not war…..CHEERS
Slimjr
June 20th, 2012
10:42 am
AJ, Mario Chalmers is a very cool customer…..lol
Jacobite
June 20th, 2012
10:48 am
Every time Jamal Crawford has been traded, his new team’s defensive numbers have gotten WORSE the first year he was on the team. This is a fact. Make of that what you will, but IMO he’s a big part of the reason.
Defensive Points Allowed
NYK 03-04: 93.6
NYK 04-05: 99.7
GSW: 07-08: 108.8
GSW: 08-09: 112.3
ATL: 08-09: 95.9
ATL: 09-10: 96.9
POR: 10-11: 94.7
POR: 11-12: 97.8
And when Jamal left the Hawks, their scoring defense improved from 95.2 to 92.6
Coincidence? I don’t think so.
KevinM
June 20th, 2012
10:49 am
“THE IMMORTAL…I MUS WRITE”
What would you offer Charlotte to get that 2nd pick? Would MKG be worth that 5 year deal to bring him here? Charlotte is in need of experience because that roster is horrid. A perfect team to work a deal with if you are trying to modify your salary structure/roster.
Slim, you know who KD is don’t you? He is very comparable to Ice-Man Gervin. He is what he is….not sure how much more you can ask of him at this age. He’ll learn and get better at it….look how long it took LeBron to listen about posting up!
AJ, Slim, I wanted Mario Chalmers here last summer…remember how much of a waiting game he had to play to get an offer from the Heat? He could have easily fit here with Teague/Joe….and much better than Hinrich IMO.
THE IMMORTAL...I MUS WRITE
June 20th, 2012
10:49 am
Dont put clusterfu__ in you post the Blog gods will delete your post.
Rusty
June 20th, 2012
10:51 am
Harden can get to the basket anytime he wants to ,joe couldn’t get to the basket following a cop, that is the difference plus harden plays with heart.
howard harlow
June 20th, 2012
10:51 am
IF A BIG IS AVAILABLE MAKES SENSE TO ME GET HIM MELO FROM THE CUSE. NO BRAINER. WE DO NOT NEED ANY MORE MIDDLE SIZERS PLEASE GET THIS YOUNG MAN AND GROOM. MELO FROM SYRACUSE BIG AS YOU GET.
EmirS.
June 20th, 2012
10:52 am
This is surreal.
Now it’s the ref’s giving the games away. Look…In no way am I a Heat fan. I’ve said it before, Hawk blood runs in my veins. Hell…..Atlanta, Georgia blood runs in my veins. But the Heat have been playing some damn good defense this series. To say the OKC are being “cheated” is Ludacris*. As good as OKC is, their youth has been showing numerous times in critical moments. I agree that the Spurs winning would have made for a better Finals showdown. With that being said…that’s not the case…and LeBron’s mouth is starting to water.
This is LeBron’s year, his team, and Game 6** will be his game to win his first ring infront of the Miami home crowd.
* See what I did there?
** I don’t see the Heat wining game 5 in OKC.
Rusty
June 20th, 2012
10:57 am
Grandad the old celts alway rose to the occasion they knew their roles & played with great heart & determination thats what good coaching accomplishes.
Melvin
June 20th, 2012
11:01 am
EmirS,
I guess you didn’t realize that Game 5 is in Miami and Game 6 & 7 are in OKC.
BTW, I think this series is going back to OKC.