Atlanta Hawks: NBA draft open thread
Update: The Hawks selected Vanderbilt junior guard John Jenkins with the No. 23 overall pick. The Hawks had two workout sessions at Philips Arena with Jenkins, who was the top perimeter shooter in NCAA Division I last season.
Update: The Hawks selected Virginia forward Mike Scott with the No. 43 overall pick.
There has seemed to be a subtle shift in comments by Hawks folks since Danny Ferry came on board.
Before there was lots of talk about possibly selecting a player who could join the rotation right away. Now there seemed to be more of a focus on drafting the best talent, regardless of that player’s immediate readiness.
“The ‘best player’ scenario probably fits us the best right now,” Hawks assistant manager Dave Pendergraft said.
That’s not to suggest that the Hawks weren’t considering a long-term prospect before (and, really, most of the players available late in the first round fit that bill). It’s just that Ferry and co-owner Bruce Levenson both have stressed long-term player development and so it follows that’s the organization’s message.
Ferry was still getting his legs when he talked to media Monday and so didn’t have a lot to say about his draft strategy. The team’s PR staff hasn’t made him available for interviews since then. Ferry did talk to the team’s Web site today and addressed the possibility of making a trade.
“Will something happen? I’m not sure that it will, and we will probably be picking 23,” Ferry said. “There is still a long time before we have to pick so we’ll see what happens.”
Ferry said there is a lot of trade talk centered on draft picks in general but said: “We are not going to make a trade just to make a trade.”
“We’ll be a part of some of those talks,” Ferry said. “Maybe we can add a piece or do something.”
Both Pendergraft and Larry Drew said there haven’t been any issues with Ferry joining the staff so late in the process.
“He’s been following all of the draft stuff and he knows these guys really well,” Drew said. “Our format in which we do things, it’s been pretty much the same that it’s been. These guys that have been at the forefront of the draft, Rick [Sund], Dave, our scouts–it’s been, to me, a very smooth transition thus far. Everybody is giving their opinions and thoughts and everyone is trying obviously to find the best player available for us at that pick.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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1,051 comments Add your comment
Slimjr
June 28th, 2012
10:03 pm
Even the old man gets buckets[pepsi commercial]!
PJ3? How could we pass on him?
tjhook
June 28th, 2012
10:04 pm
I like this pick for the following reasons:
Danny Ferry has committed to the core and said the team is good enough to contend NOW. I agree.
Jenkins knows what a good shot looks like SO that means Josh Smith won’t be lurking around the perimeter trying to get a shot because Joe, Jeff and John Jenkins will be there.
Finally, it looks like there may be a vacancy at power forward unless Marvin is bench bound. By the way, I want the Hawks to get a penetrating three or combo forward (Al Thornton maybe)
Ra'mon
June 28th, 2012
10:04 pm
Brian, you must be the ignorant one. The Hawks didn’t sign Crawford they traded scraps for him. Vladimir is a better shooter than Jenkins and cheaper. So your point is minimal in terms of building a GOOD team.
Just Joe
June 28th, 2012
10:04 pm
Jenkins can flat out shoot, but we took him probably ten picks too soon.
Hawks saw Jenkins and Lamb twice and obviously thought Jenkins was the better shooter.
tjhook
June 28th, 2012
10:04 pm
I meant small forward
BIG DOG
June 28th, 2012
10:04 pm
This has to be and LD pick no way did Danny do this, i told you guys this clown has no clue as a coach.
Jeffery Taylor the best wing defender left on the board and you just drafted another Daequan Cook, I BE DAM.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Buddy Grizzard
June 28th, 2012
10:04 pm
“he replaces kirk…”
He replaces Kirk?
HE REPLACES KIRK??????
JENKINS CANT GUARD ANNNNNYYYYYBOOOODDDYYYY
O'Brien
June 28th, 2012
10:05 pm
I can hear LD now after one of our losses next season. “Just because you are open does not mean you have to shoot it”.
Brian
June 28th, 2012
10:05 pm
GTBob is a old bitter man, UGA insider wishes he was as close as he says he is, The dude Dawgin Lex or whatever his name is is like Lex Luger, Dead. Tide Roll is obviously lonely thats why he stalks UGA blogs, should I go on?
TMACfan
June 28th, 2012
10:05 pm
@Luke Cage
Explain how Wroten is overrated?
He was asked to play a different role at Washington than his true skill set. That’’s why his assist/TO isn’t too great.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 28th, 2012
10:05 pm
Sekou Smith @SekouSmithNBA
Hawks coach Larry Drew on John Jenkins: “You can never have enough shooters.” … or bigs, shot blockers, rebounders, etc.
Expand
Reply Retweet Favorite
Dan Reeves 13 years ago on Reggie Kelly: “You can never have enough tight ends.”
Marcus
June 28th, 2012
10:05 pm
where is that smilie with the wrinkled mouth thingie to express …. wonderment/confusion/disillusionment?
*sigh* Well, we have pick 43 and FA to look forward to …
tjhook
June 28th, 2012
10:05 pm
I do hope Danny Ferry does explain why the team didn’t trade down. It seems we could have waited later.
Buddy Grizzard
June 28th, 2012
10:05 pm
This is on Danny Ferry. He has a 6-year contract. LD has a one year contract. This pick was about the future of this organization. We just found out that the future of this organization is a lot like the present.
jeppz23
June 28th, 2012
10:05 pm
Calm down, people..there will still be a big available at the #43 pick. Plus we need somebody that can take the scoring pressure off JJ..jenkins fills that.
THE DUDE CAN SCORE.
Astro Joe
June 28th, 2012
10:06 pm
Like I said a few weeks ago, I don’t know these guys because I don’t watch much college ball. Do we need a deadeye shooter on the squad? Yes. So we filled a needed skill. Tall isn’t a skill.
The Real cp
June 28th, 2012
10:06 pm
Well the Pacers just made a bigger wtf pick. Teague, Miller, PJ, Moultrie, Wroten all on the board and they take Jenkins. smdh I hope the Hawks are trading back up in the first round.
richy
June 28th, 2012
10:06 pm
The Hawks dont have enough leadership or good enough coaching to draft players like PJ3.
Rev in Tampa
June 28th, 2012
10:06 pm
I bet Heat take Teague
High-sider
June 28th, 2012
10:07 pm
Yeah, how’s that new Hawks GM Danny Ferry lookin’ right [about] now – not too good, huh? That idiot (Ferry) doesn’t know how to assemble a team. Look at his track record with the Cavs. Over 90% of the credit should go LBJ for those (winning) Cavs teams during the ’00’s (2,000’s). Another freakin’ jump shooter. (SMH)
I should’ve known. After all, John Jenkins’ first and last name does start with the letter “J.”
Now the Hawks have or recently had Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Al Joel Horford, Kirk James Hinrich, John Jenkins, Jamal Crawford, Jordan Crawford, Josh Childress, Jason Collier, Jeremy Richardson, Jon Barry, Joe Smith, Josh Powell, etc.
Please feel free to add to the “J” list. (smh)
“J” as in jump shot. (SMH)
Matt305
June 28th, 2012
10:07 pm
This is like getting socks and underware for your birthday
GT Alum
June 28th, 2012
10:07 pm
Wonder if they’re thinking they’ll get Festus in the 2nd.
Marcus
June 28th, 2012
10:07 pm
LOL @ Najeh …
We should have read the tea leaves when LD’s quotes after Jenkins 1st workout …
Brian
June 28th, 2012
10:07 pm
PJ3 has a leg injury, you all have no clue
prison mike
June 28th, 2012
10:07 pm
NOTHING LIKE JENKINS STANS THAT ARE BORN ON THIS DATE, UGH.
Just Joe
June 28th, 2012
10:07 pm
Jenkins hit 43% of his 3’s while taking 8.7 per game. He is considered an elite shooter. He hit 54% of his 2 pt attempts, and shot 83% from the line.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 28th, 2012
10:08 pm
Trade!
jeppz23
June 28th, 2012
10:08 pm
What bigs will be available when we pick 43?
Section 303
June 28th, 2012
10:08 pm
Here is the Jenkins highlight film. The music sucks, but looks like the kid can shoot the ball.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9ftSBtSLP0
Sautee
June 28th, 2012
10:08 pm
High-Sider,
Are you running away from answering the question? You gave me a link, and said look at your comment after my 10:21 post. Your next post was to O’Brien responding to JC1 info, and NOT anything to do with Danny Ferry. The OTHER post you point me to does not exist. You said it was at 12:01 am on 6/28/12, but there’s no post there.
So I ask again about this quote:
“GM Ferry will move a good player with some attitude issues like Josh Smith but will look to keep an overrated, mediocre player like Kirk Hinrich.” – High-Sider
What are you basing this accusation on?
Najeh Davenpoop
June 28th, 2012
10:08 pm
(Not a Hawks trade.)
Astro Joe
June 28th, 2012
10:08 pm
We don’t have ANY shooters.
what the ?
June 28th, 2012
10:08 pm
Unbelievable. If we would have moved up one measly spot, we could have taken Melo, shipped Josh out and moved Al to his natural PF position.
The more things change, the more they stay the same…
Rob
June 28th, 2012
10:08 pm
I agree Astron Joe, Tall is not a skill. We just have to take a wait and see approach. The Hawks are not done yet, but I hope lil Teague doesnt go to Miami, but he wont cuz they got Norris Cole
Slimjr
June 28th, 2012
10:09 pm
Larry: shoot the jumper. Shoot it!
42-70 Larry Greyhound is ready for your azz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
richy
June 28th, 2012
10:09 pm
Cant expect to sign an executive a week before the draft and expect him to work a miracle. Cmon ppl. He aint Jesus. Heres to hoping he trades smith.
Wabe
June 28th, 2012
10:09 pm
what is the point of even staying up to watch the 43rd pick…
by the time that comes around, asg will either have 3 million in their pockets, the dude will be in europe for the rest of his life, or he’ll be cut (ie – Benson)…
Najeh Davenpoop
June 28th, 2012
10:09 pm
Moultrie is not going to the Heat. Trade.
Spud
June 28th, 2012
10:09 pm
Can you say dynasty!!!
The Real cp
June 28th, 2012
10:09 pm
Moultrie is a good pick by the Heat
Brian
June 28th, 2012
10:09 pm
Davenpoop is S**t just like his name says
Ra'mon
June 28th, 2012
10:09 pm
Guys, I’m finished ranting. I’m going to give Jenkins a chance, because he can open down shots, and this will stop teams from doubling JJ and Josh so often when they dribble. I just hope he is a better defender than Bibby. That is the question.
The Real cp
June 28th, 2012
10:10 pm
Where is he going?
BIG DOG
June 28th, 2012
10:10 pm
12 Years and counting with no true center on this team, another year for Collins and Dampier at backup center. SMH
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
tjhook
June 28th, 2012
10:10 pm
just watched the video of Arnett Moultrie from Miss. St. . . maybe we should have considered him. He looks like a player
TMACfan
June 28th, 2012
10:11 pm
WHY DID WE DRAFT ANOTHER KYLE KORVER?!
Najeh Davenpoop
June 28th, 2012
10:11 pm
chadfordinsider has the details about the Moultrie trade.
Woj has the details on OKC’s pick. The rich potentially get richer.
leon
June 28th, 2012
10:11 pm
It is amazing that alot of guys on this board are never satisfied. Who are you guys Chez Micheals Michaels?
jeppz23
June 28th, 2012
10:11 pm
This jenkins pick will pan out over the long run, yall will see.
High-sider
June 28th, 2012
10:11 pm
Buddy Grizzard
June 28th, 2012
10:04 pm
“he replaces kirk…”
He replaces Kirk?
HE REPLACES KIRK??????
JENKINS CANT GUARD ANNNNNYYYYYBOOOODDDYYYY
—————————————————————————
Neither can Kirk [Hinrich]. Please spare me of Hinrich’s Game 3 fluke defensive effort vs. Rajon Rondo against the Celtics in the 2012 playoffs.