Atlanta Hawks: What about Dwight?
Almost immediately after Hawks GM Danny Ferry took what were most definitely not half measures the speculation turned to whether it’s all just a prelude to a trade for Dwight Howard.
All of the usual dots have been connected: Howard wants out of Orlando, Howard is from Atlanta, and he’s boys with Josh Smith. But the one blank I have yet to see filled in is a desire by Howard to play for his hometown franchise over the long term.
In fact, the only thing I’ve ever heard is the opposite. Howard used to regularly attend Dream games at Phillips Arena during summers. Witnesses tell me that Howard would tell anyone who would listen that Philips is supposed to be his house but “they don’t know how to act.” And by “they” he of course means the team’s owners and management.
And then there were Howard’s comments during the 2011 playoffs, when he said he hates losing, “especially to the Hawks.” Asked to elaborate, Howard, annoyed by the question, snapped: “Come on. You know the answer to that.”
The answer is that Howard, like his pal Smith, doesn’t view the Hawks as a serious franchise. Or at least he didn’t back then. Obviously Danny Ferry is trying to change the perception of the Hawks, so maybe Howard (and/or Smith) changes his mind.
There’s been no word that’s happened so far, though. Howard still wants a trade to the Nets, who now are in no hurry to move him.
The Magic and Hawks had trade discussions over the past week involving Howard and I’m sure they are ongoing. But I don’t think Ferry is willing to trade Al Horford and the four years remaining on his reasonable contract for one year of Howard and all the associated drama.
The Hawks had serious trade discussions with Orlando for Howard back in December, the early days of the Dwightmare. Atlanta apparently was willing to make the deal without an assurance that Howard would even opt-in for next season. Horford was the main piece in that proposed deal.
But I don’t see the Hawks as being willing to trade for Howard without a long-term commitment now. That’s especially true if Orlando, as reported, is looking to unload one of its bad contracts as part of any deal for Howard.
The Hawks clearly would do that if Howard declares he’ll sign an extension here. Until that happens I doubt Howard will have a homecoming.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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1,008 comments Add your comment
chuck
July 4th, 2012
12:13 am
Howard is a loser and we don’t need him. We need to keep Horford, trade Josh for whatever we can get for him because he plays the same position as Horford and trust that Ferry will do a much better job of rebuilding the roster than the last clowns that wasted all those draft picks.
Joshua
July 4th, 2012
12:36 am
If DH does NOT sign any extension (I don’t think he will either), and we can land him and CP in free agency, the Hawks will be the envy of the league. The Heat will pale in comparison. The Hawks would be virtually unbeatable.
Melvin
July 4th, 2012
12:38 am
Just watch some highlights of John Jenkins. He may be a better player than I thought. He’s more than a spot up shooter although he’s a jump shooter first.
SteveW
July 4th, 2012
12:40 am
Slim – Oh I like Matt Ryan as a QB – but he doesn’t even come close to owning this town. He needs to win a couple of playoff games at least, and have 2 or 3 late comeback wins per year to get that kind of buzz.
Not there yet. May never be there. But seems like a nice enough guy, and a pretty decent QB. He’s got another level to break thru.
Julio Jones, if healthy, will own that team for the next 10 years.
SteveW
July 4th, 2012
12:43 am
Julio Jones has Top 10-20 receiver of all time written all over him. Maybe breaking the Top 10 if he stays healthy.
Now that was a good trade – a bunch of picks for a stud.
Gotta do it again with the Hawks in my opinion.
Ray
July 4th, 2012
12:44 am
I think that the Hawks are in bad need of a true Center in order to make a run, where we get one from that’s another story we didn’t get one in the draft and I don’t believe Howard would be the answer as He with the team in Orlando didn’t make it with all they had, but a true center is needed for Atl to make a run
SteveW
July 4th, 2012
12:49 am
Eric Gordon to sign with the Suns – Hornets to match the offer – but they may do a S/T with the Suns rather than just letting him walk, or making him play where he doesn’t want to.
And Reggie Evans for a far distant 2nd round pick? And he plays for the vet min. last season? I guess I’m just missing something – I think he’s worth more than that.
Buddy Grizzard
July 4th, 2012
12:50 am
Astro Joe, the player’s union takes Dwight’s business to the media but Dwight is the bad guy?
SteveW
July 4th, 2012
12:51 am
Melvin – Not to cause a riot on this blog – but did not Jenkins remind you of Jamal with his crazy shot making ability? Smallish looking, kinda quick, and runs around on the perimeter like a point sometimes, and launches a stupid shot that is nothing but net.
He looks smaller than his measurables.
SteveW
July 4th, 2012
12:54 am
If we miss on Dwight, I sure hope we get Al Jefferson next summer – because I do agree with Ray – looks to me like we need a C. Al is just an All Star, All NBA tweener.
Hibberts liable to hurt him again. Be interesting to see how Al rehabs, and what parts of his game and physical attributes he works on after the Olympics.
ntrigue
July 4th, 2012
1:08 am
Im for trading Al and Devin harris and even throw in a 1st round pick for Howard…But dont trade Teague!
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 4th, 2012
1:12 am
O’Bie!
“But I am starting to think I would prefer the Hawks trade for somebody this year.”
___________
Ahaaa … is my boy coming around to the dark side? lol … As a woman, I can truthfully say, “It’s NOW or NEVER” for these hawks and, this org.
All these next year people, are just skurred to play on the BIG Stage where the HIgh Rollers live. They NEVER win & for some reason, they wonder why?
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 4th, 2012
1:26 am
The Bottom Line Is!
Even Lamar Odom, with wife in tow didn’t want to play for Dallas and Mark Cuban, who had ALL that money some people on here like to talk about. And, Dallas was the reigning Champion.
You see, that tells you … once you’ve won rings AND made some scratch the focus shifts towards what makes you happy. The UFA without the rings, depending on how much money they’ve made, will not choose the Hawks over many other teams except maybe Toronto, GSW or Sac-Town.
These players come to Phillips and, THEY SEE the home crowds boo the Hawks and cheer the Celtics, Bulls and Lakers.
Who in their right mind would wanna play here, besides Joe Johnson? Josh is already looking across the fence. Mr. Ferry has a small opportunity to change that perception IF he can bring Dwight in here and convince him to sign. Next year should never be part of this conversation. The Hawks have not earned that luxury, not even close.
You guys that say the head coach should know his personnel? Well, you fans should also know your team and organization’s perceptions league wise, as well. Get Real!
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 4th, 2012
1:34 am
IF
If we can get D12 in here and, MVT is the hold up? I will personally pick his little azz up and drop him off at the Greyhound Station. Slim-juice, Jr said, it leaves every hour on the hour. Jeff would be on the next thing smoking.
LMBAO at some of my cohorts, on here. Yawl ain’t tryna win nothing, yawl tryna fall in love with your Stocks and T-Bills. yawl do know Markets crash when you sleep – right? High Risk Takers WIN BIG!
Meidzo
July 4th, 2012
1:39 am
The Nets just provided the blueprint for getting D12. When they signed Williams everyone knew he wanted to go home to Dallas. What a risk, stupid trade….they said. In the end familiarity combined with the fact that the TEAM that he is playing on can pay a guy 23 million dollars a year more than anyone else in the NBA. D12 would be home and winning, even without CP3….and the extra 23 million will be impossible to turn down!
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
July 4th, 2012
2:39 am
Don’t trade nothing for Dwight Howard. If he really wants to be here he will sign when he becomes a free agent.
Tim
July 4th, 2012
3:05 am
Trade hard-working Horford for Howard? Howard comes with an attitude that the Hawks don’t need.
BDC4life
July 4th, 2012
3:36 am
Dwight Howard would be a great addition to the team but Ferry may be doing a little distraction tactic. Pau Gasol is up for trade talks as well. He is a force in the paint with a great short range game. Dont forget the other key to basketball….movement. He moves with and without the ball. All of that and we could pick him up cheaper than Howard. Think about it!
vava74
July 4th, 2012
5:50 am
Offer an opt out clause after the second year to both Howard and Josh.
That would bring the two together whilst giving them flexibility to move out if their stay in ATL did not work out for them.
This would give us 3 years of Josh and Howard.
vava74
July 4th, 2012
5:52 am
And to think that just a few months ago the blog’s topic was T-S trolling about Thabeet or Leuer…
Way to go Danny!
tjhook
July 4th, 2012
5:55 am
I like the idea of Grant Hill coming here as a free agent. Could be a great mentor for Smoove. How to maintain a body that has freakish ability. Hill is the refined version of Josh Smith. I would consider signing Hill and not pushing for a Dwight Howard trade until the season starts. We could see how the frontcourt functions as Smoove/Horford/Hill and Pachulia. That actually looks pretty good to me on the defensive end. Hill has the aggression we wanted from Marvin . . . and Harris may have the aggressive we want from a point guard.
vava74
July 4th, 2012
6:24 am
A single good reason to trade Josh to LAL is the following:
D12 would follow him – almost certainly – and that would take him out of our conference.
If we can’t get D12, we should focus in keeping him out of our way.
It’s bad enough to have the new Lebron ahead of us for the next few years.
Wabe
July 4th, 2012
7:25 am
Article on yahoo sports suggests that the Magic are most interested in acquiring Andrew Bynum of the Lakers.
Woj doesn’t even list the Hawks as one of the teams that the Magic are really having discussions with at this point. He did mention that Orlando doesn’t seem very interested in the NJ deal, claiming that they don’t wanna pay max dollars to Brook Lopez and aren’t all that interested in Humphries. He also mentioned the Rockets just don’t have the peices or the package to really attract Orlando’s attention. He did mention another team, but not by name, saying that Orlando seemed interested in the centerpeice that they had to offer. Maybe Atlanta? Maybe not.
At the end of the day, unless Howard’s willing to sign an extension, I’ll pass.
Chris Murphy
July 4th, 2012
7:38 am
Unless Howard grows up and matures, he’ll never win an NBA championship. Although superstar driven, the NBA still plays basketball, a team sport- and Dwight has a habit of throwing his teammates under the bus. His teammates end up playing more with resentment than inspiration.
Also, in today’s NBA, a force at center will not win you the ring- especially when that force can’t knock down 75+% free throws. He’s no Bill Walton, not even a Shaq, doesn’t compare to Wilt (maybe, the older Wilt), couldn’t see Akeem on the court, Unseld would have beat him up, Cowens would have run around him. Let the Lakers trade their head case (Bynum) for Orlando’s (Howard). One scary scenario would be if Dwight screwed his head on straight and went to the Clippers.
Ferry’s done some great addition by subtraction. I’m anxious to see how he pieces the rest of roster together, and who he sees as good fits to play with each other.
newkid
July 4th, 2012
7:40 am
Wow, what a change in the ‘fortunes’ of the Hawks over the past couple weeks. But this hasn’t really been about fortune, has it? It has been about VISION and EXECUTION, and several additional ‘all caps’ strung between those two extremities.
The vision must have begun with Ferry some months back convincingly describing to several members of the ASG his vision for re-making the Hawks into realistic and perennial O’Brien trophy candidates. For a number of reasons, some probably quite obvious, the Spirit bought the vision and brought Ferry on board, albeit with a basket of Ferry stipulations likely unlike anything to which the Spirit owners had been subject in any aspect of their past basketball or non-basketball business affairs; but stipulations that Ferry knew all too well to be essential if he were to have even a Powerball lottery’s chance of realizing his vision.
Then came opportunity. Well, it didn’t just come, some of it started when the Nets decided to make a big splash just across the East River beginning with the autumn of 2012; some of it started with D12 opting in – rather than out – for the ‘11/’12 season, but some of this opportunity also was likely ‘created’ by Ferry. With the pedigree and skillsets acquired over his time on the court and in the executive suites in San Antonio and Cleveland, Ferry – with vision firmly in mind – appears to understand quite well when to think, when to talk and when to be quiet, when to act and at what pace, and what to act on and what to monitor. He appears to have a keen appreciation for the dynamic circumstances surrounding those with whom he must negotiate to either collect assets or to whom he must distribute assetsin preparation for attracting assets that are more important to the creation of his vision. Apparently his colleagues at other venues accord him sufficient respect to afford him entre’. Hopefully he’ll return that collegial respect by avoiding spiking the ball. Oh, and let’s don’t discount the longer-term implications of Ferry’s recent hire of an assistant GM from his years in Cleveland (MC, what happens to Pendergrast under this scenario? More importantly, please tell us that this move means a complete overhaul of the Hawks incompetent talent evaluation staff of the past decade.).
And so here we are less than three weeks into witnessing the execution of the strategy that will give rise to the ‘Ferry vision’ and already (quite understandably) smitten by the potential fairy tail (pun intended) ending (hopefully ‘endings’). And after having only caught the first glimpse of the vision and potential endings, one is demonstrably more frustrated with the lack of same under the Chump’s (i.e., Sund) regime. Okay, maybe I too should avoid spiking the ball, but at least BK had a vision (faulty though it may have been) and had modest success at executing the related strategy.
Finally, the ASG has been remarkably quiet over the past several weeks. Let’s hope that execution of the Ferry strategy and realization of the vision entails much less of the sight and sound of these minions until the presentation of the 1st O’Brien trophy, and then only cameos at subsequent such presentations.
Let’s all enjoy the ride, which I understand to necessarily mean full-throated opinions (some even wacky) regarding each minor and not so minor step in the execution of the strategy leading to the Ferry vision.
Hats off to a Duke guy (a difficult utterance for those of us who bleed Carolina blue).
Lil'Ray
July 4th, 2012
8:13 am
I see someone stole my handle again SMH just letting people know that I didn’t post on page 13 if you see that handle.
Matter of fact changing mine to Lil’Ray or something.
Melvin
July 4th, 2012
8:15 am
Hmmm, here’s scenario that hasn’t been mention that would block any sign and trade deal with Dwight going to the Nets. How about Lopez doesn’t want to play for the Magic. Remember he would have to agree to a S&T deal….LOL
“Nets center Brook Lopez loves Disney World. But he does not want to play in Orlando.”
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/nets/lopez_wants_to_be_center_of_brooklyn_T8kICRU74i7ZXQuVYaVa9N?%20utm_medium=rss&utm_content=Nets
Lil'Ray(formerly Ray)
July 4th, 2012
8:16 am
@ Chris Murphy
Honestly look at The Big 3 down in MIA are they mature? If you say they are well I got some land I can sell to you out in Logansville, GA for only 400 dollars.
Point is Lebron James is the most immature prick on the planet as bad as Dwight might seem to be right now no way I elevate him over Lebron ever.
Lil'Ray(formerly Ray)
July 4th, 2012
8:33 am
Yeah the Nets are out of the Dwight Howard sweeps.
I mean 5 years for D-will at $100 mil and then Joe at 4 years 89 mil left on his contract. Plus Wallace at $40 mil for 4 years come on they can’t be serious contenders for Dwight anymore.
Old Man Peabody
July 4th, 2012
8:37 am
Hawks need a coach ASAP, hell even the Big 3 in MIA didn’t start respecting Coach Spo until game 6 of the Celtics series, I can see Drew trying to draw up a play for the winning shoot and the superstars just walking off laughing at him. Plus, since Joe is gone, who in the hell is gonna be the clutch shooter now with the game on the line this yr.
Adios Corps
July 4th, 2012
8:37 am
we have a center his name is Petro.
Lil'Ray(formerly Ray)
July 4th, 2012
8:39 am
@ Adios Corps
…………………………………I’m going to pretend you’re kidding with that statement.
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 4th, 2012
8:44 am
vava74!
“And to think that just a few months ago the blog’s topic was T-S trolling about Thabeet or Leuer…”
___________
ha ha ha … vava-va-VOOM! I know right? Ihad to take a break from my ID being hi-jacked and, give my scrolling finger time to heal. With all this excitement going on, the little resident Alien get’s NO attention these days. I love it!
richbrave
July 4th, 2012
8:53 am
We want FARMAR, we want FARMAR. And so goes the chant here in D.C. How about it HAWKS fans?
Astro Joe
July 4th, 2012
8:56 am
Buddy, I never said that Howard was a “bad guy”. I’m not complaining that the report was leaked, I’m complaining that there was something to leak. I said that something isn’t quite right about him. Why did he go to the union suggesting that he was strong armed?
Like Big Ray said last night, dude clearly doesn’t know what HE wants to do. He’s been as indecisive as an 8-year old in a candy store with a dollar. That doesn’t make you “bad” but it does suggest that you may need to be handled differently.
Deron never showed such behavior and had 18 months with the Nets. He no doubt is interested in the team’s move to Brooklyn and all of the pomp & circumstance associated with their new arena. Deron and CP3 come across as mature, serious-minded leaders. Dwight’s persona (one which I have personally enjoyed) is more kid-like. I agreed with one of doc’s comments last night, Josh seems a little more grown-up than Dwight. Some on this board have said “LD does better with fewer choices”. I think the same could be said of the much, much younger Dwight Howard.
Orlando wanted to protect their interest and that is why they insisted that if Dwight really wanted to stay in Orlando through the end of last season, that he opt-in to his contract. After having first hand knowledge of how he operates, they felt they needed to make sure he didn’t change his mind in June and left them with an old pair of sneakers and a cape to remember him.
And consider this, Josh isn’t trying to convince Howard to accept a trade to the Hawks… a player can’t block a trade (Orlando could trade him to Charlotte and D12 would have no say in the matter). Josh is trying to convince his buddy, best friend and bosom pal to sign an extension. If Josh can’t make that happen, I’m not trading Horford, Teague and draft picks to prolong the recruitment of this man-child.
Too much risk.
richbrave
July 4th, 2012
8:57 am
Shout out to BIG RAY, DOC and DRMARYB.
Looks like with the movement of ISO JOE, the return of multitudes of kith and kaboodle have improved the HAWKS.
richbrave
July 4th, 2012
8:58 am
Does anyone know how ken strickland is doing?
richbrave
July 4th, 2012
8:59 am
See you folks down in the HOTLANTA starting friday – EAST COAST baseball tournament.
richbrave
July 4th, 2012
9:00 am
Oops, feed-bag time. Time to chow down. Later.
Astro Joe
July 4th, 2012
9:01 am
vava, why do we need Dwight out of the conference… we could just keep Jason Collins on the roster.
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 4th, 2012
9:04 am
Fast & Furious!
Sekou Smith @SekouSmithNBA
Report: Suns, Gordon Agree On Deal
_______
This FA season is moving fast and furious, cohorts. Hang On!
Disgusted
July 4th, 2012
9:04 am
If I remember right I think that Dwight got shut down because of a bad back at the end of the yr and had surgery.
For the cost it would take to get him, too much of a red flag, not to mention the diva drama.
Be careful what you wish for. We might be better off holding on to Teague and Horford till we see this guy is healthy.
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 4th, 2012
9:08 am
Astro Joe!
I wuz wondering the exact same thing! haha … you ate your Wheaties this morning? It’s gonna be a long day. That Sekou article i retweeted just now is filled with errors, but you get the points, I think re: Erice Gordon and the max-offer he just got from The Suns. 4 years @ 58M, hmmm … IDK if MJ will match that number in three days, what do you think?
Lil'Ray(formerly Ray)
July 4th, 2012
9:11 am
@ DMB
It’s not going to happen Hornets will match the offer sheet so don’t worry abotu Gordon.
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 4th, 2012
9:11 am
Wassup richbrave?
how the hella you doing? Is your grand-son in town for sum baseball shenanigans? Ken Strickland is around, I saw him on here yesterday. i miss you – my love.
Lil'Ray(formerly Ray)
July 4th, 2012
9:11 am
about*
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 4th, 2012
9:14 am
Lil’Ray(formerly Ray)
Yeah, I think he will match that too. Kinda reminds me of us and Josh with the Memphis offer. Hmmm … Hornets coming up now. Im glad for MJ.
Lil'Ray(formerly Ray)
July 4th, 2012
9:15 am
I think Ferry is going to play it safe with the Dwight Howard situation cause if Dwight is traded to L.A forced to play out that season and then bolt for god knows where that’s the Hawks Primetime opportunity to strike.
Plus getting Dwight here might mean Josh Stays with or without CP3, but I wouldn’t look at the CP3 thing dead in the water yet.
Astro Joe
July 4th, 2012
9:15 am
I guess Brooklyn isn’t done yet.
http://www.sheridanhoops.com/2012/07/04/day-3-of-free-agency-complications-in-nets-pursuit-of-howard/
The Clippers should trade for Humphries. Lamar Odom and Humphries on the same team? In LA? Oh my… they could make a few billion dollars selling the rights to that reality show.
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 4th, 2012
9:16 am
http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2012/07/04/report-suns-gordon-agree-on-deal/