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
Astro Joe
July 3rd, 2012
1:14 pm
cp, no he will sign an extension because his best friend asks him to. Why go to Brooklyn for all of that off-the-court marketing money when he could come home and be a novelty (not a champion, but a novelty) with his buddy. Maybe they can recruit Tone-Tone and Willie Ray from their old AAU team to join as well.
MsDee
July 3rd, 2012
1:14 pm
OH, and how do u know CP3 is looking for a home here in Da A??
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 3rd, 2012
1:14 pm
Back it Down!
D12 had a very minor back surgery for a bulging disc. They just went in there with a scope and cleaned out sum debris. Outpatient procedure and D12 was in the LA Strip Clubs seven days later.
That was more about not playing for SVG as anything else.
______________
Astro Joe!
Your question was pretty narrow: “So does anyone think that Howard, Smith and X will beat the Heat in a 7 game series… considering that Howard can’t be on the floor at the end of lcose games (at least not when the Hawks have the ball)?”
_____________
You never mentioned surrounding talent nor, defense. Besides The Heat will NOT repeat next year, they NEVER do, when former pieces are moved and, injuries creep. Im not worried about The Heat today. Just my Hawks.
mountain_jim
July 3rd, 2012
1:14 pm
You folks begging for Ferry to trade all that for a rental based on nothing but hope that Dwight would stay long term are delusional.
I have confidence in Ferry having more sense than that.
Grandad
July 3rd, 2012
1:15 pm
MsDee ~~~>~~~>Co-Sign
If Dwight and or Josh really wish to compete for a Championship;
why not wait & sign as you said which would allow …
more and better players.
Seems selfish to wish away Al & Teaguer just for 1 yr of ? what ?
Plus what about Al:
Is Josh throwing his teammate of five yrs under the bus;
by recruiting Dwight ? … Is that loyal ?
This does not sound like Mr Ferry.
Having Josh recruit Dwight at the risk of creating a chasm
between Al and Josh were this grand scheme
[not] come to fruition !
ryan
July 3rd, 2012
1:15 pm
If we get Howard or not its been fun although Orlando does want Horford more than Lopez so we do have the better to deal than Nets so we beat them again just like we did last year .
northcyde
July 3rd, 2012
1:16 pm
Then again . . . the Nets could also trade Teletovic to the Magic, along with Wallace, Brooks, Lopez and fillers, and clear enough room to offer vet minimum contracts to more known guys. Yeah, they’d have to do this, if they took back Turkoglu.
doc
July 3rd, 2012
1:16 pm
dmb, i think my spelling increased ten fold when i am not using my iphone.
as far as using it? it doesnt allow me to post any longer. i think some of y’all had it blocked. maybe gm jeje and dawgnole or maybe even slimj got tired of it and gave me the boot with it?
Remidtown
July 3rd, 2012
1:16 pm
I don’t know if D12 would sign an extension in Atlanta or not, but the general line of thinking is that he wasn’t interested before because of the poor management and ownership. Maybe that thinking has changed? Maybe, Danny Ferry can change D12’s mind like he has reportedly changed Josh’s?
None of us know for sure but that’s the idea anyway. IF D12’s hangup on Atlanta was the management/ownership, maybe that perception can be altered by the new GM making legitimate moves that prove they are serious about building a champion.
Slimjr
July 3rd, 2012
1:17 pm
Ferry is playing Chess and he’s looking 3 and 4 moves ahead…
Guess what he’s not: DELUSIONAL
Gas up the Limo, we’re coming for ya D12!
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 3rd, 2012
1:17 pm
Ms. Dee
“OH, and how do u know CP3 is looking for a home here in Da A??”
___________
Word on The Street. Also, CP3 added The ATL to his wish list before being traded to the Clipps last trade deadline. He should have been here all along – right? lol
HAWKS
July 3rd, 2012
1:17 pm
HAWKS HAVE TRADED HORFORD,TEAGUE, AND TWO FIRST ROUND PICKS FOR HOWARD!!!!!!
jk
doc
July 3rd, 2012
1:17 pm
MC you slowing down bro? what no new news to report in the last 12 hours?
Slimjr
July 3rd, 2012
1:19 pm
HAWKS
July 3rd, 2012
1:17 pm
“HAWKS HAVE TRADED HORFORD,TEAGUE, AND TWO FIRST ROUND PICKS FOR HOWARD!!!!!!”
PROOF? LINKS?
BIG DOG
July 3rd, 2012
1:20 pm
MsDee – That was one of the rumors for while now, that CP3 had been searching for house in ATL.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
HAWKS
July 3rd, 2012
1:20 pm
CALM DOWN i said jk (just kidding)
The Real cp
July 3rd, 2012
1:21 pm
lol@Astro yea that has to be it. He will sign an extension because ask’s him very nicely too. And I guess since CP3 is shopping for a home in Atlanta means he wants to play here too. I guess all the other athletes who stay in Atlanta but dont want to play here dont know any better.
The Real cp
July 3rd, 2012
1:21 pm
I meant since Josh is asking him so nicely too.
done
July 3rd, 2012
1:22 pm
Is it too late draft Chris Paul instead of Marvin?
northcyde
July 3rd, 2012
1:22 pm
Here’s a question, how many national TV games will the Hawks get this year?
Slimjr
July 3rd, 2012
1:22 pm
darn it….lol
Grandad
July 3rd, 2012
1:23 pm
Mary Ellen
‘`D12 had a very minor back surgery for a bulging disc.
They just went in there with a scope and cleaned out sum debris.
Outpatient procedure
and D12 was in the LA Strip Clubs seven days later.`’
So – Dwight Howard [Did] Quit on his teammates last yr.
-and-
even if [as you say] it was because of SVG;
I`m reckoning he collected his paychecks.
Yawl need to ask Jameer Nelson for an opinion about DH as a teammate.
Remidtown
July 3rd, 2012
1:23 pm
I heard Marc Stein on the radio this morning saying that Orlando wasn’t even in the trade mindset yet and that any trade involving D12 wouldn’t happen for a while. Obviously, things can change, but I wouldn’t expect Howard to be traded today or anytime soon.
HAWKS
July 3rd, 2012
1:24 pm
NOOOO!
Magic focusing on Lakers C Andrew Bynum “as top target” in potential Dwight Howard trade, Y! Sports reporting.
hawks_4_life
July 3rd, 2012
1:24 pm
Why trade for Howard when we can wait and get him next year without risking him not committing?
Slimjr
July 3rd, 2012
1:25 pm
Hey doc, I never tire of your input Sir! [right hand Salute]..
St. Bernard
July 3rd, 2012
1:25 pm
I wouldn’t mind seeing if Brandon Roy is healthy.
Michael Cunningham
July 3rd, 2012
1:26 pm
@doc: “MC you slowing down bro? what no new news to report in the last 12 hours?”
slacking for sure.
Remidtown
July 3rd, 2012
1:26 pm
@MC…Is it accurate to assume that since none of these deals can be official until July 11 that we won’t get any quote or comments from Ferry until then? Also, what is your take on them making additional major moves. Are they content to wait until next summer or are they trying to do additional trades?? Your thoughts?
jay
July 3rd, 2012
1:27 pm
I think what some of you are missing is that even if Howard doesn’t sign an extentsion his only way to max out his money under the bird rules is to sign and trade with the team that he plays for. So if the Hawks rent him they will still have leverage in the trade market if he wants to go to another team. Love Horford, but he ain’t no Howard. Make it happen Ferry!
ryan
July 3rd, 2012
1:28 pm
Looks like the Nets are out may come to Horford or Bynum if that’s the case we not getting him .
aytunstoppable
July 3rd, 2012
1:28 pm
why do you guys want dwight so bad? let his cry baby ass stay right where he is.
Rob
July 3rd, 2012
1:28 pm
Whoever sign’s Dwight Howard to his next contract should have a clause that fines him for missed free throws. It is amazing how a professional basketball player can’t even shoot 75% from the line!
HAWKS
July 3rd, 2012
1:28 pm
Just imagine if we didnt get howard……we would kinda suck
Ra'mon
July 3rd, 2012
1:29 pm
AJ, with the shooters that I’m sure Ferry would get to go along with D12, Josh, and preferably CP3, yes the Hawks could beat the Heat in a 7 game series. The reason is simple, Wade isn’t going to last 3-4 more seasons at the level that he is at. Battier can guard David West, Brandon Bass, and Ibaka. But he can’t guard Josh.
You said you preferred Bynum. But the problem with Bynum is, while he is a better back to the basket player, he has games where he only produces 6-8 rebounds. He will go out tonight have 24 rebounds, and then tomorrow and have 6. Dwight gives you 12+ almost on a nightly basis, no matter if he’s scoring at a high clip or not. Also, how Lebron found in Wade, CP3 would be the best player Dwight ever played with. Josh and Dwight are way better than Griffin and Jordan. So you can only imagine the impact CP3 would have on their games. CP3 would eat Chalmers up, the way Westbrook did the last two games, but he would do it in a smarter way by drawing fouls. Battier and Miller aren’t getting younger. And Scott’s game is very close to Haslem (as Ivan is as well). It will definitely be a battle. But I do believe without question, that team is better than Chicago, and anything they’re doing in Boston Retirement Home.
Slimjr
July 3rd, 2012
1:29 pm
Brando Roy has two knees with no cartilage between the bones[ how can he still play]? And what GM worth their salt would sign him up?
HAWKS
July 3rd, 2012
1:30 pm
If we dont get howard, smith will leave then….aww god
1.teague
2.Jenkins
3.FA
4.Horford
5.FA
Slimjr
July 3rd, 2012
1:30 pm
[Brandon]^^^^
O'Brien
July 3rd, 2012
1:33 pm
If the Hawks trade for Dwight, we would have to give up Horford, Teague and 3 first round picks (imo), since we don’t have room to take any bad contracts.
With Howard coming off back surgery, and his diva attitude, I wouldn’t do that deal. I would rather keep the salary cap space and either sign him next year outright, or go after some other high profile guys (like CP3, Harden, Bynum).
And for those concerned about Harden getting a max contract, I think it will be along the lines of 4 years, $60 mil (similar to what Eric Gordon will get this year. I would take him at that price.
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 3rd, 2012
1:33 pm
A Dirty Bird!
Dekalb County July 2, 2012 @ 1:21PM
_______________
Police: Tried repeatedly to awake Jamal Anderson before DUI arrest
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
http://www.ajc.com/multimedia/dynamic/01408/531106_web_jamalan_1408010l.jpg
Police tried several times to awaken Jamal Anderson the night the former Falcons running back was charged with DUI, and eventually had to go through the sunroof to get into the SUV he was driving, according to an incident report obtained Monday.
Special Jamal Anderson was arrested Sunday morning and charged with not driving the minimum speed and DUI in DeKalb.
Related
Attorney: Jamal Anderson wasn’t drunk
Anderson, 39, was pulled over around 4 a.m. June 24 on Chamblee-Tucker Road near I-85 in DeKalb County. Police said his 2008 black Cadillac Escalade was stopped in the middle lane of the road, impeding traffic.
A DeKalb police officer pulled up behind Anderson’s SUV and “observed the traffic light at the intersection turn green several times, but the vehicle did not move,” according to the report.
The officer said the SUV’s windows were rolled up and Anderson was asleep at the wheel.
“I tapped on Mr. Anderson’s window several times in an attempt to wake him up. Mr. Anderson did not wake up,” according to the report.
The officer said he was unable to open the car door and summoned backup. The two officers used their cars to block the Escalade from rolling, and “I then reached into Mr. Anderson’s vehicle through his open sunroof and unlocked his vehicle.”
After putting the Escalade in park, turning off the ignition and removing the keys, the officer said he tapped Anderson several times and he still did not wake up. Anderson finally awoke, the report said, but not until he had been handcuffed.
Anderson denied he had been drinking but said he’d been having family problems, according to the report. The officer said he noticed “a very strong odor of an alcoholic beverage” and that Anderson was sweating profusely and his eyes were bloodshot, according to the report.
“Mr. Anderson’s speech was slurred and he stumbled getting out of his car,” the officer wrote.
After giving Anderson a field sobriety test, the officer charged him with DUI. He said Anderson refused to take a breathalyzer test.
Anderson’s attorneys told the AJC last week that Anderson was not drunk but just extremely tired after a visit with his family.
“It appears that Mr. Anderson was tired after a long day of travel, spending time with his children, and visiting with out-of-town friends,” attorneys Michael Hawkins and Parag Shah said in an emailed statement. “He was not, however, driving under the influence of alcohol.”
“He was polite and cooperative with the police, even agreeing to submit to roadside balancing tests despite his injured knees,” his attorneys said.
Anderson was booked into the DeKalb County jail and was released later Sunday morning after posting $1,500 bond. His attorneys said he would plead “not guilty” if the charges are filed in court.
Anderson, a seventh-round pick for the Falcons in the 1994 draft, played eight seasons with the team before a career-ending knee injury. The Pro Bowl running back was a fan favorite, known for his “Dirty Bird” endzone dance.
“Jamal is deeply saddened by this incident and apologizes to his family, friends, and fans for this distraction,” his attorneys said.
_________________________
Really Jamal?
The Entertainment Reporter -drmaryeb-
BIG DOG
July 3rd, 2012
1:33 pm
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=6ub4kwn
This the trade that would get D12 here plus 2 1st round.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
ryan
July 3rd, 2012
1:34 pm
Bynum does get hurt lot when healthy is real good i still think we got a good shot at Howard if we can get him long term .
Dr. Don
July 3rd, 2012
1:34 pm
Forget Howard! Don’t want his immaturity and drama queen like attitude. What’s he won lately? Can do better with slightly less talented player(s) who have the right attitude. He’s a pampered baby. Forget him.
Smeer516
July 3rd, 2012
1:35 pm
lol. So ready to risk trading two of our top three players for a guy who might bolt after the season. Unless there was a guarantee he would stay wait until the end of the season and he could sign without us giving up anything. If its not there. We can make a move for CP3 then. Who knows something else might pop up by then.
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 3rd, 2012
1:35 pm
Slim-Juice,Jr
“Brando Roy has two knees with no cartilage between the bones[ how can he still play]? And what GM worth their salt would sign him up?”
_______________
Answer: None.
HAWKS
July 3rd, 2012
1:35 pm
Do you guys want this?!?!
1.teague
2.Jenkins
3.FA
4.Horford
5.FA
Grandad
July 3rd, 2012
1:37 pm
I, along with many, many others have referred to LBJ as an Ass-Clown.
Logic demands:
Dwight Howard is Ass-Clown II.
Just `cause he`s from Atl. don`t mean he gets a pass.
-corollary-
Just like JD Drew with the Braves, he was a Ga boy;
*[Hahira, nonetheless]
still, it could not cover up the fact – JDD was a dick.
jay
July 3rd, 2012
1:37 pm
Two best players? Teague is good, but he just got bumped down the depth chart with the arrival of Harris. Horford is also good, but we are talking about the best center in the game. You have to give to get.
BIG DOG
July 3rd, 2012
1:37 pm
ESPN radio just reported Nets are no longer in the run for D12.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
MattP
July 3rd, 2012
1:38 pm
HAWKS,
Smith is not a FA this summer, meaning the Hawks have time to trade him.