Atlanta Hawks: The next step
No, there is nothing new to report on the Hawks and Dwight Howard. As far as I know, nothing has changed since what I wrote two days ago. If I hear anything different, I promise I won’t keep it to myself.
With that out of the way, on to some housekeeping . . . .
Once the trades become official on July 11, and after the Hawks compete an expected buy out of Jordan Farmar, they will have nine players under contract. Draft picks John Jenkins and Mike Scott will make it 11 once they sign their deals. Ivan Johnson will make it 12 if he signs his qualifying offer.
Here are the cap salaries for those 12 players (in millions):
Josh Smith: $13.2
Al Horford: $12.0
Devin Harris: $8.5
Zaza Pachulia: $5.2
Anthony Morrow: $4.0
Johan Petro: $3.5
Jeff Teague: $2.4
Jordan Farmar: $1.5*
John Jenkins: $1.2
Ivan Johnson: $.96+
DeShawn Stevenson: $.852.33^
Jordan Williams: $.76
Mike Scott: $.40
Total: $50.4755.95
*Amount of buyout.
^Cap charge for minimum-salaried veteran with three or more seasons.
(Update: Luke Adams of HoopsRumors.com notes that Chad Ford reports Stevenson’s first-year salary as $2.33 million, not the minimum. And reader Tyler Cromey emailed to point out I left Morrow off the salary list.)
+Amount of qualifying offer extended by Hawks.
According to Larry Coon, the salary-cap level is expected to remain at about $58 million for 2012-13. But that $7.5 2 million or so in cap space is theoretical for the Hawks.
They still would have about $18 million in cap holds because of their free agents. Those holds won’t be released until those players sign a new contract or the Hawks renounce them. Even if the Hawks clear all of those cap holds, they would take a roster charge of $400,000 for having less than 12 players on the roster following Farmar’s buyout.
All of that is a long way of getting to this bottom line: The Hawks can clear up to a maximum of roughly $7.0 1.5 million in cap space. They can then sign free agents using that space and/or the “room” mid-level exception that allows a two-year contract starting at $2.5 million. So that means, theoretically, the Hawks could spend up to about $9.5 8 million on anywhere from two (to get to the roster minimum of 13) to four players (to carry the maximum 15).
(Update: Because their cap space would be less than the amount of their exceptions, the Hawks would be limited to using all or part of the $5 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception; all or part of the $1.96 bi-annual exception; and minimum-salary exceptions to sign from two [to get to the roster minimum of 13] to four [to carry the maximum 15] players.)
(If any of my calculations appear off, blog people, shoot me an email: mcunningham at ajc.com.)
After the Hawks made trades that set them up to have maximum flexibility to make moves in the long term, they still believe they can remain competitive in the short term. It’s not hard to think they can do so with the remaining core of Smith, Horford, Teague, Pachulia plus new additions Morrow and Jenkins.
Once the trades are completed and Farmar is bought out, Atlanta’s depth chart will look something like this (just for example, so please save your outrage if you disagree):
PG: Jeff Teague/Devin Harris
SG: Anthony Morrow/John Jenkins/Devin Harris/DeShawn Stevenson
SF: Josh Smith/Anthony Morrow/DeShawn Stevenson
PF: Josh Smith/Ivan Johnson/Jordan Williams/Mike Scott
C: Al Horford/Zaza Pachulia/Johan Petro
The Hawks could use a starting lineup with Zaza at center and Al and Josh shifting over–Larry Drew said he could envision that alignment even before the trades–but the Hawks clearly need a true wing. They could probably use another center, too, to guard against needing to use Petro or Johnson there for major minutes if Al or Zaza goes down.
I’d expect the Hawks will get serious about free agents once the market shakes out. They’ve expressed interest in Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis but obviously those players will see what the market may bear.
The Celtics already have offered Allen $12 million over two years and he’s set to pick from that offer, the Clippers and the Heat. Lewis says he’s seeking to play for a championship contender.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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583 comments Add your comment
SteveW
July 6th, 2012
9:48 am
Hedo has a 6 mill buyout for next season, so that’s only bad for this season.
And JRich is for 3 seasons, but that guys actually a decent player, or has been a good player. Makes just over mid level money. I could probably live with him making 6 mill + for the next 3 seasons if I got Dwight.
He can play some 3 also.
vava74
July 6th, 2012
9:49 am
Big Ray,
From that article:
“But the Nets did themselves a favor Thursday when it was revealed that the deal Bosnian forward Mirza Teletovic is getting actually will be the non-taxpayer mid-level for three years, $9.7 million — not the taxpayer mid-level for $15.7 million.”
You can be your @ss that Prokhorov is paying Teletovic directly in Bosnia the differential between what the Nets originally said that they would be paying and what they now say…
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 6th, 2012
9:50 am
Thatz THE Realist!
Astro Joe
July 6th, 2012
9:28 am
______
Thatz the truest comment by far today.
steven a smith
July 6th, 2012
9:51 am
We must move Josh Smith Asap. He has great value right now. However, only if you get draft picks in return.
Astro Joe
July 6th, 2012
9:53 am
Steve, I like Jefferson but not with Josh at SF. Trade Horford for Granger and I’d take a front court of Jefferson, Josh and Granger for the future. I’m just not a believer in Josh at SF… not unless we’re getting Dirk at PF (or some other floor spacer from anywhere on the floor). I’m all in for Rudy Gay next year, I just don’t know how we acquire him. I’m not a big Iggy fan, dude averaged less than 13/game last season while making $13M. I’d rather have Mayo at much less of a price.
Big Ray
July 6th, 2012
9:53 am
Wes Unseld played center at 6′7, You have to have the kiss a__ mentality to play in the paint as an undersized Center…..Al doesnt have that dog in him -hence the constant crying about plying PF. heres an idea, Practice post moves instead of shooting Jumpers all summer.
If he is moved for the right peice im all for it-Ive always said I prefer josh over jumpshot AL.
1) Al HAD that dog in him. Ask the Celtics about the 2008 playoffs, first round. Ask the rest of the League what Al was like the first 2-3 years in the League. You didn’t have $hit to say then ….now where he lost that dog at is MY question. Because he doesn’t seem to have it anymore…let’s put an ad out for Al’s lost dog.
2) Funny you mention “jump shooting Al” when Josh is the one with the jumpshot problem. Dude is money, money, money all day slashing to the basket or posting up…just DESTROYING teams…until he gets jumper happy. You know, like he did against Chicago in the playoffs in 2011. He was so good until he started doing that. And he’s not gonna quit. If you talk about Al taking jumpers too much, you gotta include Josh, who destroys his own game with that and leading the break too much. The day he learns to limit the jumpers and to shoot them after teams finally have to collapse on him because he can’t be stopped near the basket…is the day he makes the all-star team. Until then, he can look at “weak-a$$” Al’s accolades and wish he had them, despite his superior talent…
As for picking between the two,
SteveW
July 6th, 2012
9:55 am
Josh will make the All Star team in all probablility this season (if he stays healthy) as maybe the 4th or 5th F in the East – He’s better than Granger, Deng, and Iggy – and Pierce is older now, so his usage may be going down.
Melo, Bosh, and LeBron are the only 3 F’s I see clearly ahead of Josh right now in the East. And some would argue Bosh.
I wouldn’t be surprised if both Al and Josh made it as F’s.
Guys, the perfect storm is erupting. We have Al at 26 and Josh at 27 entering their prime. They will be beasts this season. Watch and see.
Josh will put up numbers that will blow your mind – 5 tool kind of numbers.
Big Ray
July 6th, 2012
9:58 am
It’s always been going to come down to Al vs. Josh. Can’t roll with a 6′9″ center who is better suited to PF. Nobody else is trying that, that doesn’t HAVE to (Miami Heat).
Vava ,
I would not at all be surprised, but that’s his business.
Scoots
July 6th, 2012
9:59 am
Agree with Second Sage, it’s not about the upcoming season – it’s about the future of this team, which was essentially hijacked by JJ’s huge contract.
I see the Hawks waiting until next year to make a big splash in the FA market. They will have the cap space and there will be a lot of good free agents in summer 2013.
I’d rather see them lay low this year and come back strong next year, rather than staying stuck in the current 4-6 seed rut they are in. Ferry is clearing the way for taking this team to the next level I hope, so I can live with calling this next season a wash, getting a better draft pick, and then landing some FAs next offseason.
Just glad to see JJ and Marvin’s contracts hit the bricks. Thanks Danny!
SteveW
July 6th, 2012
9:59 am
AJ – I don’t like Josh at SF either – but I’m liking Al at C less and less – He was playing yeoman’s duty at C last year, in the paint more etc., and then got injured.
I’m just not sure Al has what it takes for the nite in nite out pounding anymore at C.
But I hear what your saying – It’ll be interesting to see how often we go with the Smoove at 3 model this season – we may do it permanently.
But Josh is not a natural 3 at all.
But sometimes ya gotta play with the cards your dealt.
SteveW
July 6th, 2012
10:02 am
AJ – The thing about Iggy is lockdown defender, while also able to score if needed – good rebounder and assist guy also.
Philly just didn’t need Iggy to score that much with Turner, Holiday, Williams and the like.
Big Ray
July 6th, 2012
10:02 am
SteveW ,
Yeah, he’ll put up numbers, but will it be within the context of what the team needs? Dude’s gonna put up numbers because free agency is right around the corner. Reports are that he likes the direction that Ferry has taken the team in, but what if he can’t get his drama queen (yet still top NBA center) childhood friend here….then what?
Also, he’ll put up his BEST numbers by letting the PG run the show, by finishing on the break, etc. He and Al are STILL gonna need help down low, and it’s STILL not gonna be enough with Zaza.
And like Astro Joe , I STILL don’t want to see him spend the majority of his time at SF, where his handles and jumpshot consistency STILL aren’t up to par.
Could he be an all-star? Absolutely. Especially if he commits to rebounding the way he did after the all-star break last season.
SteveW
July 6th, 2012
10:05 am
All I know is an Al Jefferson at C and Al Horford at PF frontline would be the best this side of Bynum and Gasol.
Or Dwight and whoever is playing PF.
And I’m handing the title to LA yet – in the playoffs – Westbrook will severely over power Nash.
And the Griz are looking at Sonny Weems.
Scoots
July 6th, 2012
10:07 am
I’m not an expert in X’s and O’s, but I feel like the classic 1-2-3-4-5, PG-SG-SF-PF-C arrangement is not really that neccessary in the NBA. Why do we have to say JSmoove will be 3 and Horford 4, or vice versa.
The Heat don’t have a true PG or a true Center. And what is LeBron? He plays almost every position on the floor. Granted he is one of a kind. I’m just saying, we don’t have to overanalyze who is 3 and who is 4 and whether or not Al and Josh fit those models.
SteveW
July 6th, 2012
10:08 am
Big Ray – You may have missed my 9:59 post – I don’t like Smoove at the 3 either – but it may be our best option this season.
ZaZa showed me he’s a starter in the League last season. Not perfect – but with the dearth of NBA C’s right now – he’s def. an NBA starter.
We have no other NBA starter at the 3 spot on the roster right now other than Josh. That could change.
Astro Joe
July 6th, 2012
10:09 am
Steve, if the Hawks are a .500 team next season (which is a reasonable projection if the remaining moves are for vet minimum players), it will be very hard for Josh to make the team ahead of forwards on better teams. Right, wrong or indifferent, the ASG rewards TEAMS as much as players. I’m not talking about who has the better stats or who is the better player. I’m projecting the ASG forwards, which does not always align with stats and talent.
Big Ray
July 6th, 2012
10:10 am
I have a feeling Josh cares too much about the wrong end result. Don’t play like an all-star because you got snubbed and want to make the all-star team next time around. Play like an all-star because you want to be that good, because you want to win, because it helps your team win.
That mental approach or attitud alone makes all the difference in whether a player’s numbers reflect what he’s doing for his TEAM or what he’s doing for HIMSELF.
Having said that, if Josh still wants out by the time next summer comes around, hopefully whatever ballooned numbers he puts up gets us that much more in a sign-and-trade or whatever. In fact, if he’s doing that well and indicates that he’d like to test FA, then we might better shuttle him on out before the trade deadline. I don’t wanna lose him just walking off…simply because I don’t know just how good of a splash we’ll be able to make in FA. Who would we have (besides Horford and Teague) that’s attractive to other premiere free agents? Are those two guys all that attractive to play with (I’m guessing Horford over Teague, but neither is a “star”).
I don’t know. Lots of talent and ability with Josh, but we might need to look to get something out of that if we aren’t landing Dwight (something tells me we just ARE NOT landing him). Something tells me Josh is happy about Joe leaving and the possibility of Dwight coming…but if that doesn’t happen, he may not be happy for long, except for dreaming about going to a team that can compete for a championship, which we clearly don’t and didn’t have here.
SteveW
July 6th, 2012
10:11 am
Scoots – I hear you. But it comes down to players on the floor. If Josh is at “3″, and the guy he’s guarding is quicker than him, it becomes an issue.
Or if Horford is at “5″, and the guy he’s guarding is 6-10 280 (Al Jefferson), it becomes a problem.
Or if Horford is at “4″, and the player he’s guarding is quicker and more athletic than him – well, you see the issue.
But I do get your point, and it does have some validity.
Big Ray
July 6th, 2012
10:12 am
Big Ray – You may have missed my 9:59 post – I don’t like Smoove at the 3 either – but it may be our best option this season.
ZaZa showed me he’s a starter in the League last season. Not perfect – but with the dearth of NBA C’s right now – he’s def. an NBA starter.
We have no other NBA starter at the 3 spot on the roster right now other than Josh. That could change.
You’re right, I haven’t kept up with all of the posts the last two pages.
I hear ya. We’d have to do something at backup center (something other than Dampier or Jason Collins) if we rolled with Zaza as starting center, via free agency. And the other position on the bench would be a backup SF, obviously.
Gotta roll, be back later…
Man, is Minnesota trying to load up, or what?
Big Ray
July 6th, 2012
10:14 am
Granted he is one of a kind. I’m just saying, we don’t have to overanalyze who is 3 and who is 4 and whether or not Al and Josh fit those models.
Actually, you do, if you want to make a run deep in the playoffs. Matchups mean A LOT.
SteveW
July 6th, 2012
10:15 am
AJ – Now I do agree with that – you have to be exceptional (DeRon, KLove) to make the All Star team on a rough team.
But we did go 40-26 w/o Al last season – I know Washington, the Nets, and Detroit have improved – and Casey may turn a few heads in Toronto – watch for it – So we may surprise some folks.
If we keep Devin Harris – LD can cause alot of mismatches with he and Teague in the same back court on occasion – we have some weapons. (I know the other side of that sword also – small backcourt can get posted up – but Rondo can G LeBron effect. sometimes…).
Astro Joe
July 6th, 2012
10:17 am
Big Ray, co-sign. The coaches in the league will be much more likely to vote for Josh isf he is finishing breaks than if he is leading the breaks. Like I said several months ago… I think opposing coaches do a happy dance when they see Josh leading a break and they have the exact opposite reaction when they see Teague leading the break and Josh on the wing (more like an “oh crap”). And all of that likely translates into ASG votes from the coaches. (And no, fast breaks aren’t the only thing, just one of the most egregious things that Josh can fix).
SteveW
July 6th, 2012
10:19 am
I still say if we can sign Delfino and Kwame – get Wanamaker and Benson and maybe Butch off the Summer League team – call it a day.
Or that PG from Wisconsin – whoever is better. For the 3rd PG.
And I do know that’s 17 players…..
Ken Strickland
July 6th, 2012
10:19 am
STEVEW-Your 9:55am post, where you said Josh will make the Allstar team this yr, hit a spark. I’ve often wondered why Josh made our fan base an issue in him demanding to be traded. After reading your post, it hit me. He’s angry with Hawks fans because he blames us for successfully voting Horford onto the Allstar team and not him.
He’s so headstrong and immature that he seems to be in competition with his teammate more so that the opposition. I guess that’s why he’s been willing to throw Horford under the bus by openly trying to get DHoward to come to Atlanta and replace Horford. I read an article yesterday about LA, and particularly KBryant, not making any overtures towards DHoward out of respect for Bynum, who he’d likely replace.
Yet, we have our immature resident man child openly stating his joy at JJ and Marvin being traded. Absolutely no professionism or maturity whatsoever.
SteveW
July 6th, 2012
10:20 am
Am I comfortable with Johan Petro as my backup C? No, I am not – But I was going over his game log last season – he did have some decent games – he’s 26 – maybe he’s a late bloomer.
I doubt it, but maybe
SteveW
July 6th, 2012
10:25 am
KS – Actually Horford was not voted in by the fans – but selected by the Coach’s to the all Star team.
But Josh is absolutely head strong – and he does care about touches and shots – he made that clear in criticism of Teague last season.
I think we’re going to have a fun team anyhow next season.
And I do look for Horford to be about 17 and 10, and Josh probably 18 or 19 and 9 next season – with Teague at 14 and 6 if LD plays him enough.
If Morrow can come thru and improve his game – he’s a legit 15 ppg scorer as well in starters minutes, maybe on a good team. I think some of these guys quit caring on a bad team, and don’t try as hard.
Astro Joe
July 6th, 2012
10:26 am
Strickland, Horford was chosen for the All-Star game by the Eastern Conference head coaches. Only the starters are voted in by fans, bench players are chosen by the head coaches.
mark
July 6th, 2012
10:29 am
Right now as the way this team stand, I would start ZaZa at center , AH at PF Js At Sf JT at Pg and Harris at Sg. We will get another star to come to the atl. I have no doubt through free agency or Sign and trade. I love you Danny Ferry. Where have you been all my basketball life? Oh yeah ZaZa work on your 12-15 feet jumper you will be getting a lot of open looks from there. Al should be the focus of this team right now.
Ken Strickland
July 6th, 2012
10:29 am
BIG RAY-The Blog Monster ate a post that I made just a few moments ago that addressed the issue of these clowns criticizing Horford for being the NBAs best midrange scorer, and doing what he does best. At the same time, we have these same clowns showing their ignorance by completely ignoring the fact the JSmith seems to THINK he’s one of the NBAs best outside shooters. Otherwise, why does he continue to launch them with so much frequency, and why do these Horford bashing fools keep ignoring Josh’s problem? Oh well, STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES.
Ken Strickland
July 6th, 2012
10:36 am
STEVEW/ASTRO JOE-Thanks a million for the correction. My point is, Josh is angry that he can’t get chosen as an alternate. And who voted Horford as the NBAs 3rd best OC? If I had to one or the other to build my team around, it would depend on what I needed most. If I needed outside scoring, maturity and leadership, Josh would definitely not be a consideration.
if I already had those things, and needed shotblocking and inside scoring, I’d consider Josh.
Ken Strickland
July 6th, 2012
10:45 am
MARK-That’s the same starting lineup I proposed right after the trades. That is not a bad lineup at all, although it would leave our bench a bit thin at OC. But let’s face it, our bench has been thin at OC ever since we started depending on JCollins and EDampier. Besides, we can always bring Ivan in at PF and move Horford over to OC if Zaza has to come out.
That would, in essence, make Petro our #3 backup OC, with Ivan playing the 4th backup OC in certain situations like he did last yr. A bench of Harris, Ivan, Scott, Jenkins, Petro etc, with a FA or 2 added, wouldn’t be bad at all. With Harris, Jenkins, Scott, Morrow, Horford and Teague, we’d definitely be able to attack DEFs from the perimeter.
JayD
July 6th, 2012
10:52 am
Who is going to support this team???
Rod from College Park
July 6th, 2012
10:53 am
“He’s so headstrong and immature that he seems to be in competition with his teammate more so that the opposition. I guess that’s why he’s been willing to throw Horford under the bus by openly trying to get DHoward to come to Atlanta and replace Horford. I read an article yesterday about LA, and particularly KBryant, not making any overtures towards DHoward out of respect for Bynum, who he’d likely replace.
Yet, we have our immature resident man child openly stating his joy at JJ and Marvin being traded. Absolutely no professionism or maturity whatsoever.”
Sautee, don’t be a hypocrite, attack Ken Strickland with the same zeal that you go after High-sider, and others when they make statements that are not true. Josh has said nothing close to this.
Rod from College Park
July 6th, 2012
10:56 am
“If I needed outside scoring, maturity and leadership, Josh would definitely not be a consideration.”
Please help me understand what leadership Horford has provided since he has been here? You do know that his outside scoring can be shut down (See the Chicago playoff series) then what?
O'Brien
July 6th, 2012
10:58 am
SteveW,
If the Hawks don’t make any more trades this offseason, then where do you think they will finish the season? I think they will be competing for 7-8 seed in the East. And if that’s the case, they will not get 2 all-stars (imo).
And it’s not about whether or not Josh is better than Granger, Deng, and Iggy – and Pierce. He was better than them this season, but yet Deng and Pierce made it, while Josh didn’t.
And last year, although we didn’t have Al, we did have JJ. Despite JJ’s short comings, we cannot overlook the effect he had on the team, and he is arguably a top 5 SG. He was 1a or 1b when it came to stopping the Hawks, and he helped Teague out as well.
With him gone, Josh will be the one guy teams will game plan for. And that means leaving him open on the perimeter to shoot as many jumpers as he wants. And when he gets the rebound, give him space to take off leading the break, and double team him in the post. How will he respond? Time will tell
Rod from College Park
July 6th, 2012
10:58 am
“I have a feeling Josh cares too much about the wrong end result. Don’t play like an all-star because you got snubbed and want to make the all-star team next time around. Play like an all-star because you want to be that good, because you want to win, because it helps your team win.”
You also at one point had a feelong that Marvin was better than Josh. Maybe you need to stop going with you feelings, and look at what actually happens.
O'Brien
July 6th, 2012
11:00 am
From the nba hang time blog;
With the addition of Nash and various cap holds, the Lakers are projected to be in the neighborhood of $20 million over the tax line next season — which under the new rules would cost them a whopping $44 million in tax payments. In addition, for every $1 million in excess of $20 million above the tax threshold, the Lakers would have to pay $3.75 million..
Ouch.
O'Brien
July 6th, 2012
11:03 am
AJ,
I don’t think it’s Dwight or bust. But I am willing to go all-in this season. If we are unable to get Dwight, then I agree with your plan. Sign some vet min guys, bite the bullet, and suck. That would lead to LD being let go, and a lottery pick (hopefully in addition to Houston’s pick).
My problem with just waiting until next year is:
1) We wont be the only team with cap space. Dallas will have cap space too. And I think a free agent is more likely to choose Dallas over the Hawks and 2) If we have a bad year, then we may as well trade Josh at the deadline, because I doubt he would resign with us.
BGreen
July 6th, 2012
11:19 am
Hawks need to do absolutely nothing this year but evaluate talent at this point. Here’s what we know: Between Teague and Harris we have a legit NBA point guard. The SG position is in question with Morrow/Jenkins/Stevenson all being possible solutions. Josh Smith is our small foward, Hortford is our power forward, and we are in the market for a center. If Dwight, then OK, but let’s not loose Hortford or Smith in getting Howard. If CP3 is possible, then we have a PG to make the deal work. Our salaries are good….Let’s do the season…maybe we get a good pick in the draft…this year, we struggle, but at least we learn. If we do nothing else with our roster, it’s fine with me.
vava74
July 6th, 2012
11:20 am
SteveW:
“But we did go 40-26 w/o Al last season – I know Washington, the Nets, and Detroit have improved – and Casey may turn a few heads in Toronto – watch for it – So we may surprise some folks.”
Stevew, without JJ, our backcourt will be a free lane into the paint.
JJ was a very very solid perimeter defender (but who always had a couple really bad effort lapses each game).
A backcourt of Teague, Jenkins/Morrow, Harris, even with Stevenson to provide some support will be very permeable.
If we do not make any substantial move, I think our ceiling is around 35-42 wins.
The fact is that with Josh playing PF and Zaza C last year we had a really tough front court – good rebounding, rim and lane intimidation, …
Al was missed, but JJ will be more, IMO, unless Teague goes ballistic and becomes – as some view him – a second coming of Kevin Johnson posting something around 18 and 7
Astro Joe
July 6th, 2012
11:22 am
OB, there will always be more than one team with cap space. The good news is that there will always be a few very good players and financially-strapped teams looking for cap space.
Next season (unless things change), we will be adding around 8+ players to the roster. Only one starter will likely have a contract at the end of the season (Teague will at least have the QO as a RFA). Folk need to stop focusing on one big fish and recognize that the moves of this summer will result in a HUGE roster maekover. The chances that Ferry does a “Sund move” and re-ups all of the team’s FAs seem fairly slim to me.
Irrespective of what happens and who is acquired, LD is gone (IMO). Ferry surely walked into the interview with a short list of candidates he’d like to hire for the job. That’s why the notion that we would trade for Dwight and then ask him for feedback on the next head coach BEFORE he signs an extension is pretty crazy. It’s one thing to give a player with a long-term contract input into the coaching decision, it is another to give it to someone who has shown such indecisiveness in the past few months. Imagine if he asks for Brian Hill, Ferry grabs his ankles and hires Hill, and then Dwight falls in love with Cuban during a free agent visit to Dallas? There are more scenarios than simply “Dwight loves playing at home and all is right with the world”. We’re talking about the Hawks.
From everythig we’ve read and witnessed, this is Danny Ferry’s show. The Hawks have a face of the franchise and for now, it is Danny Ferry!
KevinM
July 6th, 2012
11:24 am
No D12, then I see no Josh being in our future.
Saying that, and that BSO article about D12 being offered to LAL, it is a sign that D12 will be resolved sooner than later.
What does Danny have in mind this next week is the question? Our roster is not set for the season. We need more punch on the offensive side.
NORRIS CHUCK
July 6th, 2012
11:24 am
Adrian Wojnarowski: The 76ers have decided to use the amnesty clause on Elton Brand and the $18M left on final year of his deal, league sources tell Y! Sports. Twitter
BIG DOG
July 6th, 2012
11:31 am
The more i look at this hole Debacle over D12 i say wait, the Hawks right now is in great shape if they be patient and not rush any thing, Marrow and Josh are best buddy with D12 can convience D12 to comeback home at win NBA Title.
Keep Jeff Teague, Horford, Josh and add D12 next year to this team the Hawks would my opinion compete for and NBA Title.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
vava74
July 6th, 2012
11:31 am
About Teague – KJ, when I said ballistic I should have went for a 20/10 season, although it’s unlikely that Teague will ever be a 10 assists per kind of player
SteveW
July 6th, 2012
11:33 am
Anthony Randolph visiting the ATL this weekend and the Mavs next week.
Now if we think he can play the 3, good move.
And I sign Brand in a Heartbeat to the Biannual (1.9 mill per) or something to backup ZaZa at C if that’s the route we go. He can play some legit C, even though he’s a natural PF.
SteveW
July 6th, 2012
11:38 am
Vava74 – Oh I know we’ll miss JJ and Marvin, no doubt about it. Hoopshype been giving Marvin some love lately – quoting other head coaches and scouts about him type of things.
That’s why I’m trying to get a wing for the midlevel – unless our scouting dept. has said wait until Morrow gets a starting job, and he blows up positively as well.
Harris/Teague – Best PG position in the ATL for 12 years for 48 minutes – even though I did enjoy when Bibby first got here – solid – great court vision.
But with this PG position, we have a solid 48 minutes per of very talented players.
Hungry too – both on the last year of their deals. So they tend to play better for a contract the next season.
Buddy G
July 6th, 2012
11:40 am
“At SG, no one I’ve heard mention can play a lick of defense, I believe we will miss Joe’s perimeter D more than some gave him credit for and, his size was a huge problem for them all. Penetration will be a huge issue next season.”
Pretty sure that’s why Ferry negotiated the sign and trade to obtain Stevenson. Remember, Teague’s defense on Rose was so bad in the first CHI game last year that LD put Joe on him. We will also miss Kirk’s D.
KevinM
July 6th, 2012
11:43 am
“steven a smith
July 6th, 2012
9:51 am
We must move Josh Smith Asap. He has great value right now. However, only if you get draft picks in return.”
I want to agree, but I like the Zaza/Josh backline more than I like the Al/Zaza backline with Josh at the 3.
Beau Bock on this morning saying its insane for LD to let Josh get away with what he gets away with in the open court, whether its dribbling or jumpers. Get back on the block and chase some of Akeems block records.
SteveW, I wanted Randolph last year because he was never going to get time in Minny for whatever reason. He is a Lamar Odom type of player who was a very good player at LSU.
IMO, give him minutes and he is a viable SF at 6′11″/225
Nick Young taking Meeks spot in Philly and I can’t ask for Roy anymore.
OB, a 2 year 10M deal is not bad for a guy who was a #1 in Portland. He just has to find a way to get healthy and stay fresh.
BIG DOG
July 6th, 2012
11:43 am
This year Hawks need bring in Gerald Green May be 4 years 12mill, will be your starting SG.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE.