Atlanta Hawks: Danny Ferry tries to ease Josh Smith’s concerns
Hawks forward Josh Smith is eager to see what Danny Ferry has in store for the in the future but he doesn’t seem to be impressed by what he sees right now.
Ferry agreed to trade Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams in deals that no doubt leave the Hawks as a worse team now. Word is Smith, whose contract expires after next season, expressed his concerns about the team’s direction in a recent meeting with Ferry. The Hawks GM in turn told Smith his short- and long-term visions for making the team a contender.
Ferry acknowledged meeting with Smith last week.
“It went great,” Ferry said. “It went fine.”
Ferry declined to elaborate on any details about the conversation with Smith but, speaking generally about the effects of major trades on players, said there can be shock initially.
“If changes are made there is a sense of loss because relationships get built in this business,” Ferry said. “It takes time for everyone to adjust.”
If Smith was stung by Johnson’s departure, it would make sense on a couple levels.
For one, as mentioned, the Hawks right now have less talent than at any time during their five-year playoffs streak. Smith has told the team he wants to be traded to a franchise he believes is more serious about playing for championships. That’s certainly part of Ferry’s long-term plan but the Hawks took a step back in the interim.
The other factor is Smith had a solid relationship with Johnson, who was Smith’s longest-tenured teammate along with Zaza Pachulia and Marvin Williams. Smith was in his second season when Johnson arrived in Atlanta with the expectation of being the team’s star. Smith and Johnson’s strong chemistry on the court was obvious, too, with Smith often looking to pass to Johnson in transition or spotting up in the half court.
Ferry said he has yet to meet with all of the Hawks players. He’s had a busy schedule that’s included trips out of town, and many of the players also have been in and out of Atlanta. Ferry said he planned to meet soon with Pachulia and Jeff Teague, who both are in Atlanta.
“I am trying to build connections with all of these guys,” Ferry said.
Notes
- The Hawks no longer appear to be in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes. The hang-up remains the same: Howard has given no indication he’s willing to commit to the Hawks (or any team other than Brooklyn) beyond next season and, without that assurance, Atlanta is unwilling to trade major pieces and draft picks and also take back one more of Orlando’s bad contracts.
- The Hawks met with free agent forward Anthony Randolph over the weekend. Ferry said the Hawks also are scheduled to meet with free agent forward Rashard Lewis, who didn’t commit to the Heat after meeting with the team in Miami on Sunday.
- Hawks free agent Kirk Hinrich agreed to a two-year, $6 million deal with the Bulls.
- Free agent guard Jannero Pargo is still considering a return to the Hawks, his agent said. “Something we have talked about, but talking to a number of teams,” agent Mark Bartelstein wrote in a text message. “Will know more in next few days.” Pargo is close friends with Johnson, his former teammate at Arkansas.
- Today is reporting day for the Hawks’ rookie and free agent minicamp in preparation for the Las Vegas Summer League but the team still hasn’t released an official roster. Apparently there are still some last-minute changes being made.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
119 comments Add your comment
turtle power
July 9th, 2012
11:23 am
1st
Wolverine
July 9th, 2012
11:23 am
Lets move on from the Dwight Madonna Howard…and try to build a competitive team…First
Buddy Grizzard
July 9th, 2012
11:23 am
Wow, they’re talking to Pargo. That’s depressing.
doc
July 9th, 2012
11:23 am
odd some argued josh was happy to see these guys go, wrong so wrong as usual.
KevinM
July 9th, 2012
11:25 am
MC, did Danny talk about any of the new guys he is bringing in here?
Rev in Tampa
July 9th, 2012
11:30 am
Good bye Dwight. Hello lotterey.
The worst possible outcome is for the Hawks to try and build a team to compete for the playoffs next year with the best possible FA’s out there right now and squander the cap space. I’m cheering for the lottery.
KevinM
July 9th, 2012
11:30 am
Watching ORL/BKN as Mark Price is ORL head coach….congrats to Mark…
Justin Harper looks like he may be able to fill the void of Ryan Anderson for the Magic.
Michael Cunningham
July 9th, 2012
11:31 am
@KevinM: he’s not talking about the trade until it’s official.
KevinM
July 9th, 2012
11:32 am
Rev, now I think its time to move Josh to get us in lottery land.
Statick
July 9th, 2012
11:32 am
“The Hawks no longer appear to be in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes.”
Why even bother courting that ingrate?
Rev in Tampa
July 9th, 2012
11:32 am
I’d love to know what Danny told Josh about long and short term plans.
KevinM
July 9th, 2012
11:34 am
MC, did Danny state whether he was looking at Randolph at the 3? I’m hearing he’s a PF, but I see him at the 3 facing the basket.
Mike
July 9th, 2012
11:34 am
@MC
If Josh isnt impressed with these moves, do you think the Hawks need to trade him now because he should know that it going to take a while to get back up to the elites?
i_am_soulstar
July 9th, 2012
11:35 am
Pargo’s not getting any PT with Teague and Harris here. He probably knows it.
Hazeltine
July 9th, 2012
11:35 am
To pass on Dwight Howard would be a stupid mistake. He’s the 3rd or 4th best player in the league. Who cares if he’s willing to sign right now. You hafta roll the dice. Even if it’s for one season, you’d at least suck enough afterwards to get a high draft pick. Either option is better than the primordial gray area that the Hawks are racing straight towards if the try to build aroun Horford and Teague.
ccarking
July 9th, 2012
11:35 am
joe and josh were very close ???? that one is news to me joe was even a no show for josh wedding maybe we should reserve judgement on how josh feels until he speaks direct on the matter maybe MC should interview josh ?
Astro Joe
July 9th, 2012
11:37 am
Rev, I’ve been saying that for a week.
doc, I read a few “ifs” in that blog… but, if Josh is dismayed by trading a 6-time All Star for 5 guys name Moe, then I don’t understand? Maybe he saw the headlines in the NYC paper after the trade, something like “Nets Steal Joe Johnson from Hawks”. Funny how Joe’s contrat was an anchor for the Hawks while it convinced Deron to re-up with the Nets and may help lead to the acquisition of Howard. I guess one team’s anchor is another team’s cornerstone.
Time to bookmark DraftExpress so I can see who will be available in the lottery next June.
bigdave
July 9th, 2012
11:38 am
where is the quote from Smith that leads to the assertion that, “he doesn’t seem to be impressed”?
Veteran Fan
July 9th, 2012
11:38 am
If we are out of the Dwight Howard running, why keep Josh Smith? We could trade him for draft picks and lose for a season and rebuild the team better through free agents and rookies. He has already said he wants to go so work with him and get maximum value!
mountain_jim
July 9th, 2012
11:38 am
I would love to know that also, Rev in Tampa.
The Truth
July 9th, 2012
11:39 am
FTPB
“Farmar has already agreed to a new deal to pay overseas. He can be used to make salaries match up though.” – Just Joe
Here’s the thing though, Farmar was under contract with the Nets for 4.2M for 1 yr before the trade to the Hawks. The Hawks should control him for 1 yr unless Danny agreed to his buyout as part of the JJ trade which would have been asinine.
If the Hawks didn’t get full control of a player like Farmar in a JJ trade, Danny bargaining was weak especially since the protected 1st rd pick may never be realized.
ryan
July 9th, 2012
11:39 am
OJ Mayo please at least try make trade for him the Hawks have to do something sadly we are looking like a lottery team SCREW D12 all he cares about is the big city lights .
Jake
July 9th, 2012
11:39 am
I bet Ferry said he would try to get CP3 and ATTEMPT to get Howard. I think Howard would like to come to Atlanta but if he says that it affects his image with the whole not deciding situation
Eric
July 9th, 2012
11:40 am
As of now I think this team is at least a 7th seed in the Eastern Conference. Joe averaged 18 ppg Marvin didn’t give your that much, Devin Harris could possible get that by himself (he did avg 21 ppg in 08′). This team is pretty good right now, just be patient.
Rick James
July 9th, 2012
11:40 am
Its hard for me to believe that Josh has as issue with the team trading Joe Johnson.If he wants the team to build that contract had to go.I dont care about his chemistry with Marvin Williams it couldnt get them past the second round of the playoffs.Another contract that had to go.These moves allow the team to build and extend his contract. Sorry Josh its a business not a social club.I want him to stay but I think he has a touch of Dwight Howard syndrome.If he cant see that Danny Ferry is trying to win maybe he does need to just go.
Roy
July 9th, 2012
11:41 am
Can someone tell me why Hibbert cant be an option here?
Marcus
July 9th, 2012
11:45 am
After last weeks’ transactions, it is a challenge to manage expectations regarding the Hawks …
Seeing all the other teams working deals or getting verbals from FAs or sign-and-trades stokes up the questions about why we seem to be standing pat … but then balance that with staying the course, hoping Ferry knows what he is doing and not spending just for the sake of spending to get warm bodies to fill roster spots.
Rev in Tampa
July 9th, 2012
11:48 am
@KevinM,
I agree. don’t see Josh hanging around to be the Big Dog on a team that will be about as good as last year’s Detriot Pistons. But who should the Hawks seek in return? A true center and move Al to PF? A starting SF? Another PF?
As I think this through I keep wondering what Danny told Josh in that meeting.
kwooden1
July 9th, 2012
11:48 am
Mike C., this is the first step in what I talked about when we first heard about the possible JJ trade. Without Dwight, we’re one more trade away from becoming the Bobcats! Josh has no reason to stay after next season and we won’t be bad enough to get a good draft pick. The 2012-13 season is a waste and the following two seasons will be probably lottery seasons.
I will state again, the HAWKS need offer whatever they have, with no guarantees, to get Dwight. When Ferry made the JJ trade, that is what he signed up for from the fans perspective. From the owners perspective though, he’s done what his Bosses have asked him to do, make up for the poor financial decisions!
vava74
July 9th, 2012
11:48 am
If we are out of the Howard sweepstakes, Danny has to trade Josh immediately.
It’s that simple, since Josh will NOT like playing on a team going nowhere, which is what we are without major moves.
Only a very lucky combination of new talent on the cheap and excellent coaching could keep us relevant enough for Josh to be mildly happy, but the harsh reality is that he will NOT be happy unless we land Howard or trade him.
So… do it.
It’s how things work right now.
D.
July 9th, 2012
11:48 am
Gotta keep Josh Smith, if you trade him the party’s over. The best return for Josh was an old Pau Gasol, and that’s the best your gonna get. Hard to replace 18.5 ppg, 9 rebounds, and one of the best shoot blockers in the game.
D.
July 9th, 2012
11:51 am
Enter your comments here
Buddy Grizzard
July 9th, 2012
11:52 am
Hump wants a 4 year deal. Why would he take a one year deal with Cleveland and risk his long term financial security to do Dwight Howard a favor. Reading that these rumors that Dwight to Brooklyn is “almost done” are overblown and driven by, guess who, Dwight Howard and Brooklyn. There’s a huge chance that by this time on Wednesday Brooklyn will be completely out of the running for Dwight, and Dwight will be reconsidering his options. As I wrote in April on Hoopinion, opting in may have ensured that Dwight will NEVER play for the Nets.
Buddy Grizzard
July 9th, 2012
11:52 am
Not saying a deal can’t get done. But if it does get done, I will be surprised. Just surprised, not shocked. Stranger things have happened.
Marcus
July 9th, 2012
11:54 am
AJ and rev In Tampa 911:30 am post),
Some pundits believe that next years’ draft will be comparably weak as it relates to the depth of talent in the 2012 draft. If true, might not be the year for angling for the lottery, as it might be 2006 all over again.
Saw a preliminary 2013 mock on DExp … not really impressed, even if it is based on this past seasons draft position.
Also, something has got to give in HOU. They have like 12 frontcourt players via trade/draft/incumbents. Either they are loading up for a mega-deal to balance their roster or somebody is gonna get a pink slip.
joey1
July 9th, 2012
11:55 am
Marc J. Spears: Possible complication in Dwight 3way deal is Nets FA Kris Humphries would seek 4yr deal with CLE and wouldn’t sign 1yr pact, sources tell Y! Twitter
Buddy Grizzard
July 9th, 2012
11:56 am
I disagree with the idea that this team is going nowhere. The Hawks played most of last season without its All-NBA center and lost its backup center for the playoffs. Assuming Horford and Zaza remain mostly healthy for the upcoming season, I don’t see why the Hawks couldn’t have a similar record. Horford only had two playoff starts but managed to score as many fourth quarter baskets as Josh and Joe combined. Joe is not a clutch player. Horford is. With Horford healthy for a full season but the Hawks missing Joe instead, this should be an improved squad.
Paddy
July 9th, 2012
11:57 am
Hazeltine……….the Hawks are really not passing on Howard. It is difficult to negotiate with a player who does not want to play for you! If the girl of your dreams won’t answer your calls, you guys are not becoming “an item”!
Rusty
July 9th, 2012
11:58 am
Dwight Howard is the 3rd or 4th best player in the league? What in the world are you talking about Hazeltine?
Lebron James,Kobe Bryant,Kevin Durant,Derrick Rose-there are 4 players any sane person would rate as head and shoulders above Howard. Howard is a top 20 player at best and his attitude is a gigantic red flag.
I wouldn’t want him if the Hawks could get him, he hasn’t developed offensively and never will b/c he thinks he is awesome already.
Slimjr
July 9th, 2012
12:01 pm
Yea Rev, looks like a potential lottery team now if all bets are off with D12..Josh is out of here..Cant blame him though..
All opinions are welcome…
Rev, hope you have a back up plan? It maybe a very long season up coming?
KevinM
July 9th, 2012
12:04 pm
“Truth: If the Hawks didn’t get full control of a player like Farmar in a JJ trade, Danny bargaining was weak especially since the protected 1st rd pick may never be realized.”
That brings up a good point….we all know Houston is trying to make a splash this year….time to give them our vets and improve their standing so we can earn ourselves that draft pick sooner than later based no how I understand that trade provision.
We have interest in Houston getting better this year and lottery protected doesn’t have to make them a title contender.
“Rev, But who should the Hawks seek in return? A true center and move Al to PF? A starting SF? Another PF?”
Rev, I think I heading to a full tilt youth movement, like Utah did when they moved Deron Williams. A position is not of concern right now.
We need a new big 3, it’s that simple.
Going young also allows me to justify the move of LD to another position in the organization.
Buddy Grizzard
July 9th, 2012
12:04 pm
And by the way, great job Danny Ferry for leaking that the Hawks have not offered Al Horford in any deal for Dwight. Dwight coming here was always a long shot and we’ve seen what crybabies NBA players are when they know they have been dangled in deals. Until the ink is on the paper, never let anyone know your intentions. But not only that, you’ve got to play the media game and leak story lines. Letting the world know that Al Horford HAS NOT been offered to the Orlando Magic is a big win, considering that Horford may be the player the Hawks are building around.
The Truth
July 9th, 2012
12:04 pm
“Hawks forward Josh Smith is eager to see what Danny Ferry has in store for the in the future but he doesn’t seem to be impressed by what he sees right now.” – mc
Oh really? Based on whose comment? Agree with Rev, what did Josh say to make you write this MC?
Are you reporting news or making it?
KevinM
July 9th, 2012
12:06 pm
Talking D12 and the Nets on NBATV during their SL game and their guest said I would trade D12 to anyone except the Nets. I wouldn’t accomodate him.
Slim, your boy Nicholson looking very good today in Orlando.
billyho55
July 9th, 2012
12:07 pm
JUST WANDERING WHAT YOU GUYS THINK OF KEVIN LOVE? HE MENTIONED LATELY THAT HE ISN’T TOO THRILLED WITH TWOLVES MOVES & IF THEY DON’T MAKE PLAYOFFS THIS YEAR ALL BETS ARE OFF? WHAT WOULD YOU GUYS THINK ABOUT TRYING TO WORK OUT A DEAL FOR HIM IF THINGS GO SOUTH THIS YEAR WITH MINNY?
1baddsgb
July 9th, 2012
12:12 pm
why is everyone so eager to be sorry next year look at the bobcats it takes time to build a playoff team and nba players won’t come to atlanta if we have a losing season at least no good ones
Glenn
July 9th, 2012
12:12 pm
Meh . I’m sure Josh knew that the only way he could get a long term deal with the Hawks was if Marvins and/or Joes contracts were off the books . Unless he believed that him , Al ,& Joe could be part of a super 3 . I’m sure he’s brighter than that .
I bet we get CP lll . Just really excited about the Hawks . We seem to be in the mix for alot right now . I find it hard to believe Josh wouldn’t be excited if he wanted to be here past next year .
rufus1
July 9th, 2012
12:16 pm
What Josh really wanted….
He want the Hawks to improve the team by going into the luxury tax. He wanted the Hawks to sign a Ray Allen or Jet, plus a big who could help on the glass like a Camby. Those moves could have changed our franchise.
——————————————————
Reality starting to set for some bloggers….
You can’t trade an Allstar and get better…
Hazeltine
July 9th, 2012
12:16 pm
Go get Dwight!
drmaryb.(''_*).
July 9th, 2012
12:16 pm
I have something to ease Josh’s mind. I just need him to take a few shots from downtown first.
WeBurn
July 9th, 2012
12:16 pm
Ok, so if we are out of the running for Dwight Howard then we are also out of the running for Chris Paul. Where do we go from there?
Tank for a lottery pick? We’d need to trade away Josh Smith and Al Horford. I wouldn’t necessarily be opposed to this move, but it would mean a painful 2-3 years of losing.
Sign James Harden? He’ll be a free agent next year, but is he a #1 scorer worth max contract? Probably not?
Sign someone else in free agency next year? We’ll have to compete with at least Dallas. I don’t feel too great about this.
Trade for someone else’s star? We’d have to flip Josh Smith or Al Horford, but it might be our only way to get a #1 scorer outside of tanking.
Astro Joe
July 9th, 2012
12:17 pm
I think Farmar had an opt-in clause that he agreed to sign (to help the Nets land Joe) in exchange for his buyout. If that is a true (and I think I read that soemwhere0, then there was a “gentlemen’s agreement” to let Farmar go and play for his desired team. Ferry shouldn’t go back on his word with Farmar 9and more importantly, Farmar’s agent).
Buddy, we can make the playoffs with the current roster, but (IMO) we’re looking at a first round match-up with either the 1 or 2 seeded team. I’d rather have Horford or Josh take the month of March off and head to the lottery… all signs point toward rebuilding next year so why not get into the ping-pong ball sweepstakes?
Slimjr
July 9th, 2012
12:19 pm
KevinM, he’s going to surprise some people, especially the intellects on this blog.
Wish we had him.. He’s instantly better than any big the Hawks have on their roster…
Too bad LaMarcus could not play for the Olympic squad due to injuries..Rather have him than Harden any day of the week. Especially going up against those large front lines that these international team will field…
Welcome to the US of A where all opinions are welcome..
Ra'mon
July 9th, 2012
12:20 pm
Guys, calm down. D12 is not the only player who will make Josh stay here in Atlanta. I am thinking Ferry told Josh to look at the position Pierce was in the season before the big three came. Josh has a season to go and make this HIS CITY this season. Because Matt Ryan hasn’t and Heyward has not quite yet. I’m sure that Josh will average over 20 ppg, and still have dunks that find their way on NBATV commercials. This is Josh city now. And as far as MC saying Josh isn’t impressed, without having any quotes. I’m hearing the opposite that Josh is very excited and impressed with the PROSPECTS of big moves to be made.
By the way, the same way some of the fans saw Horford’s performance last night, I’m pretty sure Ferry saw that performance as well. And after last night, I don’t see Ferry moving Josh and putting everything on Horford’s back, who couldn’t significantly produce against the ’superstar’ front court he faced last night.
Slimjr
July 9th, 2012
12:23 pm
Ra’mon, All is a 3rd or 4th option on a good day..It is what is is……
Make him the 1st or 2nd option?…Its a wrap> Lottery/Tank….zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
northcyde
July 9th, 2012
12:24 pm
It’s like I said when people were talking about blowing this team up. The majority of you on this blog are NOT WILLING to watch a bad Hawks team, even if it means a chance at a top notch lottery pick. You’re just not.
When they traded JJ for scraps to get “cap space”, this became a distinct possibility for the future. Our only hope is to hope Josh Smith and/or Al Horford turn into a formidible enough duo that they become legit All-Star talent type players and finishers.
If Dwight Howard isn’t walking through that door, Chris Paul DEFINITELY isn’t walking through that door next summer.
People simply need to prepare themselves for this team to be constructed around Josh Smith and/or Al Horford. When it’s all said and done, that will be our only options come this time next year, when no major free agents express interest in playing in Atlanta.
So hope that either of those two guys are ready to be “the man”, and effectively play that role.
Astro Joe
July 9th, 2012
12:25 pm
Well, I guess Ferry has a year to watch Horford while Smith takes a year to “own Atlanta”. BTW, can Atlanta be owned by a player on a .500 team who has played 7 years in the city?
Ra'mon
July 9th, 2012
12:27 pm
Slim, on this team it should be Josh, Teague, and then Al as far as offensive options. And if OJ came here, then Al would dropped down to 4th in my mind. Al is a great kick out mid range shooter, after someone has created the space for him.
chuckw/deadjournalist
July 9th, 2012
12:29 pm
Maybe I’m crazy, but I don’t think Atlanta is out of the D12 sweepstakes yet. Ferry has a long-enough contract that he could take the risk of pairing Smith and Howard for one year. Unless salary came back from Orlando as part of the deal, they Hawks would only have Jenkins on the books for ‘13-’14. If Smith and Howard work? The Hawks re-sign both and still have money to be a free agent player. If they don’t? A complete re-build. With five years, after this year, Ferry would wait-out three or four bad seasons and rebuild via the draft. Or, the Hawks are set-up for five years of Championship contention.
Ken Strickland
July 9th, 2012
12:31 pm
I certainly hope all of those DHoward fanatics, who’ve convinced themselves that Dwight is dying to play in the ATL with his old buddy JSmith, read and comprehend the above article. Us backing off without a longterm committment from Dwight also indicates Danny Ferry isn’t delusional, and certainly not obsessed enough to give away the franchise to acquire Dwight, as some of you seem to be.
The biggest drawback to this team remaining a competitive playoff caliber team will be up to LDrew. He has to get it through his head that without JJ, this is no longer a halfcourt oriented team. With a projected starting lineup of OC-AHorford(and yes, it does mean OFF Center), PF-JSmith, SF-AMorrow or ?, SG-DHarris, and PG-JTeague, the speed, quickness, and athleticism of this team means it needs to play uptempo to be effective.
And don’t be too quick to make an issue of this team being undersized, as some are so fond of saying. The Miami Heat just won this yrs NBA championship featuring SG-DWade, PG-Charmers, PF-LJames, SF-SBattier, and OC-CBosh. This is a lineup that’s just as undersized as the Hawks, just more talented. If Ferry can upgrade the SF position and add more productivity to our bench, we’ll be as good if not better than last yrs team.
Of course, it will all depend on how well LDrew coaches this team and utilizes his talent.
Slimjr
July 9th, 2012
12:32 pm
Two seasons ago those two [All and Josh] could not [throw it in the ocean] during those late game droughts and blow outs [on the losing side of the equation].Now Josh has improved but still has issues with his offensive game. Lets see how a healthy AL and Teague play together..Had higher hopes in the past. Not so much anymore..
Whats your back up plan? Hmmmmm
Jaded Hawks Fan
July 9th, 2012
12:32 pm
“Lebron James,Kobe Bryant,Kevin Durant,Derrick Rose-there are 4 players any sane person would rate as head and shoulders above Howard. Howard is a top 20 player at best and his attitude is a gigantic red flag.”
I wouldn’t rate Rose ahead of Howard, and certainly not “head and shoulders” above him. When has Rose taken a team to the Finals? He’s undersized and is going to battle injuries his entire career given his all-out style of play.
1. LeBron
2. Kobe
3. Durant
4. CP3
5. Howard
6. Rose (if he is able to be the same guy when he comes back from his busted knee)
7. Wade
8. Rondo
That’s how I’d rate the elite players in the game right now.
i_am_soulstar
July 9th, 2012
12:38 pm
ccarking
July 9th, 2012
11:35 am
joe and josh were very close ???? that one is news to me joe was even a no show for josh wedding maybe we should reserve judgement on how josh feels until he speaks direct on the matter maybe MC should interview josh ?
********************************************************
Joe was at Josh’s wedding. I could find pictures for you, but I’m sure you could handle that.
Slimjr
July 9th, 2012
12:38 pm
Ra’mon
July 9th, 2012
12:27 pm
“Slim, on this team it should be Josh, Teague, and then Al as far as offensive options. And if OJ came here, then Al would dropped down to 4th in my mind. Al is a great kick out mid range shooter, after someone has created the space for him.”
When the [space] or separation is not there then what?….See playoffs..Regular season 4th quarters.
He a 5th option on a ECF bound team…Hmmmmm
Ra'mon
July 9th, 2012
12:39 pm
AJ, the answer is yes. The city was ‘owned’ by Jamal Anderson who had one good season and a dance. Remember, the city of Atlanta is an ENTERTAINMENT city, not a substance city. San Antonio Spurs wouldn’t sell out games here if they played in this city. However, the Knicks and Clippers would. And truthfully, the game is more ENTERTAINING when Teague and Josh have the ball in their hands compared to Joe. And if the Hawks sign a player like Gerald Green, it won’t lead to more necessary wins. However, it will lead to the arena truly being a highlight factory. And in my mind, that leads to more revenue, allowing the owners more flexibility to tip toe into the luxury tax arena confidently. In the city of Atlanta, substance doesn’t always sell. However, even if its a .500 team, the fact that Josh Smith will be the one on billboards showing EMOTIONS will be something that Joe Johnson never did. Joe looked the same rather he made a game winning shot, or was on the bench during the wrong end of a blow out. Josh, Al, and Teague each show more emotions than Joe ever did. That is going to go a long way. In the beginning of the season, the Hawks are going to beat some elite teams here, and win over the crowd/fans who came to root for the other team. Watch and see.
Rod from College Park
July 9th, 2012
12:39 pm
We asked for it. We got it. Lottery here we come . If we can’t get Dwight, then blow it all the way up. I still think we should not have made that Joe Johnson deal without Marshawn Brooks. A young talented up and coming 2 guard is what we needed. Danny Ferry might have blown that part of the deal. Teague, Brooks, SF, Josh, Al would have kept us competitive. We need to make a move for a guy like Kevin Martin.
Rod from College Park
July 9th, 2012
12:40 pm
All Star Al could not get his team over the hump against Nigeria? Hmmm.
JayD
July 9th, 2012
12:40 pm
Dwight Howard is NOT coming here!!! Move on people! And this team is not very good right now – I don’t blame Josh for not being impressed. Ferry took a very good team (contrary to what some people think) that was a player away from doing some very big things, and made them BAD. Now he is going to bank on a draft, that quite frankly is not what it once was, and trying to get a big name to come in…. just to get back to where we were??? Genius!
Flapping Hawk
July 9th, 2012
12:41 pm
The team is actually better now. Marvin shed for Devin Harris…that’s a huge addition to the team and a great subtraction. Offensively JJ can be replaced with a good shooting guard platoon. Rashard & Morrow possibly. JJs D will be difficult to replace. We have better shooters and a more athletic post defense. With a few wise additions this team will easily be better than last year, but without Josh we will suck. he is the key.
JustSayinB
July 9th, 2012
12:42 pm
Let’s look at the Hawks from another perspective: Danny Ferry isn’t building this team for us; he’s building this team for our offspring and their offspring. If Josh Smith can see this; then why can’t you?(bloggers).Danny Ferry is going to build this “old” team into a sort of “young” team-with some experience. I think Josh will be gone before the start of the season. Josh needs to camp out at Hakeem Olajuwon’s house to get schooled on low post scoring and lose the funky attitude. Danny’s doesn’t have time now to meet with his players because he’s doing his job-that is, shopping for that missing player and coach.
Buddy G
July 9th, 2012
12:42 pm
If the Hawks fail to make the playoffs this season, it will be because Josh Smith didn’t have the balls to seize the moment.
dub366
July 9th, 2012
12:45 pm
Joe and Josh was no where close you could tell when Josh was having a good game and the game was close who they go to even if Joe had 9 pts you think Josh was happy noway.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
July 9th, 2012
12:45 pm
Trade Josh Smith while you have the chance. He does not want to be here.
Buddy G
July 9th, 2012
12:46 pm
“The NBA is about just one thing: superstars. Coaches matter, teammates matter and the home crowd matters, but none of it matters if you don’t have a superstar.” – David Aldridge
Do you have the balls to be a superstar, Josh Smith? Shooting jumpers and pretending to be Kobe Bryant doesn’t make you a superstar. Playing to your strengths does.
dub366
July 9th, 2012
12:48 pm
Josh will have a better season than he had last season
Najeh Davenpoop
July 9th, 2012
12:51 pm
So I guess Ken Strickland can chill now with the whole “Josh celebrating Joe’s departure” narrative.
Take the risk Ferry. Bring Dwight home.
Jake
July 9th, 2012
12:52 pm
ALL FERRY HAS TO DO IS PICK UP THE PHONE AND PROPOSE THIS TRADE, THEN ITS A RAP!!
-Al Horford
-Jeff Teague
-1st round pick
-2nd round pick
FOR HOWARD
DO IT NOW. WHATS THE RISK? WERE REBUILDING ANYWAY!!!
Buddy G
July 9th, 2012
12:52 pm
“Sign James Harden? He’ll be a free agent next year, but is he a #1 scorer worth max contract? Probably not?”
1. I doubt Harden will be looking to leave OKC after this season. He will probably sign a contract significantly below the max to stay with Durant and Westbrook
2. Let’s say, for the sake of argument, Harden just wants to get paid after this season. I would absolutely sign him to a max offer sheet. This would be significantly better value than Joe’s contract because Harden is younger, it would be less money (not a bird max like Joe’s) and unlike Joe, Harden has played in the NBA finals. Did LeBron get it done in his first finals? How many tries did it take him? Harden is a top 5 shooting guard in the NBA. Wade and Joe will no longer be in that conversation two years from now, Harden will.
JROLL1
July 9th, 2012
12:52 pm
Josh might not be impressed…..BUT I SURE AS HELL AM! Please..no Dwight Howard for the HAWKS!!!
Buddy G
July 9th, 2012
12:56 pm
“The team is actually better now.”
Co-sign. This team is better as currently constructed, provided the roster stays healthy. One caveat… does Josh play up to his All-NBA potential or does he take a page from Joe Johnson and shrink from the moment?
DWIGHT HOWARD TO HAWKS
July 9th, 2012
12:57 pm
IF HOWARD GETS TRADED HERE THEN CP3 WOULD WITHOUT A DOUBT WANT TO PLAY FOR THE HAWKS!!!
HOWARD WOULD NOT GIVE UP A OPPERTUNITY TO PLAY WITH CP3,SMITH, AND PLAY IN HIS HOME TOWN.
HOWARD SAID HE WANTED TO PLAY FOR THE NETS BEFORE WE TRADED JOE JOHNSON,WHICH GIVES US THE ABILITY TO GET CP3 TOO!!!
O'Brien
July 9th, 2012
12:58 pm
Ra’mon,
I’m hearing the opposite that Josh is very excited and impressed with the PROSPECTS of big moves to be made..
That may be so, but what happens if those prospects don’t come to fruition? For example, what if CP3, Harden, Bynum etc all sign somewhere else next year. How excited will Josh be?
The city was ‘owned’ by Jamal Anderson who had one good season and a dance..
That one good season was a super bowl appearance. We can’t even get to the ECF.
That being said, I have never been a big fan of the ASG and their marketing team, because I don’t think they are good at what they do.
ChiTown BBaller
July 9th, 2012
12:59 pm
First of all, Atlanta was never in the running for Dwight Howard
Secondly, great job by the new GM by making cap room with recent trades of Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams. Don’t stop there, blow the entire team up and start from scratch
Buddy G
July 9th, 2012
12:59 pm
“Teague, Brooks, SF, Josh, Al would have kept us competitive.”
LOL Brooks 0-for-8 vs. summer league competition, Brooklyn getting destroyed by Orlando last I checked. Yeah, that was the key, get another ball-stopping wannabe Kobe in here. NBA Finals for sure.
Buddy G
July 9th, 2012
1:03 pm
“all signs point toward rebuilding next year so why not get into the ping-pong ball sweepstakes?”
Why do all signs point toward rebuilding? If Dwight isn’t a Net by this time Wednesday, he’s never going to be a Net. If he does go to Brooklyn, they have no money to sign Josh. If Josh shows up this year and takes on the responsibility of being the Hawks’ number one option, the Hawks should be no worst than they were with Ball Stopper Joe as the primary option. If Josh has an All-Star, All-NBA year with the Hawks, do you think maybe that might make him consider staying?
What’s a better back court?
Joe Teague Kirk
Teague Morrow Harris
Pretty close call, right?
Slimjr
July 9th, 2012
1:04 pm
Josh not impressed? Read between the lines. His azz is going to step if D12 lands in New York.. Start spreading the news..
ccarking
July 9th, 2012
1:07 pm
soul star , really dont want to child like debate you on if joe was at josh wedding or not ,and yes i know he wasnt because yes i was there, no need for pictures although i do have some, i was only sharing my opinion of their relationship and encouraging MC to ask josh directly. this is a blog for opinions right? one reason i dont comment often is because bloggers like yourself revert to middle school antics when some expresses themselves. there are many on this blog whose opinions i love to read ( dr mary b, rod from college park, rev from tampa,grandad and many others)and i may not agree with all i enjoy their thoughts. some on here including MC know that i have a relationship with josh and his family and only post when i feel the whole story is not being relayed . i enjoy and respect MC s stories whether i agree with them as well. we are lucky to have a reporter who actually takes pride in his work. there will always be litte trolls like you , so troll away
Gary
July 9th, 2012
1:07 pm
This team will never get better without a real quality coach. When does that happen?
Buddy G
July 9th, 2012
1:08 pm
“Our only hope is to hope Josh Smith and/or Al Horford turn into a formidible enough duo that they become legit All-Star talent type players and finishers.”
Become? News flash, northcyde, Al Horford has been to the All-Star game and Josh was considered a snub in each of the last three seasons. Somebody trolling your handle?
O'Brien
July 9th, 2012
1:10 pm
Although he struggled last night, Al still averaged 18 and 9 for the Olympics Qualifying. Is he good enough to be option A on a championship contending team? I don’t think so, but nobody on this Hawks team is (imo).
And I’m confident that if Ferry said he was open to trading Al, his phone would be ringing off the hook. We all agree that Josh is more talented, but I think Al has the potential to average 15 and 10. We just need him to go back to being Boss Al.
Astro Joe
July 9th, 2012
1:11 pm
OB, thanks. I was just thinking, “didn’t Jamal get us in the Super Bowl”?
Didn’t Josh take more FGAs/game than Joe last year? And I’m pretty sure that Josh had a higher usage rate than Joe too. So last year Josh was the MVP, heart & soul, #1 option, alpha dog and HNIC. Now, he gets to do it again but with Horford as his sidekick. And we’re supposed to believe that things will be better?
hawks_4_life
July 9th, 2012
1:12 pm
I personally like the direction the hawks are going. Sometimes you have to re-shuffle the deck and start from scratch. Its obvious we weren’t going anywhere with what was already in place so why not sacrifice a year to get some more talent in here. As for losing Joe for less talent, well you can thank the previous gm for giving him a contract that made him seemingly immoveable.
Slimjr
July 9th, 2012
1:13 pm
I am just saying, Miami has the best basketball player on the planet at this time…The Hawks do not..
Apples, Box Cars….
Buddy G
July 9th, 2012
1:17 pm
“Can someone tell me why Hibbert cant be an option here?”
He’s signing an offer sheet with Portland. That means he’ll be in Portland or Indiana next year. All other teams are off the table.
Manny
July 9th, 2012
1:18 pm
Can I just say this? It may not necessarily be Lotto Fever around here. Why? Because if you look around, you got Jeff Teague, Josh Smith and Al Horford. If I were the Hawks, I would go get OJ Mayo and a quick SF. That way, I will make the court a big, ole treadmill and run people outta there!
Quick, fast and in a hurry would probably be a good motto for the team if they went young and athletic.
Rod
July 9th, 2012
1:20 pm
******* NEWSFLASH ******
The Atlanta Hawks NEVER WERE in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes!
Ra'mon
July 9th, 2012
1:21 pm
O’B, and AJ, you’re missing the point. Jamal OWNED the city before the playoffs even began that season, after the Falcons hadn’t been to the playoffs in how long? They weren’t even the favorite in the NFC. The point is, it doesn’t take much to own this city. And Josh will.
AJ, as someone said earlier, in games that Joe played in, LD never went to Josh in the closing moments by a play design. This season, LD will not have a chance. And that will make a difference. Josh hits two game winners (which I predict he will do before end of first half of season), and the tide will change drastically.
sldasdf
July 9th, 2012
1:25 pm
Where’s the talent at? No other sport has such scarcity of talent. You can get a good player in baseball or football in later rounds but in basketball, if you don’t have a top five pick you can’t find a difference maker and even then it’s a crapshoot. It seems like the whole system is messed up if you can’t produce enough talent. That’s why today’s all-stars try to create these super-teams by aligning themselves with the handful of other players who are any good. Basketball’s messed up imo.
tyger
July 9th, 2012
1:26 pm
Just goes to show…when it’s Hawks…
How off-base the national press is in re. ATL…
Most reported, Josh was “giddy” over the moves…
If it’s not written locally, not worth a dime…
2k experiment with Randolph, Lewis…
Both very intriguing, long, athletic players…
Both cracked the lineup without manipulation…
Lewis, like McGrady, had great career, but injuries…
Hand, shoulder, both knees, robbed him late…
If he has something left, could be very helpful…
Has that “matchup” ability vs upper echelon talents…
Bigger, stronger, smoother Vladi Radmanovic…
Randolph is a true tweener, even at 6′11…
But in his case, it is not a negative…
Like Josh, he can play all three frontct positions…
He brings alot of versatility, talent, upside on young legs…
He’s alot like Josh, but longer, less aggressive…
Better offensive skills, still developing, active around basket…
It’ll be interesting to see what DF’s model is…
San Antonio, Cleveland, Oklahoma, Miami…
Easy if you have #1/#2 picks or Big Three…
What if no picks and Big Two at same position?..
On to “cap space” and “flexibility”…
Dallas looks good in the accounting dept…
Not so good on the horizon…poor Dirk…
DWill called them “out”…roster sucks…
Not a good sign, and next year’s FA class…
Sans Paul and Howard – who are not ATL bound…
Even less interesting than this one…
Bottom line: Good teams keep their good players…
.
Bernie Matt
July 9th, 2012
1:29 pm
Anthony Randolph can flat out ball! SF skills with PF/C length. He has not been in good situations in the past, but Smith, Horford and Randolph can all be on the court together. Very athletic and long front line. Randolph can guard Bosh straight up, leaving Horford to bang with Haslem (Horford get’s the better of that match-up) and Josh’s length should make Lebron earn everything he gets. Ferry’s on the right path. Now if Jenkins is dead eye like he was at Vandy and Stevenson can give you minutes making life a little harder for DWade, our PG’s cancel out, with Teague starting to emerge and Harris perhaps looking to prove he can still play. Roll the ball out and lets play. Finally a basketball mind in the front office.
Ra'mon
July 9th, 2012
1:30 pm
O’B, the point is Josh will be happy because he has someone in the front office who actually says the word CHAMPIONSHIP. Sund didn’t ever say that word, he always said contend for an ECF. Josh isn’t sad about Joe being gone at all. He’s happy because it shows that Ferry isn’t going to settle and be content.
Also you’re correct. For Al it isn’t about his NUMBERS. Its about his MENTALITY. Al needs to play like a bully in the front court. I’d take 16 and 10 from Al all day if he’s playing with that work ethic mentality similar to Zaza, where people just hate to go up against you because you’re nagging and get under their skin. Spit on your hands before you check them. Step on their foot accidentally. Just do something.
Miles
July 9th, 2012
1:33 pm
If we end up in the lottery, we potentially could have 2 top picks and a bunch of money to spend. Next summer if we can land a CP3 and 2 lottery picks, I think Josh will come around to seeing the future.
northcyde
July 9th, 2012
1:37 pm
Buddy G
July 9th, 2012
1:08 pm
“Our only hope is to hope Josh Smith and/or Al Horford turn into a formidible enough duo that they become legit All-Star talent type players and finishers.”
Become? News flash, northcyde, Al Horford has been to the All-Star game and Josh was considered a snub in each of the last three seasons. Somebody trolling your handle?
********************
The key word in that sentence is LEGIT.
Horford was named to the All-Star team twice . . but a LEGIT All-Star is one who can take over a game on a routine basis. LEGIT All-Star status for Josh and Al would be for them to average an EFFICIENT 20 ppg and 10 rebs. I’m talking about LaMarcus Aldridge legit type shooting and point totals . . or Blake Griffin scoring and rebounding numbers.
We just lost our #1 option to close a game. Whether people think he was good or not in closing a game, the fact was that he did close games. That duty now goes to Al and Josh. A situation that they haven’t normally been in. So with them being the go-to guys on a nightly basis, we’ll see if they can put up LEGIT All-Star numbers.
Astro Joe
July 9th, 2012
1:37 pm
Ra’mon, next time you talk to Josh, ask for his thoghts on the centers playing for the US Olympic team… if he thinks they should have added Bynum or Greg monroe to the roster.
Jareek
July 9th, 2012
1:37 pm
Why did the Hawks sign Ferry he just screwed up everything
Ra'mon
July 9th, 2012
1:39 pm
O’B, I still believe the Hawks should try to sell Josh on the fact of signing an extension this off season (and Zaza). Trading Al to Charlotte for their next year’s draft pick. And going into next off season with the ability to add 3-4 productive free agents, and 2 high draft picks. Even see if Charlotte would be crazy enough to do a Kemba Walker and next seasons pick for Al.
ryan
July 9th, 2012
1:40 pm
How about Mayo and Gerald Green we have the money to get those players come on Ferry please do something .
northcyde
July 9th, 2012
1:45 pm
Buddy G
July 9th, 2012
1:03 pm
What’s a better back court?
Joe Teague Kirk
Teague Morrow Harris
Pretty close call, right?
***********************
Ummmm . . no. It’s not close at all. If that backcourt played against each other, there would be no guy on that team who could guard JJ. The Teague – JJ – Hinrich backcourt is head and shoulders above the Teague – Harris – Morrow backcourt.
Teague is a good PG that plays defense and can get to the rim. Harris is a decent PG from a scoring and passing standpoint. Morrow is a spot-up shooter only. Both Harris and Morrow are below average defenders.
Hinrich is a spot up shooter and a defensive guard. JJ is a spot up shooter, a good isolation player, a good post up guard, and a defensive guard.
Not even close Buddy. And you’ll see this once the season starts.
ryan
July 9th, 2012
1:48 pm
Howard to the Nets looks to be a done deal there getting close probably Tuesday there be some announcement .
KevinM
July 9th, 2012
1:49 pm
“Ethan J. Skolnick: Hearing that the Heat left yesterday’s meeting with Rashard Lewis confident that he’ll come aboard. Nothing official yet.”
Another vet about to be on board with the Heat…over us.
Bruce
July 9th, 2012
1:55 pm
Hawks aren’t getting either Howard or Paul. So who realistically would want to come to ATL and take advantage of all that cap room we are going to have? Also, who are some quality players that we can realistically expect to get in next yrs draft that can come in and have an IMMEDIATE impact? Glad Joe is gone but I foresee yrs of mediocrity Im afraid.
NORRIS CHUCK
July 9th, 2012
1:56 pm
What happened to the CBA aka Corrupted Ballers Alliance? All these “Super Teams” are killing the game!
headley lamar
July 9th, 2012
1:58 pm
Glad Joe is gone but I foresee yrs of mediocrity Im afraid.
And that would be different than what they were already doing how ????
Ticktokticktok
July 9th, 2012
2:00 pm
Counting down till Josh implodes. They thought he was rough dealing with in the past. Gesshhh!
A cool 30 games into season and the Hawks are 10 and 20 andddd wait for it……. BOOOM!!! Did anybody tell ole Danny boy to wake up from his dream of building a Championship team here. This man traded for players that were on THE WORST team EVER in the NBA. Was Joe’s contract bad? Yes Was he a superstar Yes in his own way lol. Did it have to end like that? NO. There is a way to do everything and this just wasn’t the right way. But hey he got a six year deal so maybe by year 5….. oh just forget it.
Jareek
July 9th, 2012
2:00 pm
Dwight Howard,Chris Paul,Andrew Bynum, Stephen Curry, Monta Ellis 2 out of these 5 would put the Hawks back in Playoff form
Bruce
July 9th, 2012
2:03 pm
When I said mediocrity I meant not making the playoffs. I agree that the playoffs haven’t been that great for the Hawks but what I meant was Billy Knight like mediocrity.
Michael Cunningham
July 9th, 2012
2:03 pm
new blog posted. shutting down this thread.
Hawks meet with Anthony Randolph as Ferry keeps bargain hunting | ProBasketballTalk
July 9th, 2012
9:31 pm
[...] via Atlanta Hawks: Danny Ferry tries to ease Josh Smith’s concerns | Atlanta Hawks. [...]
Atlanta Hawks: Danny Ferry tries to ease Josh Smith’s concerns | Atlanta Informer
July 10th, 2012
10:08 am
[...] Atlanta Hawks ← Cherokee County woman works to save horses Cancel Reply [...]