Atlanta Hawks: New era begins
“We would be good, but not good enough.”
When Danny Ferry said it, I felt like Micheal Keaton in “The Paper” (underrated flick, by the way).
“He said the headline! The guy actually said the headline!”
Ferry succinctly summed up the frustrations I’ve heard expressed so many times by my blog people. That’s why the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive to Ferry’s decision to extract the franchise from two burdensome contracts.
But already I sense some anxiety among you about the next step. No doubt that feeling is heightened by Ferry’s failed (for now) pursuit of a trade for Dwight Howard, who’s status is in limbo. I’ve seen Hawks fans already fretting that no superstar would ever actually choose to sign with this franchise.
None of this surprises me, of course. It didn’t take me long in this job to learn that a sense of insecurity and pending dread appears to be a common symptom of your affection for the Hawks.
But, more than that, these concerns are reasonable. You recognize this is just the first step in a plan that’s difficult to execute. Bold moves may be necessary at times but they don’t always or even usually lead to more success than the status quo.
Ferry’s decision to take a step back comes with significant risk. That’s still true even if you believe there never would be any greater reward for staying pat.
Ferry chuckled when I told him that elation among Hawks fans about the trades had been supplanted by some nervousness that there would be no follow-through.
“I can’t give you all the answers,” he said. “We were good but not good enough, and now how do we find a way to get even better than before?”
Some tweeps interpreted Ferry’s comments about the status quo not being good enough as a shot at his predecessors and the team’s ownership. I didn’t read it that way–and, besides, Bruce Levenson himself was blunt in acknowledging that the franchise’s basketball operations needed a fresh philosophy.
On the day Ferry was introduced as GM, he mentioned that the organization seemed a bit too humble in light of its accomplishments. He seemed a bit incredulous when reporters peppered him with questions about his plan to make the Hawks better.
“They’ve been good here and I have to come to that with respect,” Ferry said. “There are teams that are trying to get to where the Atlanta Hawks are at now.”
These new Hawks are now behind those Hawks and it’s up to Ferry to get them where they’ve never been. He has the assets to do it now: expiring contracts, productive young players with reasonable deals, draft picks and massive cap space in the near future.
In fact, those chips should help alleviate your worries about free agents choosing Atlanta. Ferry has the tools to bring talent here in trades (the cap space will make that simpler, too). It’s telling that when Ferry is asked about free agents, he usually comes back to trades.
“There should be options but it’s also not all going to happen on July 15,” he said. “We have through to the trade deadline and we will continue to build on our team.”
Ferry decided that the Hawks’ good wasn’t good enough. It may take a while before my blog people can hope for greatness and it’s possible it may never come. But you said all along you wanted the Hawks to shoot for a championship and now they can at least try.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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264 comments Add your comment
random
July 11th, 2012
11:12 pm
1st?
Were dead
July 11th, 2012
11:14 pm
Didnt read
Rev in Tampa
July 11th, 2012
11:18 pm
“We have through to the trade deadline and we will continue to build on our team.”
Does Ferry mean the mid-February deadline? Or is there another that happens before the season begins?
Section 303
July 11th, 2012
11:19 pm
Danny Ferry continues to impress me everyday. I love the moves, so far. But, I also like that he acknowledges the Hawks recent success. The team has not gotten enough credit for what they have done the 4-5 seasons.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 11th, 2012
11:23 pm
All the stuff about changing the team’s identity and playing up tempo sounds really nice, but it’s hard not to be skeptical about such a dramatic shift in philosophy as long as the team employs the same head coach as the last two years.
H4L
July 11th, 2012
11:23 pm
IN FERRY I TRUST….
Slimjr
July 11th, 2012
11:25 pm
Need a rim protector or two.. Hawks are too small…
Also a scoring SF would be a great help…
H4L
July 11th, 2012
11:25 pm
Najeh not much he can do about the coach seeing how Sund was the one who extended him before stepping down. I think this year is an audition for LD to Ferry.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
July 11th, 2012
11:26 pm
Is Sund still with the franchise?
Slimjr
July 11th, 2012
11:28 pm
Expect Larry to win roughly 6-9 games against the winners. He’s [28-47] or 37% so far..Just brutal man….
Luke Cage
July 11th, 2012
11:32 pm
SWEET CHRISTMAS!!!
Hawks making moves, like I said before, nothing wrong with taking a small step back to leap forward.
Heard Hawks are intrested in Korver, hope not, dude is the worst defender
Harpie
July 11th, 2012
11:33 pm
Get rid of Larry Drew!
RD
July 11th, 2012
11:33 pm
Well said, MC.
I am more excited about Ferry’s 2012 team than I ever was about the past two seasons.
tankarelli
July 11th, 2012
11:33 pm
We’ve tried this before when we unloaded Mookie/Smitty cuz we topped out at 1st round wins. Tried again to clear cap space in early/mid ’00s, but couldn’t get anyone to sign here. Hope 3rd time is the charm.
Tearing down is much easier than building up. We’ll see what Ferry can do. Gonna be hard when all the good players are basically leaning to NY, LA, Miami and OKC somewhat.
i_am_soulstar
July 11th, 2012
11:34 pm
Considering the Ferry’s not thinking championship w/ this particular squad or for this particular season, I’m sure he’ll let LD coach himself into a new contract or out of a job this season. It’s all in your hands, L.D. (he’ll probably be gone).
RD
July 11th, 2012
11:39 pm
Larry Drew is not the problem with this team. NBA basketball is all about the players and the decisions they make on the court. The coach is just a scapegoat.
NannyFerry
July 11th, 2012
11:42 pm
LD didn’t really have to coach too much with iso-joe. Let’s see what happens when LD actually has to be creative with an offense.
I’m not very optimistic.
Section 303
July 11th, 2012
11:43 pm
Najeh, I agree. Ferry should have been allowed to pick his own coach (Brian Shaw is my choice). LD is nothing but a lame duck . He won’t be the coach next season.
What will LD do with no “iso-Joe” to turn to? He will actually have to think when he draws up plays.
NannyFerry
July 11th, 2012
11:46 pm
Section 303
My thoughts exactly.
Hazeltine
July 11th, 2012
11:47 pm
Most all of us want Dwight Howard, but you hafta think the Magic are reluctant to trade him to a division rival, especially when they can ship him (and Turkogku AND J-Rich’s contracts) to the Western Conference (Houston). Our hope for landing Dwight will probably hafta reside in dealing with Houston at the trade deadline or hoping Dwight makes it to free agency. All that being said, I’m proud of the Hawks and Danny Ferry for at least trying to get Dwight Howard here.
zeyfromtheay
July 11th, 2012
11:50 pm
Gerald Green….Jaavale Mcgee….look like they are related
What if they were both on the same team!? OUR TEAM!!
Is anyone opposed to signing Javale Mcgee??
I really want Gerald Green more than anything, but with Mcgee AND Green, we’d be absurdly athletic!!
Hazeltine
July 12th, 2012
12:03 am
tankarelli — Actually, in both cases the Hawks could’ve been very successful. We drafted Pau Gasol after trading away Mookie/Mutombo/Smith… only, we traded him for Abdur-Rahim. Then, after tanking again, we had the #2 pick… only to screw that up. And, in all fairness, Joe Johnson was a huge free agent acquisition for ATL in ‘05. He would’ve looked a lot better next, well, we all know who.
zeyfromtheay — We’d be athletic, but don’t give us any basketball IQ tests.
Barton
July 12th, 2012
12:04 am
Last time I swear – addition by subtraction. This Hawks team will perform better as a team than they have the past 2 years and we will see more consistency and defined roles. Stop with all this McGee/OJ Mayo nonsense. Don’t need them, don’t want them.
And why is there so much hate for Teague? Dude just came off his first year as a full-time starter and I thought he played quite impressively for someone who handled the ball about as much as his SG and SF/PF.
Danny Mannin'
July 12th, 2012
12:06 am
Horford should be enough. The length of that reasonable contract is gold for Orlando. The rest are filling in enough players to make the salary cap work. Ferry should hold firm at offering Horford (and fillers) for Dwight. We could even throw Orlando a 1st rounder or 2 in the next draft and all sing Kumbaya together.
Hoops
July 12th, 2012
12:07 am
The Hawks are not going to get D12 this summer for these reasons:
1. The Magic are not going to trade him to a division rival.
2. The Hawks are not going to trade for him without a long term committment from Dwight and he has never said that he will commit to the Hawks.
So, if I am correct in my assumptions, then the Hawks can wait for next summmer to make a run for him or move on and improve their team. I don’t think D12 is ever going to agree to come to the Hawks. I’m sure Hawks management has Josh in his ear. They know if he is interested in coming to ATL or not. I bet not. So, where does Danny Ferry go now to improve this team? The Hawks need a SF bad!!! Do you think Ferry keeps Josh if D12 is not coming to the Hawks? If not, what about Josh for Iggy? It’s just refreshing that Ferry has the Hawks in the news about building for a future instead of holding onto what they have!!!
Ra'mon
July 12th, 2012
12:11 am
Guys, this is the reason I would trade Josh or Al to a team like Charlotte for next season’s draft pick, and 2015’s.
http://nbadraft.net/players/shabazz-muhammad
Muhammed is the best wing player coming out of high school since Lebron.
HAWKSORDIE
July 12th, 2012
12:12 am
i called couple friends AND suggested lou Williams and javalle mcgee as well as goran dragic…one outta three not bad but we NEED mcgee also
Barton
July 12th, 2012
12:13 am
Andre Iguodala is not who we want for Smoove.. he doesn’t even come close to providing what Josh can across the board. Add Iggy to my list of no’s.
i_am_soulstar
July 12th, 2012
12:19 am
I don’t seriously believe that Ferry is gonna go into the season with no true starting SF on the roster. I just don’t see it happening with all these guards.
I believe he speaks for the team as currently constructed. Notice when asked about the team in his interview, he mentions Jordan Farmar, who we all know is being bought out, but it hasn’t officially happened yet.
From what I’ve seen thus far, Danny “Poker Face” Ferry reveals none of his cards, and very of his intentions.
i_am_soulstar
July 12th, 2012
12:19 am
starting-caliber SF*
Rusty
July 12th, 2012
12:20 am
Larry Drew is a horrible coach.
i_am_soulstar
July 12th, 2012
12:21 am
very few* jeez, i gotta proofread these things before clicking submit.
Hoops
July 12th, 2012
12:27 am
Barton,
If you don’t want Iggy, you have to have better reasons than that. I would make the 76′ers include a 1st round pick and make the trade!
i
i
JustSayinB
July 12th, 2012
12:27 am
LD may not be the problem with the Hawks, but because of his nuthuggin thuggin lovin of Josh Smith-he basically sold himself and the Atlanta fan out. If LD’s given another chance this season-it will only be because he’s a cheap hire on the last leg of an extension-whereby Danny Ferry is going to lay in the cut to see where the chips fall for this year win or lose. Then this time next year-God willing, the Hawks may be in a better position to deal.
zeyfromtheay
July 12th, 2012
12:30 am
@Hazeltine @Barton
Mcgee was kicking Andrew Bynum and Gasol’s butts for a minute in them playoffs last year. He’s a freak of nature. He’s like some kind of cross between a llama, an orangutan, and a human.
But for real, he is as athletic as he is dumb, and has very long arms. He can make up for his mental short-comings I believe.
The best part is he is cheap and NOT a main option, but his athleticism commands defensive attention. And he can defend pretty well. There ARE NOT MANY BETTER AVAILABLE CENTERS OTHER THAN MCGEE. In fact as far as I know, excluding Dwight, he is are best choice.
zeyfromtheay
July 12th, 2012
12:33 am
Sign Javale Mcgee, trade Horford for Iggy……think about it
Najeh Davenpoop
July 12th, 2012
12:54 am
McGee is supposedly asking for upwards of $10 million a year, which would be an insane amount for him seeing as how his entire offensive game is limited to alley oop dunks and putbacks. He’s not much more than DeAndre Jordan on offense, and that contract already looks bad.
pointguardslim
July 12th, 2012
1:54 am
“The Hawks have other options, including shifting Josh Smith from power forward to small forward like they did last season.”
Really? Because I watched all season waiting for it and it never came but 3 or 4 times.
Once against the Magic (the 2nd time the Hawks put Marvin on Ryan Anderson and Smith on Turk). Once against Durant.
Then once against the Bulls backup SF.
Overall Josh Smith played 0% at SF last year according to 82 games iirc. Smith did however guard some SFs who play PF; Lebron and Gay (Grizzlies, Heat went small for a few minutes) and Carmelo (Amare injured, Hawks won),
Don’t tease us MC!
Geno
July 12th, 2012
1:56 am
I like mcghee too.. hes does have skills and is a beast of an athlete…
falCans
July 12th, 2012
1:59 am
I BEEN SCREAMIN HORFORD FOR IGGY FA DA LAST MONTH SHEESH PPL WAKE UP. Josh smith and iggy is a defensive nightmare. Not sold on mcgee because we need post players
Geno
July 12th, 2012
2:01 am
I would like to see mcgrady back in here… The last playoff game he was in against boston he was going off until he hurt his ankle….. If he had more touches he would be very effective…. #our sf
Atlhawksfan
July 12th, 2012
2:04 am
Ferry doing good moves so far, get Howard and then go after a defensive sf
pointguardslim
July 12th, 2012
2:04 am
sf Josh and pf Ivan
vs
sf Durant pf and Ibaka
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RX_M_UAtKQw
the weak link is Ivan. Baby with the bathwater folks. The big lineup being the burgeoning baby.
Geno
July 12th, 2012
2:06 am
Josh smith @sf?… Are u sure…. I would say yes if he stuck to being a slasher and 2pt shooter… He showrd glimpses of that, but can he be consistent with it….
pointguardslim
July 12th, 2012
2:07 am
A scoring SF? Like Paul Pierce?????
No we’re running offense through our guards. Then a PF will knock down jumpers and Josh and Pachulia*/Horford will crash glass.
* Rumors are that Elton Brand wants to go to the Mavs. Old team, backup Dirk and Kaman…
Come on Elton we got 24mpg with Pachulia. Come be our Ben Wallace! ‘04 Pistons!
Could you imagine the man to man and help defense?
Josh, Horford, Elton Brand
Deshawn Scott/Ivan Pachulia
pointguardslim
July 12th, 2012
2:11 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biEFVQoLmPY
Here’s a new angle I thought of watching the Boston vid. With Lou and Josh on the wings you can’t switch.
Imagine the switches…
Avery Bradley trying to guard Josh Smith
Paul Pierce trying to guard Lou Williams
are you kidding me? Kind of makes me want to start Lou
Go real small in the backcourt and real big in the frontcourt,
Geno
July 12th, 2012
2:13 am
Hoford and josh will have a monster season……
Geno
July 12th, 2012
2:22 am
Jason collins OWNS dwight…. Lol
JIm
July 12th, 2012
2:23 am
I think they should make a run at O.J. he would def be a good fit in the offense. i also think the Hawks should keep Horford and Smith together..
JIm
July 12th, 2012
2:24 am
O.J. Mayo that is* lol
pointguardslim
July 12th, 2012
2:28 am
Josh Smith @pf?
You really want Smith playing Magic Johnsonn/Barkley on the fast break? Undersized PFs playing PG? Unless I have an elite scoring SF no thanks.
Josh in the Barkley/Lebron role + role players is a fail.
Put Josh in the SF role, similar to Iguodala. Triple Double waiting to happen who passes instead of shoot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IS92xrjkSKg
Give him the SF and he is likely to post them up.
The alternative is Smith taking Horf’s spot at the above video. You remember the Bass shot don’t you?
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
July 12th, 2012
2:45 am
PG-Teague/Devin Harris
SG-Morrow/Lou Williams/Jenkins
SF-Jsmoove/Stevenson/Sy
PF-Horford/Big Ivan/Scott
C-Zaza/Jordan Williams
Eric
July 12th, 2012
3:51 am
I’m cool with the moves Mr. Ferry made honestly Joe and Marvin had to go fast. Josh Smith is the star of the team with teague progressing and Horford coming back. Yeah Al is coming back watch and see. Smoove and Al were the defense, you slide Dwight Howard in at the 5, and best D in the league. Scoring not an issue Howard got you 18-25 a game when he beasting. Smith and Horford 15-20, and Teague can get you a some good numbers. We gone need a good 2 guard and we can challenge. Just a thought….. Back to reality…
Jae Evolution
July 12th, 2012
4:19 am
Why don’t we pick up Brewer? We have enough 3pt shooters, add a defensive slasher that can lockdown the other teams best player.
Tony-O
July 12th, 2012
5:17 am
For everyone who is praising J. McGee. I can’t honestly call you true basketball fans. McGee is a 7ft goof. Worst/dumbest player basketball IQ wise. Josh had more upside to his game than Iggy and with all the Moves made by ferry we still are lacking a solid Center (you better not follow up with a McGee chant) hawks best bet is lying on trying to land D12 & CP3 in the summer 2013 FA. Is it possible? Highly unlikely but nonetheless it’s worth a shot and we have the cap space now to land max deals for the 2 of them.
brigadierjerry
July 12th, 2012
5:53 am
Mcgee is looking for a contract minimum 10M a year. i am suprised the market seemed to have dried up for OJ Mayo. I havent heard anything regards to Ivan?
MC any updates with Ivan and his QO?Is he getting any interest from other teams?
I think Ferry will still make some minor moves and will see at the trading deadline what happens
brigadierjerry
July 12th, 2012
6:22 am
Also, I watched a lot of Lou Williams and talk to some Philly fans and go on their forums. Problem is Doug Collins would let him take 4th quarter shots and a bunch of fans would go crazy. If used right Lou Williams will be fine. Will have to see if LD will use him the right way
Big Daddy
July 12th, 2012
7:20 am
I am expecting Ferry to get us a really good 3 pt shooting wing in here to spead the floor and give Al and Smoove some working room in the paint. I also think Jeff will continue to get better after his first full year at the point. Smoove can move back and forth between the 4 and 3 and I expect to see some sets where you have Zaza, Al and Smoove in at the same time.
The problem in all of this is the coach and/or coaching staff. To date, I have not seen the development of players by the coaching staff to move any the team to the next level. When I read some of the other teams blogs there are stories of how certain teams sent their young centers to big man school to improve post moves and defense or matched their point guards with veteran retired players to help them improve their game. I see little or none of that with the Hawks. Can LD now come up with creative plays that will work to the strengths of his players and help them in critical situations? That will determine the success of any team the Hawks put on the floor. GO HAWKS.
Kidd, Billy
July 12th, 2012
7:23 am
I sure hope Al doesnt injure his self or do any thing ugly to blow the offer on the table to the Magic. We should have people around Al 24/7 til the deal is completed.
Kidd, Billy
July 12th, 2012
7:30 am
Al ya’ll horford weed smokers are stupid to think that wed take the best power forward on the team and a top 5 in the NBA and slide him over to make room for a power forward who is rank some where between 15-25.
Its stupid “my favorite player” thinking that has the hawks going backwards anyway. Al has peaked pot smokers, hes not going to lead us anywhere. Al goes back to Florida in the Howard trade. this is Josh’s team, until D12 gets here.
KevinM
July 12th, 2012
7:33 am
Stackhouse moves on to Brooklyn, seeing a better situation up there ad telling all of us what we already know….Avery Johnson is better at his job than LD.
What’s wrong with considering OJ Mayo? He played well in Memphis and would be a nice combo with Teague on a starting role. He gives us one more weapon in the backcourt.
I’ll take a Mayo/Lou/Morrow trifecta over keeping Joe. We’d still be under the salary that Joe made by around 5M. That’s huge!
And we have a Josh/Al/Zaza frontline until further notice, but that’s not formidable enough. We need a better Big 3 than Josh / Al / Teague.
Kidd, Billy
July 12th, 2012
7:35 am
“The problem in all of this is the coach and/or coaching staff. To date, I have not seen the development of players by the coaching staff to move any the team to the next level. ”
No, you cant get water from a rock. Moses aint here. Weve spent enough time on Teague and Hoford projects. Time to move on. Teague and Al just dont get it. and probably dont want to . Heck at this rate they will be 35 years old and you will still be looking for a coach to teach them how to play basketball. “news flash” they’ve been playing B ball all their lives. If they aint got it by now they aint going to get it. Let them be a project on some other teams payroll. We are trying to win a championship not be a developmental league team.
KevinM
July 12th, 2012
7:37 am
MC, is your trade article coming up soon? Would like to hear Ferry talk about he pieces he brought us back.
Yes, they’re all pieces, but do they give us a bench that we can count on? Stevenson is the contract I’d like to get clarity on.
O'Brien
July 12th, 2012
7:39 am
I have never been a fan of LD. But I would not be surprised if he does a better than expected job coaching the team this season. With no ISO-JJ to fall back on, he will be forced to come up with other options. And I think he will.
And with Ferry already saying we will play through our guards more, and play more up-tempo, I assume he has already talked to LD about the team’s expected playing style going forward…which should mean Josh and Al giving up the ball on the break, and filling the lane.
Also, other teams will probably overlook the Hawks, so we will have the chance to surprise some teams. I think this team has the potential to compete for 6-8 in the East. Hopefully fans will come out and support them.
vava74
July 12th, 2012
7:41 am
Players worthwhile checking (with varying need, depending on next moves):
List based on NBA.com (not fully up to date, so bear with me)
Barbosa, SG, UFA
Barnes, SF, UFA
Belinelli, SG, UFA
Sh. Brown, SG, UFA
M. Daniels, SG/SF, UFA
Delfino, SG/SF, UFA
Felton, PG, UFA
Foye, SG, UFA
G. Green, SG/SF, UFA
G. Hill, SF, UFA
J. Hill, FC, UFA
Landry, F, UFA
C. Lee, SG, UFA
Mayo, SG, UFA
Pietrus, SG/SF, UFA
Redd, SG, UFA
Tolliver, PF, UFA
D. Wilkins, SG/SF, UFA
S. Young, SG/SF, UFA
Pretty decent guys still available. Not too many real SFs though.
O'Brien
July 12th, 2012
7:42 am
KevinM,
When JJ signed his contract with the Hawks, his agent said he would recruit players. Maybe JJ recruited Stackhouse to come to BK
Kidd, Billy
July 12th, 2012
7:42 am
http://blogs.ajc.com/hawks/2012/07/05/atlanta-hawks-the-next-step/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
kwooden
July 12th, 2012
8:02 am
MC, no one is fretting, the fact is we’re weaker than last year! If we want to win a Championship, you have to have a team that can compete with Miami in the Playoffs and we don’t. Having cap space doesn’t change that and acquiring weaker players doesn’t change that! Basically Ferry punted this season in hopes of getting Dwight and CP3 next season, which is fine, just don’t tell me he’s turned water into wine! Besides moving Marvin, the only positive thing he’s done is change the perception that this team wasn’t willing to make moves.
Ferry make a real gamble and go get Dwight without a guarantee and then I will believe your putting it all on the table to win a Championship. Otherwise keep making your bosses happy and lengthening your resume.
Mike is Back
July 12th, 2012
8:17 am
MC, good stuff…I thought it was a great move to hire Danny as the new GM, and he has done nothing but impress me since he got here.
Dude can’t wave a magic wand…and bring Howard to the Hawks…it don’t work that way…at lease he has the tenacity and guile to try to make it happen.
The important thing for me is…Danny has relieved this organization of some stifling financial obligations…and gave this organization some HOPE for tomorrow…I’ll take risk every time.
AG
July 12th, 2012
8:19 am
Al Thorton is available. I would love to have him in a Hawks uniform.
Ray
July 12th, 2012
8:23 am
Well his some good news actually.
B. Haywood
Kyle Krover
Luis Scola
O.J Mayo
Are out there if you pick up O.J Mayo and Scola that locks down SG and PF spots. Picking up Haywood would def help the Center spot question is do you play Zaza are starting or backup over Haywood?
Personally I play Haywood at Backup.
Ray
July 12th, 2012
8:27 am
@ kwooden
First before having a team to compete with Miami you got to beat people like The Knicks, Celtics, Pacers, Sixers, Bulls, Magic, and then Miami.
Every year I hear that and every year I’m like you people always forgetting about these other teams that beat us.
Then some of y’all will ramble on about how important Home Court Advantage was and Boston proved to me this year how unimportant it really is.
Didn’t seem to do us any favors nor many other teams.
kwooden
July 12th, 2012
8:34 am
@Ray, your right, especially right now, which is why I’m saying we’ve punted this season. I just don’t want to be spoon feed Ferry’s performed a miracle! If we don’t get Howard and Smoove leaves next summer, we’re a none Playoff team plain and simple!! I understand that might have happened even if Ferry didn’t make the moves, but that makes my point he hasn’t done anything accept change a perception!
drmaryb.(''_*).
July 12th, 2012
8:35 am
DANNY BOY!!!
Bring home the BEEF and this BEEFEATER will be forever grateful!!
OMG, I LOVE THIS MAN!!!
*swoons*
KevinM
July 12th, 2012
8:38 am
Ray, the last thing we need is a PF. Let Houston flounder around with the 6 they have…the easiest slot to fill IMO, yet ORL never had one to go with D12.
We could use Mayo for sure and see if he can take the SG slot away from the current group.
I don’t see Harris long for this team backing up Teague…..
We’re stuck with Josh at SF unless another deal is done to move a captain. Of the 2, Josh s the unknown because if I had to guess, he’s standing on the perimeter hoisting up shots after his Starbucks run. So if we go into the season without D12, I’m ready to move Josh before he bring us nothing I return. But the way it sounds, he’s not bringing much back right now.
We can’t expect to sign Josh and D12 in the same offseason….and I’m not even considering CP3.
OB, the next time I see LD tell Al or Josh to get the ball to our PG will be the first. I. Don’t think LD changes one iota….so look for his W-L against +.500 to continue to decline.
KevinM
July 12th, 2012
8:43 am
Lakers get shut down on CP3 deal…one year later, enter Steve Nash…..I’m read for them to fail miserably……Slowtime!
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 12th, 2012
8:49 am
Mike & Mike!
Rick Buchler-sic explains why The Nets pulled out of the D12 trade talks with The Magic. The Nets ran out of time to keep going back and forth with The Magic because, Brooks Lopez would very soon begin receiving offer sheets from other teams and with that wrinkle, he would no longer be available to trade on the open market. Lopez would then have his price tag set or driven upwards against his own team.
In other words, Lopez is running his own table and had no desire to play in Magic on a signed extension. The Magic have 58M this year and, 55M in bad guaranteed contracts right now and, that is without D12’s salary included. It has come to the point where The Magic need to move D12 right now just to relieve cap space and not for anything in return. The have no flexibility to re-build their team, whatsoever right now.
See Otis Smith. My question to you guys is what does this do for The Hawks chances since, D12 can not force a trade to Brooklyn? They have closed the book and moved on.
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 12th, 2012
8:51 am
* and, 55M guaranteed for next year.
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 12th, 2012
8:52 am
* plus … don’t forget the 20M amnesty number for Gilbert Arenas this year + next year (?) too?
howard harlow
July 12th, 2012
9:04 am
THE HAWKS WILL HAVE TO CHANGE, JUST LIKE OKC RUN RUN RUN AND SHOT. NO HALF COURT SETS WITH THESES PLAYERS. COULD WORK , WE WILL C. ALL OF THEM ARE SCORERS.
JOSH IS OUR POWER FORWARD
July 12th, 2012
9:08 am
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
tjhook
July 12th, 2012
9:09 am
Maybe we can convince Al Thornton to come back to the state and play for the home team. Look at this dunk he got over Zaza
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmRh5ixbta4
In Ric Flair’s words: W-OOOOOOO!!!
Remidtown
July 12th, 2012
9:09 am
@kwooden –
I disagree when it comes to Ferry. He HAS performed a miracle. Well, at least half of one. He managed to untie the financial knot that this franchise was in and provide it will major flexibility. NOW, his next miracle (or the second half of the first miracle, however you want to look at it) will be taking advantage of the flexibility and building the Hawks into a legitimate contender. Obviously, that part is unkown and as of yet unfinished.
BUT, he did perform a miracle in getting someone (two actually) to take the Marvin and JJ contracts off our hands. It ain’t like teams were knocking down the door for those two contracts.
al horford supporter
July 12th, 2012
9:12 am
Look, josh fans. We admit that al is not a good center to take us to the next level. We also admit that Josh is a better power forward than Al, but if we dont find a position for Al he will be traded, so the best we can hope for is josh will play the 3 and let al play the 4, even if it lowers the level of play at the 4 position. We are not concerned with raising the level of play, we are concerned with finding a position for Al.
Remidtown
July 12th, 2012
9:14 am
To put it another way using your own miracle example…..Ferry took the sludge that was the Hawks and turned it into water. Now he’s got to take the water and turn it into wine!!
tjhook
July 12th, 2012
9:14 am
here is a longer display of his abilities- Mr. Al Thornton, that is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E9B9i1lais&feature=related
Kidd Billy
July 12th, 2012
9:15 am
OK here’s the position and dept chart from M.Cunningham/ Drew
http://blogs.ajc.com/hawks/2012/07/05/atlanta-hawks-the-next-step/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
Remidtown
July 12th, 2012
9:17 am
al horford supporter
July 12th, 2012
9:12 am
Look, josh fans. We admit that al is not a good center to take us to the next level. We also admit that Josh is a better power forward than Al, but if we dont find a position for Al he will be traded, so the best we can hope for is josh will play the 3 and let al play the 4, even if it lowers the level of play at the 4 position. We are not concerned with raising the level of play, we are concerned with finding a position for Al.
—————————————————————————————————————————————-
The problem with this line of thinking is that you make two positions worse. Josh is not, imo, a viable option at 3 for any long stretch. By moving him to the 3 to accommodate Al at the 4, you weaken both spots on the floor. At least with Josh playing the 4 you are maximizing that spot.
Darth Cager
July 12th, 2012
9:18 am
If Josh is our power forward, why do you have him listed at SF?
Dimwit.
KevinM
July 12th, 2012
9:20 am
DMB, I see no way they go into this season with their salary issues, the drama and bringing in a new system.
D12 Wil be moved, and sooner than later….with the Western Conf the preference.
If I was Danny, I’m going for the gold and trying to get D12 in here…..you only get one chance and next year is not that chance.
Find out what they’re asking for, and go from there. I would think Al and Zaza, 1 reserve in Harris, 2 future 1sts, 2 2nds and taking a bad contract would suffice, but how greedy is Hennigan?
That is more than fair, and screw them if they want more.
Bravesfan79
July 12th, 2012
9:21 am
So Kayman signed with the depleted Mavs?? Dosent he wanna win? And why didnt the Hawks go after him?
KevinM
July 12th, 2012
9:22 am
Er, Kidd, you forgot Lou…..
Mike
July 12th, 2012
9:22 am
First of all, nobody in here is going to doubt Danny Ferry, nobody. He turned this team from a second round, cap-out team to a team that might step back this year but this team will have more cap room then most of the NBA next year. So he gets all the credit for that.
Second, To be in the top three of Orlando’s search for D12 is something that many media pundit and other team fans cant believe it, even now they refuse to put Atlanta name in that list. I have a feeling that Dwight is going to be trade before the season starts to us or Houston or LA. Even if he dont come here, us and Dallas is few teams that will have the money for him. Everybody else has to sign and trade him.
MC, I remember that you wrote that Josh Smith wasnt impressed with some fo the moves, is he still feeling the same way now? Because if he feels like that, then he might need to be moved earlier.
KevinM
July 12th, 2012
9:24 am
Danny’s next step…..zero in on who you want OUR #1 to be……….a top 10 guy in the league preferably.
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 12th, 2012
9:31 am
See Phoenix!
“THE HAWKS WILL HAVE TO CHANGE, JUST LIKE OKC RUN RUN RUN AND SHOT. NO HALF COURT SETS WITH THESES PLAYERS. COULD WORK , WE WILL C. ALL OF THEM ARE SCORERS. -hollow-
_________________
Problem is … there is NO running in playoffs.
Luke Cage
July 12th, 2012
9:32 am
I’m in for getting Javale McGee, even at $10mil, dude has a chance at being a Defensive Player of The Year contender every yr. on “O” he may get you 8-10pts but bout 12-13rbs a game and just think about the shots he will not only block but alter as well. Worked for a much smaller Ben Wallace.
H4L
July 12th, 2012
9:39 am
With all the wings on the Timberwolves, I wonder if they’ve given up on Williams already. Looks like after one year he is ripe for the taking.
MsDee
July 12th, 2012
9:42 am
The Dallas Mavericks and the Atlanta Hawk, are interested in Rafael Hettsheimeir. Encestando
Sam
July 12th, 2012
9:54 am
Every team in the league had a shot at Gerald Green if they had wanted to pick him up. There is a reason he is hardly getting any love from NBA teams. The sample size is too small for all you bloggers to be saying we HAVE to have him. Mcgee, seriously? Have any of you people ever actually watched him play? He’s hardly worth $3 million, let alone $10.
Players like Matt Barnes, Carl Landry, Jordan Hill, and Pietrus might not be superstars, but those guys are the glue to championship caliber teams. The Hawks should get there eyes outta the sky for now (Dwight, Iguadola) and focus on players who are realistic.
Astro Joe
July 12th, 2012
10:04 am
Add Sam Young to my list of Dolar Store SFs that would be good for the Hawks. He plays bigger than his height… solid build and is a hard-nose player.
Rev in Tampa
July 12th, 2012
10:08 am
We don’t want Javale McGee. If you want to know why I say that then go to google and type in his name. You will see the most searched terms in relation to his name. Look at the FOURTH most popular search.
Enough said!
MsDee
July 12th, 2012
10:10 am
Wow, Rev in Tampa, I see what u mean..lol
Rev in Tampa
July 12th, 2012
10:11 am
Oh, and while you are there, enjoy Shaq breaking down “the best of the worst of Javale”
Ray
July 12th, 2012
10:15 am
I could go for someone like Jordan Hill.
As for those players I named earlier give me Mayo and Scola I might not be so sold on Haywood after all.
@ Sam
Only BIG DOG is the one that keeps talking about Gerald Green I don’t even know him and have never seen him play and I’m for one am not sold on him.
A BIG NO to Iguadola dude is cool and all, but I’d rather Josh man the SF position.
People don’t realize that Josh’s frame is a SF frame and not a PF frame, but because of his athleticism he can play PF, but going up against others like Drik and Gasol while he may blow past them because of their height and even size he can’t really stop them.
MsDee
July 12th, 2012
10:15 am
Dang, he is really ’something special’..did u watch the ‘top 8 dumbest plays’ by him on youtube? It is hilarious!!
MsDee
July 12th, 2012
10:21 am
Too funny!! Yea, I may have 2nd thoughts of him joining us but well, at least he would still bring some kind of attention to the game! Not exactly what we were asking for tho..
Bravesfan79
July 12th, 2012
10:21 am
All this talk about trading for a SF is crazy. I say resign Macgrady, let him be the backup SF, and let Morrow (who’s 6′6) start at SF, and play a more uptempo.. faster offence.
Ray
July 12th, 2012
10:21 am
It’s funny about Javale Mcgee though having heard a damn thing about him all year after he was traded to Nuggets and now articles are swirling saying Denver NEEDS to Re-sign him.
I’ll go this far Mcgee is a product of the culture of the Wizards something the hawks haven’t had to worry about.
Then inmates run the asylum over on the Wizards team their trying to change that and the one person they have yet to release was big part of it (Blatche).
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 12th, 2012
10:24 am
A Man’s Worth!
“Players like Matt Barnes, Carl Landry, Jordan Hill, and Pietrus might not be superstars, but those guys are the glue to championship caliber teams. The Hawks should get there eyes outta the sky for now (Dwight, Iguadola) and focus on players who are realistic.”
___________________
Based on this factual statement, then … what good are these guys on a non-contender like, The Atlanta Hawks?
Ray
July 12th, 2012
10:24 am
Haven’t not having sorry
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 12th, 2012
10:25 am
How good is jelly, IF you don’t have peanut butter & two slices of bread?
Remidtown
July 12th, 2012
10:26 am
“The Hawks should get there eyes outta the sky for now (Dwight, Iguadola) and focus on players who are realistic.”
That’s the exact logic that led to their recent mediocrity. Settling for players that are not elite and paying them like they are. Every team needs some complementary players but the Hawks need to focus on who they want to build their team around. If D12, fine. If someone else, fine. But it sure as heck better be an elite player or they won’t be much better off than they were before.
drmaryb.(""_*).
July 12th, 2012
10:28 am
Dumb … Dumber … Dumbest!
“We don’t want Javale McGee. If you want to know why I say that then go to google and type in his name. You will see the most searched terms in relation to his name. Look at the FOURTH most popular search.
Enough said!”
-Rev in Tampa-
____________
Sell dumb someplace else … we’re all stocked up here.
Ray
July 12th, 2012
10:30 am
Who’s to say the Hawks are a non-contender as currently constructed?
We keep tossing that word around like a hot potato, but we don’t know what moves Ferry is thinking about.
Right now as constructed we have two legit PG’s something that not many contenders did have.
Some of these players are a bit better than most of the blog gives them credit for.
It wasn’t long ago that Stevenson was on that Championship Mavs team. We need someone like him and Ivan on the team tough nosed players.
I’d actually like to go after Mcgee at the very least like I said in my last post his attitude and antics were a result of Washington Wizards culture even John Wall had to virtually come out and say as such. That as they(wizards) were currently constructed they weren’t making any noise.
Once Mcgee got traded I really didn’t hear a whole lot of issues out of the Nuggets when he was playing with them.
UGA
July 12th, 2012
10:38 am
One FA SF to keep an eye on is Martell Webster, he will be cut loose here sometime from Minn. Delfino is also another one out there who is still available. If memory serves me right, the Spurs went after Josh Howard last season and he is still out there.
I am not sure how Anthony Randolph would fit with us…….
We should maybe look at another cheap big like Mehmet Okur. If we had to go big by putting Smoove at SF, he would be the shooter inserted as a C
doc
July 12th, 2012
10:39 am
from mark bradley:
Said Ferry, speaking Wednesday night: “The status quo wasn’t going to be good enough to reach our goals, and we weren’t even going to be able to sustain that.”
yup to that! it speaks to jj’s contract, the limitations going forward and the probable decline already in full sight if everyone is willing to open their eyes. last years winning percentage was a mirage to me. it happened but i dont think it could have been recreated in a full season with a real pre-season camp for everyone. it was an anomaly. we were in decline and had been since mid year 2009 under woody.
mark also went on to say that it was going to take several players to make up for what jj brought. it was not a done deal, the team, once put back together, it would get back the success of the former regime. as a surgeon, i would see folks come in bleeding or really sick and have to do something about it. if surgery was done there was a recovery time and sometimes people did quite well after the healing took place. we were bleeding and we needed a surgeon to come in and cut it open and begin to put it back together. that is where danny is. if people didnt see or or didnt accept it for what it was, it will be a long season on comparisons and what ifs.
yes, there will be many detractors that come here going forward. if the jamal vs guard of the day discussions seem long, wait until the jj vs the way it is types come to the board. reality is for the jamal argument, we did about as well with him as we did without him. certainly, we didnt have the bucks last year to bring him on board for what he rightly felt his services deserved because of? yes a big contract signed to get bigger with each passing year. amnesty? as we saw, never, in this thrift conscious organization. so be it.
jamal wasnt a deal maker in the playoffs any more than jj was. his second year saw us fall in the regular season numbers wise. people dont bring that up and only talk of things that support their argument. if he is the deal maker, it doesnt stop with the end of the season, start in the playoffs, or who we play. got that, if he is true deal maker? he is consistent, otherwise he is just a sum of the parts, only. both years jamal did well against the magic, one a win and one a loss, he wasnt a deal maker as we saw he couldnt get past the bulls as a deal maker. i doubt jamal would ha ve made a difference against boston because of who is coaching them. doc if needed,would have shut down his strengths just as his protege did in thibs. my hunch.
the reason i digress? it is, i say this about jj as well. that is the main argument on why he needed to go. he had his shot, got paid well for it. bottom line, it was never going to come to fruition to win big because he was ONLY a part within the sum of the parts and not a deal maker.
in a team game, it really wasnt any of those guys, jj, jamal or any other individuals, fault because on offense the premium guy needed was someone with a true inside presence or a group of players able to continue to play in a team oriented style of offense when the going got tough. we had neither and it is why this team never raised itself to above the second round. it was that old lack of team balance and/or the insistence that folks go one on one or rogue when times got tough. two coaches have now failed to get that across or recognized its importance.
there will come many detractors over these moves. i welcome these moves as i tend to be more a realist and saw something had to be done. yes, it is a question of timing. any surgeon knew that is a critical component. would the patient get well on his own or did he need to have more drastic measures? would waiting give them more of a chance or make the healing worse? or worse yet, does waiting make it impossible to recover?
i think danny gave us his true insights by moving so fast. this was all prepared in his mind before his papers were signed. he moved with guile and respect to what came before him but he moved. if nothing else it was a stroke of genius, if meant or not, to move in a trade with the nets. they were the biggest player for the one player who could have dominated this conference for years to come in d12. by trading jj before the nets could put all the pieces together to make all parties happy, he essentially sent d12 packing. maybe it is not to us but it is not to play against us. that in itself is huge and cant be under stated. again, that is genius there. if you cant get stronger, dont let anyone else get stronger if it is within your grasp.
now how long will the anesthesia last? how long will it take to recover? will we ever recover to the level we were? my gut says yes, based on what danny has done thus far in such a short time. he appears to have a lot more savvy and smarts than his two predecessors put together and then some. on second thought, throw in the past three. these are also big questions that we will all have to fight about; it was either act or allow the patient to die bleeding out in front of us or with every day delayed making the recovery longer if it was going to survive to play another day.
Ken Strickland
July 12th, 2012
10:39 am
OBRIEN-From the last blog. You put a lot of faith in our ability to resign Dwight, or do a sign and trade if we trade for him without an assurance of an extension being signed. First, you must consider the fact that so far we have yet to convince his best friend JSmith to sign an extension. Secondly, to do a sign and trade, both parties involved must agree to trade, and you don’t know if Lopez would want to to be traded after playing a yr with GWallace, JJohnson, DWilliams, MBrooks and REvans.
Thirdly, we will already be stuck with the bloated contracts of past their prime underachievers Turkalou, Jefferson, and whoever, which we’d have to take off Orlando’s hands if we traded for Dwight. I would hate to think we traded Horford, Teague and maybe Zaza, along with 2 first rd picks, only to end up with a big 7′ injury prone OC that’s regressed in every area except scoring.
Don’t forget, Lopez just signed a $15M a yr contract, and what we would get back, other than him, would depend on what Dwight agreed to sign for. Unless Dwight commits to a contract extension, forget about his butt. We don’t need him as a 1yr rental. Remember, this is the same Dwight Howard who last yr agreed not to opt out of him contract, leading the Magic to think he would resign if they gave in to his wishes to get rid of the HC and GM. We all know how that’s turned out.
Since Dwight has been in the league, how many teams have managed to win NBA titles without him? Next season, we’ll have a ton of cap space, and at least 1, maybe 2, 1st rd picks, and a GM that’s proven to be capable of getting the job done. If we don’t complete a trade for Dwight, look for Josh to be traded by the trade deadline if he can’t be convinced to sign an extension.
Rev in Tampa
July 12th, 2012
10:41 am
“Once Mcgee got traded I really didn’t hear a whole lot of issues out of the Nuggets when he was playing with them.”
On a continuum between George Karl and Flip Saunders, where would you place Larry Drew? Closer to Karl or Saunders?
Mike
July 12th, 2012
10:42 am
@Gene
Are you serious, really serious?
Rev in Tampa
July 12th, 2012
10:47 am
Geno,
It is hard for me to believe you are scooping ESPN. They are saying nothing about it… yet.
Ray
July 12th, 2012
10:48 am
@ Rev in Tampa
Larry Drew is no Flip Saunders nor is he George Karl I wouldn’t know where to rank him.
But it wasn’t just the coaches fault for that culture the players created that because at the time they were all wayyyy too young. With barely any veterans on the team and I mean actual Vets like a Ray Allen and Derek Fisher people that knows how the NBA works.
EmirS.
July 12th, 2012
10:48 am
@Ray
True we do have two legit PGs…. but we don’t have LeBron or Wade.
True Stevenson was on the Championship Mav’s team….but so was Dirk, Kidd, Barea, Chandler, Brewer, Butler, and Marion.
The point I’m trying to make…is as currently constructed….we are in no possible way a legit contender. We are one of those team’s that can make the playoffs but everyone knows (including our very own fans) that we have no chance at a title. Kind of like the Grizz, Pacers, Sixers, Jazz, Nuggets, and Clippers. We fall into that group. If you wish to break it down even more we fall with the Nuggets, Sixers, and Jazz. (imo)
McGee is clumsy. Am I the only one that sees McGee as a better replica of Marvin? He reminds me of Wilt from Fosters Home of Imaginary Friends (I got a little sister and one TV). I don’t even care for his stats. I, personally, can’t stand watching the guy play. I feel like he’s gonna fall over any second.
Mike C.
July 12th, 2012
10:48 am
Geno is lying though his teeth right now.
UGA
July 12th, 2012
10:52 am
Read the Korver to TWolves is off, they were going to give up a 2nd round pick, maybe we get him now
Ray
July 12th, 2012
10:53 am
@ EmirS
We don’t know how the landscape of the NBA will be once the season starts.
Right now yeah it’s easy to say Heat, Knicks, Bulls, Nets, Celtics, Pacers, Sixers, and Hawks.
But remember last season everyone said the exact same thing and what happened.
Bulls lost Rose and Noah and got booted out the playoffs. Sixers and Pacers both advanced which I don’t think most people though was suppose to happen.
Every season is different is my point you don’t know like me if Atlanta is a contender or not. We only guess yes I understand we only have one All-star player in Horford technically two all-stars, but I’m more wanting to wait a minute before we start saying we’re not contenders.
Ray
July 12th, 2012
10:55 am
As for Mcgee I wouldn’t mind giving him a shot is all I’m saying if it doesn’t work out trade him along with a few other people in fact he could be a better trade chip to get D12 like most people hope for.
Rod from College Park
July 12th, 2012
10:55 am
doc,
After your long rambling post answer this question for me. Last year would you rather have had Jamal on this team at 6 mil or Kirk Hinrich at 8 mil? Simple question.
Having and inside presence or guys going one on one was not why we lost in the playoffs. We lost simply because we could not execute offensively. Thats is. Miami had no inside post presence, and they played one on one ball with kick outs to shooters all playoffs long and they won a championship. We lost this year because of coaching, and the inability of our star player to take over games when we needed him to.
doc
July 12th, 2012
10:58 am
ray doesnt it say something that after trading nene having a replacement but also a pretty good project in mcghee if they liked him they would try and sign him and to my knowledge they havent? what they offer is going to be my take on what karl thought about him and his ability to play a team game and be smart enough to grasp it. we need players like karl likes to succeed as his model is to do it without a superstar based on a team oriented game.
Ken Strickland
July 12th, 2012
11:00 am
DOC, DOC, DOC-What can I say. Brilliant, just brilliant. Extremely well presented with no hint of the bias, or the obsession so many fans seem to have for or against DHoward. Like I said above, we’ll have 1 or 2 1st rd picks, a potential core of Josh, Horford, Teague, Williams, Zaza, Ivan, Jenkins and Scott, and a ton of cap space that will allow us to sign and/or resign basically whoever we want.
And don’t be surprised to see Pape Sy become a serious challenger for the starting SF position. If he’s as pumped up as reported, and his outside shot has improved, he would be a load at SF with his PG skills.
Buddy Grizzard
July 12th, 2012
11:00 am
“Last year would you rather have had Jamal on this team at 6 mil or Kirk Hinrich at 8 mil?”
Kirk Hinrich, hands down. The problem with Kirk in the playoffs was that he was underutilized. The problem with Jamal was that he was over utilized. Yes, Kirk’s offense was terrible. But Jamal’s offense was terrible against Chicago and his defense was non-existent. When I look back at Jamal in the Chicago series, I wish Drew had played him less. When I look back at Kirk in the Boston series, I wish Drew had played him more. That was an easy one Rod from C.P.!
MsDee
July 12th, 2012
11:02 am
The Minnesota Timberwolves plan to amnesty center Darko Milicic in order to give an offer sheet to Portland Trail Blazers restricted free agent Nicolas Batum, a league source says.
Buddy Grizzard
July 12th, 2012
11:03 am
Blog troll get a life, we all know how to click over to espn.com.
Rev in Tampa
July 12th, 2012
11:03 am
Those posts about the Howard trade and other stuff is not from me obviously.
MsDee
July 12th, 2012
11:05 am
“After several months of trying to trade Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic general manager Rob Hennigan called the All-Star center Wednesday night to see if he’d reconsider giving Hennigan and the Magic’s new regime a chance to keep Howard in Orlando, a source close to Howard said.”
Wow, I wonder how THAT chat went???
Basement Boy
July 12th, 2012
11:07 am
Hi, I’m the Basement Boy Troll (BBT for short) and I have returned to ruin your Hawks Blog Day. I am bored and my mother only left me $3 in spending money and a spam biscuit for breakfast. So I will torment you guys because I am a mindless, bored and childish troll.
Atlanta Hawks: New era begins | Atlanta Informer
July 12th, 2012
11:08 am
[...] News here – Atlanta Hawks ← Code enforcer wakes woman up in bed with citation Cancel [...]
Rod from College Park
July 12th, 2012
11:17 am
Buddy,
You have to be related to Kirk Hinrich. No way anyone would ever support that guy unless they were related. He was truly one of the most useless players the Hawks ever aquired. He stayed injured, was not good at all defensively unless he played the 2, and was terrible offensively. The guy was useless. Only time he really ever contributed to this team at all was during the Orlando series and Jamal outshined him then. Get over it. No one is worrying abliut Kirk Hinrich. Especially for 8 mil. He was worse thatn Marvin production wise.
Rev in Tampa
July 12th, 2012
11:18 am
Ray,
Although I was clowning on McGee, I mean you no disrespect.
Too often last year we would watch Josh hanging around the three point line, or Marvin never moving inside the three point line, or JJ pounding the ball for 3/4 of the shot clock. But then after the game Larry Drew would complain about the lack of offensive rebounding and ball movement.
Larry Drew always blamed the players, but I lay the blame at his feet. He does not have SUFFICIENT control of the team. They are certainly not the Wizards, but there was, and will continue to be, dysfunctional team play because of Larry Drew.
I believe Javale McGee would only contribute more to the dysfunction.
pointguardslim
July 12th, 2012
11:20 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG7smUGa8h0
Josh Smith and Al Horford @ SF + PF
better defense, better ball movement. Maximizing scoring at the PF with Josh eating up jumpers is not what the Hawks need.
Get Brandon Bass or Mike Scott or Horford in PF if you want stand still midrange jumpers.
Josh at SF enhances the whole team with his defense blocks posting up and boards.
Ra'mon
July 12th, 2012
11:20 am
Should the Hawks try Darko?
doc
July 12th, 2012
11:21 am
rod i dont think you read what i said or you wouldnt as. anyway, i will answer that i would have easily preferred jamal for no other reason as he was healthy at the start of the season. who wouldnt? hinrich had just had surgery facing up to 3 to 6 months on the shelf. if amnesty is out of the question as i stated in my prose, how the f@ck do you think we were going to rid ourselves of a guy that had undergone the knife, not really knowing when he would return so we could have the money to then get jamal in a trade? reality rod, reality.
there wasnt a sucker big enough, even it the nba to pick up hinrich on those terms. so after a lock out, people scrambling to create teams on the fly, just as we did, there was never going to be a suitor of hinrich for sure or a stupid taker. why do you even bring up that as a legit question, when you look at reality? and please answer specifically that question if nothing else.
yes, i would have preferred a healthy jamal at 5 mil for 2 yrs for a broken hinrich at 8 mil for 1. that is the rub, who would take hinrich rod? and dont come back with we should have never taken him. i can also say bibby should have never come here with another bad contract to save the basg and bk with woody from themselves, but once here, you got to go with it. otherwise, it is just psychotic to continue. again, the reason jamal wasnt bought at a premium? my opinion, is that would take us into a very bad tax essentially doubling what he cost us to give to others in a robin hod cba agreement for being in the tax setting rich giving to the poor and we are not rich. rod, he was not the deal maker, sorry to remind you or inform you if you didnt hear before only a piece easily manipulated by other smart coaches as we all saw. he wasnt the deal breaker or real deal and neither was jj. we tried it and we failed it. time to move on or be psychotic or certainly very obsessive compulsive.
prediction, if we lose there will be a lot of psychotic behavior here this coming year.
as an aside, 6th moy awards are sweet measure an accomplishment and represent a good regular season, unfortunately, they dont predict success in the post season. anyone willing to only look back a few years can see? how many blew it up in the playoffs and took it to even greater heights? how many have been the mvp? ever? ever shined greater than the star on their team and get the ring?
pointguardslim
July 12th, 2012
11:23 am
and the point is team basketball. Josh Smith as the stretch 4 is not maximizing anything.
Art Vandelay
July 12th, 2012
11:23 am
I don’t understand is why the Lakers are so gung ho to bring D12 in. They already have the 2nd-best center in the league in Bynum, and he’s still got room to improve physically and mentally; do they really think swapping him for Howard would add more than a couple of wins over the course of a full season? Seems to me that LA is more concerned with star power than actual basketball ability.
Art Vandelay
July 12th, 2012
11:29 am
11:26 and 11:27 are not me — it’s the same 12-year-old troll who’s been amusing himself all morning by spoofing everyone else’s screen name. Grow up, bud.
Rev in Tampa
July 12th, 2012
11:29 am
T-S,
Being a blog troll does not afford the anoymity it used to:
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/jul/10/s-r-must-provide-info-anonymous-commenter/
doc
July 12th, 2012
11:29 am
good to see you around some ken s along with big rat, some old timers. glad they are still kicking.
btw, joe mama. i stand corrected based on newer joe pa info. enjoyed the polite discourse just the same.
Art Vandelay
July 12th, 2012
11:30 am
Of course, if AJC would just invest in a real blog system that actually allows users to have and keep a consistent identity, none of this would be an issue. Unfortunately, they seem to be perfectly content to stick with this useless system from 2003.
doc
July 12th, 2012
11:32 am
i see someone has imitated me. thanks for the flattery.
two before 11:29 can be attributed to someone else.
any ideas who? heh heh
be well t-s my friend.
doc
July 12th, 2012
11:33 am
meant big ray. some may have fun with the slip.
doc
July 12th, 2012
11:35 am
make it three as i didnt see one as i posted the same time.
Art Vandelay
July 12th, 2012
11:35 am
No, actually it WAS from me. The real me. Once school gets back in session and our anonymous troll enters 8th grade in the Fall, hopefully the grownups here will be allowed to continue having an intelligent conversation since he’ll be stuck in class and won’t be able to entertain himself here.
Ray
July 12th, 2012
11:35 am
The last post on page 3 isn’t from me that’s for sure, and I know there is a blog troll most of those posts with Rev in Tampa and some others are not there’s knew that one easily.
Hoops
July 12th, 2012
11:35 am
I had a good nights rest out here in West Yellowstone. I sleep on this trade. See what you think:
The Lakers get Dwight Howard (they like that). The Hawks get Andrew Bynum (they like that). The Magic get Al Horford (they like that plus they get a quality player and cap space). I know that we would send the Magic the first round pick that we got from the Nets and there might have to be some more players and picks included by both teams, but as I see this trade everybody gets what they want.
doc
July 12th, 2012
11:36 am
exact imitation cant be continuously conceived i see.
champion chipz
July 12th, 2012
11:44 am
If we keep Horford and see what center we can get in free agency next year, our frontcourt would be killer (assuming Josh Smith re-signs). Depending on what happens from now to next offseason, we would hypothetically have a shot at getting Dwight Howard, Andrew Bynum or Al Jefferson. We could offer max contracts and a shot at a title. Re-sign Teague for around $3 million, re-sign Josh Smith for around $12-$15 million. We would have a frontcourt of Horford, Smith, Howard/Bynum/Jefferson and a backcourt of Teague, Jenkins/Williams. I could see a team like this contending for a title. This is skeptical, but it is definitely possible (based on what I know, which, in retrospect, isn’t too much). As for this season, I really don’t know exactly what Ferry has in mind. He has made some very good moves, I just hope the players he brings in are on 1yr deals. I expect the 2012-2013 Hawks to be better than last year. Wouldn’t be surprised to see them beat out teams like the Pacers, Nets, Sixers etc. for a top four seed and then go on to have a decent playoff run.
Art Vandelay
July 12th, 2012
11:50 am
11:43 — not me. Troll, drop dead.
Ken Strickland
July 12th, 2012
11:54 am
MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM-an ANAL MINDED TROL has infiltrated our blog and is post ignorant crap under our names. Please get his IP and/or Email address and block him.
Rod from College Park
July 12th, 2012
11:56 am
” who would take hinrich rod?”
Ask Buddy G. He seems to love him. The point is you had two bums on your roster, Kirk Hinrich and Marvin Williams making 8 mil per. If we had a real GM, he should have done whatever it took to keep our second leading scorer on the team for 5 to 6 million dollars, especially knowing that we can’t score in the playoffs. Kirk Hinrich and Marvin Williams were 16 mill dollars of our salry cap last year, and I can’t remember either guy doing anything substantial last year.
jhan
July 12th, 2012
12:19 pm
Rod – you are the only one worrying about Jamal. It’s been 2 years since he played here. Get over him.
doc
July 12th, 2012
12:25 pm
blame the gm and the asg then,rod? again, the question i asked you to answer never got answered considering hinrich was injured how do you move him. reality rod reality. dont let your response to buddy g be the answer to my questions that were very specific, who takes an injured person? or was sund or should have sund seen hinrich’s injury coming? it was also cba standstill and a player lockout where moves couldnt be made in their usual order. once injured there was no way to do what you say rod. reality check or give me a very specific scenario any team would have taken damaged goods. you cant is why you dont answer it, so my case rests.
Ray
July 12th, 2012
12:59 pm
MC
I know you probably won’t read this, but it’s time for you guys to upgrade the comment section so people can actually sign in and post without having to worry about identities.
UGA
July 12th, 2012
1:10 pm
Korver talks with Wolves and Blazers have died. Assume Bulls will circle back to Atlanta, which has traded player exception he’d fit into.
UGA
July 12th, 2012
1:10 pm
that was tweet from Bulls beat writer
O'Brien
July 12th, 2012
1:22 pm
From ESPN.com;
After several months of trying to trade Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic general manager Rob Hennigan called the All-Star center Wednesday night to see if he’d reconsider giving Hennigan and the Magic’s new regime a chance to keep Howard in Orlando, a source close to Howard said.
Hennigan, the source said, based his plea on the fact that he was new to the organization and had not been party to the issues that drove Howard to make his trade request.
Team president Alex Martins, who also was on the call, the source said, made a similar plea to Howard last winter when Martins took control of basketball decisions over GM Otis Smith and coach Stan Van Gundy.
Howard was not willing to change his stance, the source said. “I already heard that from the other guy on the phone,” said Howard, according to the source..
Haha. Orlando should have traded him already, but they keep holding out for the moon and the stars.
Buddy Grizzard
July 12th, 2012
1:25 pm
“He stayed injured, was not good at all defensively unless he played the 2, and was terrible offensively.”
Listen, Rod. You hate white people. It’s ok. We’re here to help you work out your issues. Just say it out loud:
“I hate Kirk Hinrich because he’s white.”
Just get it out in the open, scream it if you have to, you will feel better.
But as far as saying Kirk can only guard 2’s, you know as well as I do that MC did a whole post on Game 2 breaking down every defensive possession for ATL’s back court. You know as well as I do that Rondo did not score a single basket while Kirk was guarding him. You know as well as I do that Rondo went to the bucket at will when Teague or Pargo was guarding him.
Just say it out loud:
“I HATE WHITE PEOPLE.”
O'Brien
July 12th, 2012
1:26 pm
I would have preferred Jamal over Marvin and Hinrich.
But the reality is Hinrich was injured, and in a short season due to the lockout, nobody was going to trade for him, unless we gave up a draft pick with him. And the ASG was not going to amnesty him, because he was on an expiring contract, and the amnesty was better off in their back pocket in case they decided to use it on Marvin or JJ.
And had we kept Jamal, we would have ended up in luxury tax territory, which ASG is unwilling to do.
O'Brien
July 12th, 2012
1:30 pm
Ken S,
Secondly, to do a sign and trade, both parties involved must agree to trade, and you don’t know if Lopez would want to to be traded after playing a yr with GWallace, JJohnson, DWilliams, MBrooks and REvans..
Next offseason, it wouldn’t matter what Lopez wants. He will be under contract, so the Nets can trade him without his permission.
Thirdly, we will already be stuck with the bloated contracts of past their prime underachievers Turkalou, Jefferson, and whoever, which we’d have to take off Orlando’s hands if we traded for Dwight..
I would only take back one of their bad contracts (either Turk or Richardson). Turk’s contract is only partially guaranteed next year. Therefore, we could buy him out for $6 mil, and he would be off our books after this season. If we get Jason Richardson instead, he has 3 years, $17 mil left on his deal. Therefore, we would only be stuck with him for this year and next, because after that, he will be a trade asset as an expiring contract.
Since Dwight has been in the league, how many teams have managed to win NBA titles without him?.
Lakers, Miami, Spurs, and Mavericks come to mind. But what do these teams have in common? All-NBA talent. Kobe, Wade, LeBron, Tim Duncan, Dirk etc. Howard is an all-NBA talent, and you will not win an NBA title w/o a superstar.
Who is Gault? A Fictional Character, Einstein!
July 12th, 2012
1:32 pm
“Bruce Levenson himself was blunt in acknowledging that the franchise’s basketball operations needed a fresh philosophy” YA THINK???????!????
Astro Joe
July 12th, 2012
1:32 pm
OB, yeah I read that and it made me oh so excited to bring that drama to the Hawks. Yippee!
jay
July 12th, 2012
1:36 pm
Here’s what I think is going to happen now. Lakers will send Bynum to Orlando. He’s not a true professional so he will seek the security of the max 5 year deal. So even though he hasn’t said he’ll stay in Orlando, but there’s no way he’ll leave 25 mill on the table. So Orlando will take the gamble on him. The lakers will get Howard. The lakers will then send Pau to Houston. Houston will send some of their draft picks, young players and expiring contracts to both Orlando and LA. Houston will also take on some of the messy Orlando contracts, while the Lakers will get some of the cheaper messy Orlando contracts. I think the Hawks are toast if this is what’s being proposed.
Lewis
July 12th, 2012
1:40 pm
Buddy,
I’m white. Rod definitely does not seem to like white basketball players.
But i’m with skip bayless on this one. “i would never draft a white american basketball player in the first round”
doc
July 12th, 2012
1:41 pm
o’b, i have already tried logic and that isnt going to work, said exactly what you did twice especially the luxury tax where the asg has to pay other teams for the luxury of adding a piece that was not going to take them to the next level as tried for two years already. we have enough of those players and why as my premise was we are turning the page. it is hard for him to turn the page and i predict there will be others here in even greater force whining about not having jj here and not being able to turn the page. they were not deal breaker players and never will be without having someone take them there.
i also think someone will have a hard time answering my direct questions without alteration or trying to bring another subject in he is more comfortable with. he will prefer to let it drop and move onto the next topic when it arrives. it is a fantasy world on this issue vs psychosis and not actually looking at facts. i answered his question, am not married to any argument or player only for some sanity in the discussion and for the hawks being a better team in the long run.
Who is Gault? A Fictional Character, Einstein!
July 12th, 2012
1:45 pm
HEHE… I’m white too… and I agree with Lewis
TonyPC
July 12th, 2012
1:47 pm
I’d much rather see the Hawks acquire a top-flight point guard (Chris Paul a year from now, if possible) and a big defense/offense-is-frosting center (remember Tree Rollins? No? Look him up!). This is no dig at Jeff Teague, either, I just think he has a lower ceiling as a 1 than as a 1/2 backup. Dwight Howard is a tremendous player on both ends and I certainly wouldn’t cry if the Hawks got him, but I think what the Hawks need more than numbers from one guy is one key player to get the most production and success out of who they do have.
Wabe
July 12th, 2012
1:47 pm
According to ESPN, talks about Korver have died with the other two suitors, so the Bulls are expected to circle back around to Atlanta.
Ra'mon
July 12th, 2012
1:47 pm
Seems like the Hawks may end up with Korver. I guess this season will not be about defense.
terrell
July 12th, 2012
1:49 pm
I just dont see how anyone can be disappointed in removing two of the worst contracts in Hawks history???? I’m more excited than I’ve been in years. Win or lose, this TEAM should be more fun to watch. Cant take another day of Iso and Marvin. Yet along, another year. Go Hawks.
Wabe
July 12th, 2012
1:49 pm
John Hollinger
RT @KCJHoop: Korver talks with Wolves and Blazers have died. Assume Bulls will circle back to Atlanta, which has traded player exception …
41 minutes ago
terrell
July 12th, 2012
1:50 pm
“alone”
donte080
July 12th, 2012
1:50 pm
We have a good PG in Teague, why would hawks overspend for Chris Paul?
And Dwight Howard is a big crybaby……
vava74
July 12th, 2012
1:54 pm
The issue about Rod’s post, where he made that question, is not the question itself since that can have several answers, depending on the beholder.
Where he was completely and dead wrong was when he tried to create a parallel between MIA’s success and title with ISO play.
MIA won the title because they played incredible defense, something that Jamal has never been a part of.
Yes, MIA played a lot of isolation, one on one, kick out basketball, but what allowed that to be successful was their strong defense.
So, where is the f@cking parallel with Jamal and the Hawks?
Nowhere.
Yes, Jamal is a very talented ISO player, but not as efficient as he could be.
I don’t see Wade or Lebron shooting .380 from the field for a season.
Also, Jamal is not even known to be a guy who drives on ISO plays and kicks to the open man (he has the skills to do so, but not the inclination).
Typically his move is, drive and shoot no matter how difficult the shot is.
Does he hit incredible shots? Sure, unbelievable ones at times but he also never understands when to stop his move and pass.
Then, on the other side… on defense he does NOTHING.
So there is no parallel at all between MIA winning a championship playing ISO+Kick outs with Jamal being retrospectively a real factor in giving the Hawks a better chance to beat BOS.
We lost to BOS because:
- Smoove got injured during game 2 and was never the same the rest of the way.
- The refs killed us.
- LD is dumb as a door knob and – amongst other egregious mistakes – went ISO-Joe to close games, time after time.
We did not lose the series against BOS because we missed Jamal, nor because Hinrich was not productive.
Hinrich was indeed miserable last year – there is no way to put it differently since he looked slow, old and many times lost in the dust, but at least he has the excuse that he was recovering from a very serious injury.
donte080
July 12th, 2012
1:54 pm
…and Jamal Crawford had a horrible season last year, worse than Hinrich…heck, worse than Marvin’s….why people on this board long for him is a mystery…we just got a younger and better version in Lou Williams….
MsDee
July 12th, 2012
2:03 pm
@Ra’mon “Seems like the Hawks may end up with Korver. I guess this season will not be about defense.”
Well if ya cant beat’em, join’em. Other teams like Miami, Spurs, and OKC are all jump shooting teams. Would be great if we could land Dwight here but Ferry may still be making us some-what competitive this season with some excellent jump shooters on the squad. If nothing else, I love the fact that we will be seeing a new squad FINALLY next season.
NORRIS CHUCK
July 12th, 2012
2:07 pm
Wouldnt mind having Korver on the team…cause he lit the Hawks up everytime he faced them!
Astro Joe
July 12th, 2012
2:08 pm
Ra’mon, Bulls seem to be able to defend well with Korver on their squad. Hopefully, he won’t be the sole SF on the team.
O'Brien
July 12th, 2012
2:10 pm
AJ,
I can see it now. Dwight signs an extension with the Hawks just to get up out of Orlando. And then next offseason, he asks the Hawks for a trade to Brooklyn
But think about it this way. Hawks never get mentioned in the national media, so having Dwight and his drama would be good for publicity right
NORRIS CHUCK
July 12th, 2012
2:11 pm
So are these (Korver)just rumors or has someone put it out via reliable source?
O'Brien
July 12th, 2012
2:12 pm
Doc,
What’s ironic too is Rod thinks the same GM who gave up 2 first round picks for Hinrich (which was a TURRIBLE move), would be smart enough to find a way to get rid of him without overpaying again.
The bottom line is Rick Sund made some terrible moves, but at this point, it is what it is. I’m just glad Ferry was able to get rid of Marvin, which was another one of Sund’s terrible moves (imo).
UGA
July 12th, 2012
2:13 pm
Reliable source, came from the Bulls beat writer. Korver would be a back up here, plus he did play for one of the best defenses in the NBA
Who is Gault? A Fictional Character, Einstein!
July 12th, 2012
2:14 pm
Publicity? That doesn’t help win games. Dwight leaving after a year would be terrible from any perspective, including from a national publicity standpoint.
vava74
July 12th, 2012
2:14 pm
Forgot to mention another factor:
We missed Zaza
O'Brien
July 12th, 2012
2:15 pm
FTPB,
Ra’mon,
How long can the Bulls continue to pay Noah ($11 mil and rising), Boozer ($15 mil and rising), Taj Gibson (who is a RFA next year), and Asik (3 years, $25 mil if they match)? Oh BTW, lets not forget the max extension Rose got.
At some point soon (imo), Bulls will take a step back. I think they will amnesty Boozer (not this offseason though), and keep Asik, especially with Noah possibly getting injured again.
Astro Joe
July 12th, 2012
2:19 pm
OB, the thought of spening a full year trying to recruit Dwight AND Josh while knowing that LD will bne replaced and trying to figure out how that factors into their retention sounds like we’ll spend more time reading about the Hawks on TMZ than we will in The Sporting News.
Dwight is a living episode of “Basketball Wives”… Unneccesary and Stupid Non-Basketball Drama!
northcyde
July 12th, 2012
2:22 pm
These are the following guys who can play guard for the Hawks, along with the main position they can play
- Teague ( PG )
- Harris ( PG )
- Jenkins ( SG )
- Williams ( SG – PG )
- Morrow ( SG – SF )
- Stevenson ( SF – SG )
You have 48 minutes per position that you can use.
Example: This was the Game 1 backcourt and wing rotation of the Hawks vs Boston
PG: Teague ( 33 minutes ) – Pargo ( 10 ) – Hinrich ( 5 )
SG: Hinrich ( 27 ) – Johnson ( 11 ) – Green ( 10 )
How would you distribute the minutes at the PG and SG positions? Would you have guys playing 2 positions? Would you have guys not playing at all?
If you need to go to 3 positions, and distribute minutes at the SF spot to help yourself out, you may do that. Matter of fact, let’s go ahead and do that.
Here is that same game, with the minutes at SF added:
SF: Johnson ( 27 ) – McGrady ( 14 ) – Williams ( 7 )
For you Josh Smith at SF lovers, consider that too in the rotation. How many minutes do you want Josh Smith playing at PF.
So there is your challenge. Set the rotation of players and minutes at PG, SG, and SF
doc
July 12th, 2012
2:25 pm
o’b how long do you think it took df to get his point across to the basg gently, what suckers they had been always blaming fans and writers for doing what fans a writers do? that is either liking what you do or voting with complaints or their feet as to how good you are or in asking the hard questions and write on the responses, wins or losses. they again didnt seem to realize they were in a business not unlike their own business’ where customers are important and but different in that the public is not allowed to look in and comment through the newspapers. why did they think differently, that fan reactions werent important and papers would be on the scene non stop doing their jobs?
Rod from College Park
July 12th, 2012
2:31 pm
“…and Jamal Crawford had a horrible season last year, worse than Hinrich…heck, worse than Marvin’s….why people on this board long for him is a mystery…we just got a younger and better version in Lou Williams….”
Actually Jamal had almost had a better year than Hinrich and Marvin combined, and it was one of his worst years, and Lou Williams in not better than Jamal in anything. At least if you are going to make statement back then up with facts.
Astro Joe
July 12th, 2012
2:37 pm
northcyde, fun challenge. Since I want a lottery pick next year, let’s go with:
PG = Teague (30); Harris (15); Williams (3)
SG = Morrow (16); Williams (27 but off the bench); Jenkins (5)
SF = Josh (24); Minimum Vet TBD Guy (16); Morrow (8)
Rod from College Park
July 12th, 2012
2:41 pm
“I hate Kirk Hinrich because he’s white.”
I actually don’t dislike Kirk at all. He just is not a good baskeball player at this point. He is overhyped because he is white. He gets the label that he has a high basketball IQ, and he is a smart basketball player because he is white. I saw none of his high baskeball IQ rub off on this dumb basketball team at any point while he was here. His defense is severely overated and he was even more overpaid than Marvin Williams. He can barely get the ball across half court when pressure is applied, as has no chance staying in front of quick point guards. I have no problems with race issues because they exist in everyday life, but a bad baskeball player is a bad basketball player black or white. Kirk is getting about what he is worth now 3 mil per. He is worse than Marvin Williams at 8 mil per.
jhan
July 12th, 2012
2:41 pm
pointguard wrote “Josh at SF enhances the whole team with his defense blocks posting up and boards.”
What happens if teams leave their SF at the three point line all game? Won’t that cut into the amount of rebounds & blocks Josh will get? You will also be asking our worst outside shooter to increase his amount of outside shots on offense. I think Josh is a tremendous player – not just a tremendous SF. If he was he would already be playing that position.
Larry Drew
July 12th, 2012
2:41 pm
Hey Najeh – you are not trying to get a rid of me, are you? Or, aren’t you?
terrell
July 12th, 2012
2:41 pm
Same clowns dissin Ferry’s moves are the same clowns that begged Sund to go after Sessions, Leon Powe, Julian Wright, Aaron Brooks, etc………………… last year. LMAO!
Eric
July 12th, 2012
2:47 pm
Guys Devin Harris was an all-star and avgerage over 21 ppg one year, there is no way in hell Teague is going to start at point. Morrow is a good shooter, but he’s no more than a solid bench guy. Lue Williams was runner up to six-man of the year and the Sixers leading scorer, he’s a starter on this team.
terrell
July 12th, 2012
2:49 pm
This just in:
Rod from CP loves Jamal as much as he hates Marvin. lol
Mike is Back
July 12th, 2012
2:49 pm
AJ, your 2:19 post…very funny stuff!!!!!!
I would pass on Korver…unless he coming for the cheap…I know we need SFs but dang.
Rod from College Park
July 12th, 2012
2:56 pm
“MIA won the title because they played incredible defense, something that Jamal has never been a part of.”
One players does not make a great defensive team. You seem to forget that that greatt defensive Miami team had a very weak defender in Mike Miller on the floor in the closeout game because he was knocking down shots. Korver is another example.
“Yes, MIA played a lot of isolation, one on one, kick out basketball, but what allowed that to be successful was their strong defense.”
Their denfense was not what caused then to win a championship. You rarely saw fast break points coming for Miami is the OKC series. OKC simply missed a ton of open looks. Miami ran a very high percentage of ISO plays with kick outs and cutters to win that series. They also manged to ISO Lebron when ever they had Durant covering him, and drew fouls on him to get him out of the game.
“We did not lose the series against BOS because we missed Jamal, nor because Hinrich was not productive.”
We lost to Boston because we could not score. The defense was better than normal for every game in the series except for one. The offense was anemic, as we only averaged 82ppg for the series.
“Hinrich was indeed miserable last year – there is no way to put it differently since he looked slow, old and many times lost in the dust,”
We actually agree on this. Tell this to Buddy G.
Jason S
July 12th, 2012
2:56 pm
Korver would be an expiring that we would be able to get via a trade exception.
Since the MLE has been used, there is really no $$$ left to grab another quality player (be it a SF or otherwise) in free agency.
Short of trading any of the players on the Hawks roster, the Hawks basically have the trade exception, plus minimums to offer (assuming the Hawks won’t use the bi-annual … ). Maybe there is a better SF that would fit our trade exception and that the other team is willing to give away … or maybe there is a better SF that would sign for the minimum to come to Atlanta … or maybe not.
Juan From Norcross
July 12th, 2012
2:58 pm
TO Rod from College Park: You’re right that Kirk is not a great player… but he’s better than lame Marvin. I have a feeling Marvin got into the NBA purely because of the color of his skin… Billy Knight must have hit the bong with Marvin one night before the draft and hit it off well… or they boff smoked some crack and Billy said let me ax you a question: what if I choose you in da giraffe?
vava74
July 12th, 2012
2:59 pm
Rod,
Hinrich was coming off two very limiting injuries.
Hamstring in the playoffs and shoulder as he was starting to prep for the new season.
You have to take that into consideration, in particular in a guy who has a lot of mileage and busts his @ss on every play.
He had a great series the year before against ORL limiting Nelson and shooting above .400 from 3 point land, being a major part of that series’ success.
Jon
July 12th, 2012
2:59 pm
I am surprised anyone wanted Marvin in a deal…
Rod from College Park
July 12th, 2012
3:05 pm
“Rod from CP loves Jamal as much as he hates Marvin. lol”
Actually never was a big Jamal fan until he came here. I respect guys that play with emotion and show up everynight. Jamal, Josh, Zaza all have weaknesses in their games, but they give effort, and act like they care most of the time. All of those guys also don’t back down and cower in the face of adversity. I depise guys who don’t have much to say, and really act like it does not matter to them either way. Even the Joe falls in that category, I actually respect him because he comes to play every night. He just does not have that “Killa” in him. Marvin does not really want to play basketball. He is just collecting a check. He has all the measurables just has no desire to be a great basketball player.
Rod from College Park
July 12th, 2012
3:07 pm
“He had a great series the year before against ORL limiting Nelson and shooting above .400 from 3 point land, being a major part of that series’ success.”
Jamal was the major reason we won that series not Kirk Hinrich. That is the only time since Kirk has been a Hawk that he ever made ant king of difference with this team. Again at 3 mil he is ok, at 8 mil he is bad.
northcyde
July 12th, 2012
3:11 pm
pointguardslim
July 12th, 2012
11:20 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG7smUGa8h0
Josh Smith and Al Horford @ SF + PF
better defense, better ball movement. Maximizing scoring at the PF with Josh eating up jumpers is not what the Hawks need.
Get Brandon Bass or Mike Scott or Horford in PF if you want stand still midrange jumpers.
Josh at SF enhances the whole team with his defense blocks posting up and boards.
***********************
And when you pause that video at the 7:51 mark, you see the truth
JOSH SMITH
12 points
11 rebounds
4 – 15 FG
He finished that game ( Game 4 vs Bulls ) with 23 points ( 8 – 22 FG ) – 16 rebounds – 8 assists, due to an outstanding 4th quarter that saw him score 11 points – grab 5 rebounds ( 3 offensive ) – and dish out 2 assists. He had a plus/minus of ( +18 ) that night, due to the +14 he posted in the 4th quarter . . . .
. . . all at the PF position.
Josh Smith’s numbers at SF in that game:
1st quartrer: ( 7 minutes ) . . 1 – 2 FG . . 2 pts – 1 reb – 1 asst
2nd quarter: ( 0 minutes )
3rd quarter: ( 11 minutes ) . . 1 – 4 FG . . 3 pts – 3 rebs – 2 asst – 1 blk
4th quarter: ( 0 minutes )
So in the very game in which you claim that everything is all good with Smith playing SF, in 18 minutes he produces
5 pts ( on 2 – 6 FG )
4 rebs
3 asst
1 blk
( -2 ) plus/minus
At PF, these were his numbers in that game
26 minutes
18 pts ( on 6 – 16 FG )
13 rebs
5 asst
1 blk
1 stl
( +20 ) plus minus
And you wonder why people call Smith a PF? He’s much much much more active when he’s around the rim. That is nowhere near a guarantee if he plays SF for a significant stretch.
What you’re a master at, is showing game footage in which Josh plays decent at the SF spot. But if you have noticed, those videos also show an inactive, even passive Smith at times. You call Ivan the “weak link” in one of the vids you posted.
But the real thing you see is now inactive Smith is. There is no diving down into the post to dominate Durant. Nope. He’s standing out on the perimeter, looking to pass to a cutter or someone floating out to the wing.
Even in that Chicago clip, you see the inactivity.
Try again dude. And look at it from the TOTAL PERSPECTIVE. If you want Josh to be a secondary option in the offense. That’s cool. But I bet Josh wouldn’t be cool with that AT ALL.
Rod from College Park
July 12th, 2012
3:13 pm
“Hinrich was coming off two very limiting injuries.
Hamstring in the playoffs and shoulder as he was starting to prep for the new season.”
Hawks motto last year was NO EXCUSES. Al Horford came back off a worse injury that Kirk Hinrich and played two of the better playoff games he has ever had. Maybe he should have been hurt last year before we played Chicago. Excuses are lame. Kirk’s hamstring was healed, and his shoulder was as well. Being injured all the time is what makes him almost useless at this point in his career. If you can’t stay healthy, then you can’t help the team.
Don Woody
July 12th, 2012
3:16 pm
Um Rod? You need to move on to a new topic… you’re starting to sound as racist as a klan member, or malcom x, etc. Move on man.
northcyde
July 12th, 2012
3:19 pm
And the 6 – 16 that game at PF was due to him struggling inside vs the Bulls tough frontline, and his inability to hit a few jumpers. But he was much more active at PF than he ever was at SF in that game. And the team was better too when he was active.
As I’ve said in the past, I’d love for Josh Smith to play more like Shawn Kemp or a souped-up Shawn Marion, with him giving up the ball after defensive rebounds, and filling the lanes to score in transition, or by crashing the offensive boards more. Cut down the jumpers from 7 a game, to around 3 a game, and focus on scoring the basketball from 10 feet and in.
It’s just in his nature to shoot jumpers now, which was made worse when Drew came aboard.
High-sider
July 12th, 2012
3:20 pm
@vava74
“…He had a great series the year before against ORL limiting Nelson and shooting above .400 from 3 point land, being a major part of that series’ success.” – vava74 @2:59pm, 7/12/2012
But if I tell you [vava74] that Jamal Crawford averaged 20.5ppg in that same 2011 playoff series vs. Orlando, you’ll say, “Yeah, but the Magic sucked on defense and didn’t guard Jamal ‘after the first quarter.’” Hypocrisy like a “big dog.” Let’s just forget that Jamal made 17 3-pointers in six games vs. the Magic in that 2011 playoff series. SMH
Astro Joe
July 12th, 2012
3:20 pm
Mike is Back… thanks.
BIG DOG
July 12th, 2012
3:21 pm
Don Woody – Com on “Man” starting sound racist, JUST DAM
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Ra'mon
July 12th, 2012
3:21 pm
AJ, I don’t have a problem with the Hawks getting Korver. I actually like the addition because its only a one year deal. I just hope LD can coach the pieces he is getting. Also, I expect Sy to make the team as the one wing defender to go along with Stephenson.
Rick James
July 12th, 2012
3:22 pm
It seems to me that Rick Sund has just stolen money since replacing Billy Knight..Billy made some bad moves but he was doing something.Unless was just put in place by the Spirit Group until a replacement could be found.All’s well that ends well..
doc
July 12th, 2012
3:23 pm
rod you never answered my question. as i said you couldnt so you wouldnt. i’ll repeat it for you, who would take an injured hinrich? i also credit hinrich as a gamer and baller to come back way ahead of schedule form his shoulder repair. even you legitimately cant take that away from him. he could have collected a paycheck and waited it out is my guess.
again with that, if all things equal, i would have taken jamal at 5 mil last year over a healthy hinrich at 8 mil. that is the problem he wasnt and there was no way to unload him. glad he was gamer enough to make a come back against all odds instead of sitting and watching us flounder with pargo and green only.
Jason S
July 12th, 2012
3:24 pm
Zaza + D. Harris + 2nd round pick (if needed) –> Philadelphia
Andre Iguodala –> Atlanta
Rumors are that Philly wouldn’t mind moving Iguodala. With this trade, Philly gets quality backups at C and PG and cap flexibility going forward. Hawks get a very good SF without losing too much cap flexibility.
Horford
Smith
Iguodala
Morrow
Teague
BIG DOG
July 12th, 2012
3:24 pm
Hinrich is the most overrated player in the history of Atlanta since Keith Brooking of the Falcons.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
northcyde
July 12th, 2012
3:27 pm
Astro Joe
July 12th, 2012
2:37 pm
northcyde, fun challenge. Since I want a lottery pick next year, let’s go with:
PG = Teague (30); Harris (15); Williams (3)
SG = Morrow (16); Williams (27 but off the bench); Jenkins (5)
SF = Josh (24); Minimum Vet TBD Guy (16); Morrow (8)
*******************
So in your scenario, Stevenson would not see the court, and Jenkins gets the “rookie Teague” treatment. Morrow starts, but Lou probably finishes the game at the 2.
And Josh gets significant time at the 3.
OK
So in this scenario, the guys most affected by all of these guards here, is Jenkins and Harris ( who hasn’t averaged 15 minutes a game since his rookie year, scoring 5.7 ppg )
The more I look at this current lineup, the more that I think we’re “Golden State East”. This team may play more uptempo and score a little bit more, but can they get stops?
Teague and Lou will play a lot together in this rotation. So can Lou defend the 2? Or do we have a 3 that can defend the 2, while Lou gets “hidden” guarding the 3?
LOL . . Josh may have to guard Lebron AND Wade this year.
jhan
July 12th, 2012
3:27 pm
I’m pretty sure Sund was doing what he was told after being hired. He didn’t care about making bold moves because he was about to retire. Either Ferry or some other factor caused the ASG to change their philosophy and I am very glad it happened!
Jason S
July 12th, 2012
3:31 pm
Hinrich is more overrated than …
MARVIN WILLIAMS?
JON KONCAK?
You are trying to be hyperbolic right?
northcyde
July 12th, 2012
3:32 pm
Jason S
July 12th, 2012
3:24 pm
Zaza + D. Harris + 2nd round pick (if needed) –> Philadelphia
Andre Iguodala –> Atlanta
Rumors are that Philly wouldn’t mind moving Iguodala. With this trade, Philly gets quality backups at C and PG and cap flexibility going forward. Hawks get a very good SF without losing too much cap flexibility.
Horford
Smith
Iguodala
Morrow
Teague
***************************
May have to throw in a 1st round pick to get that done. But I’d do that all day, every day. That would set the Hawks up to be an ELITE defensive team, with the ability to have Iggy guard the top perimeter defender at all times.
Your bench still would be
L. Williams
Jenkins
Scott ( if he can play SF )
Ivan
Petro
Pick up another big body if need be. Regardless, that would be a pretty good top 8 or 9 rotation to roll with.
Big Nut
July 12th, 2012
3:37 pm
Jason,
BIG DOG ain’t gunna knowed what da word “hyperbolic” means. You have to write at a 6th grade level for da bro ta undahstand ya.
BIG DOG
July 12th, 2012
3:39 pm
The Hawks have only 1 SF on the team and that Josh Smith, Danny has to find another SF.
Mickael Pietrus is still out there, Hawks have miss out on good opportunity to sign Gerald Green so now Mickael should be the next guy.
A great solid defensive player that the Hawks need.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
jhan
July 12th, 2012
3:40 pm
Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin injured his knee during a scrimmage at Team USA training camp and is returning to Los Angeles to be examined by the Clippers’ doctors, a source confirmed to ESPN The Magazine’s Ric Bucher – OUCH! Good thing he just got his $95M
High-sider
July 12th, 2012
3:41 pm
@donte080
donte080
July 12th, 2012
1:54 pm
…and Jamal Crawford had a horrible season last year, worse than Hinrich…heck, worse than Marvin’s….why people on this board long for him is a mystery…we just got a younger and better version in Lou Williams….
—————————————————————————-
Last season, Jamal Crawford averaged 13.9~14.0ppg while Kirk Hinrich and Marvin Williams averaged 6.6ppg and 10.2ppg, respectively. I find it odd that Jamal Crawford, prior to and/or during this year’s free agency period, signed with the Clippers before Nick Young and Lou Williams [both] signed with the 76ers and Hawks, respectively.
In an interview, Jamal Crawford stated that he [Crawford] received phone calls from Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Chauncey Billups and DeAndre Jordan who all expressed their desire of wanting him [Crawford] on the Clippers team.
http://www.nba.com/2012/news/07/11/clippers-crawford.ap/index.html
Ray
July 12th, 2012
3:43 pm
I’ll take Korver over Vlad Rad right now that much is for sure.
Hinrich is overrated, but not to the extent of Marvin Freaking Williams or even Keith Brooking.
Actually if he is so overrated why does Chicago want him back?
BIG DOG
July 12th, 2012
3:43 pm
Big Nut – Your name is self explanatory Bro, I BE DAM
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
glw
July 12th, 2012
3:45 pm
@northcyde
Your points are valid about Josh playing SF, but as the team is currently constructed, its probably a likelihood that Josh plays some minutes at the 3. My preference would be starting him at the 3 at the start of each half. And related to your distribution of minutes, I see something like this.
PG
Teague 30 Harris -18
SG
Morrow 12 Williams 24 Harris 6 Jenkins 6
SF
Josh 12 Morrow- 12 Stevenson- 6 vet pickup- 18
PF
Horford 24 Josh 24
C
Zaza 20 Ivan/3rd Center 16 Al 12
I classify Ivan as a center, just for simplcation purpose, I figure Drew will always have either Josh or Al on the floor at all times.
jhan
July 12th, 2012
3:47 pm
H-S – they wanted someone else to come play for that sorry franchise! Wonder why the Lakers, Celtic, Heat or Thunder weren’t knocking on the door of Jamal?
ryan
July 12th, 2012
3:54 pm
If we get Andre Iguodala that intrigue D12 come to Atlanta glad to see Ferry active .
High-sider
July 12th, 2012
3:54 pm
Buddy Grizzard,
You always talk about how Jamal Crawford “came up small” in Games 5 and 6 vs. the Bulls in the 2011 EC Semis but you act as if you fail to realize that without Jamal Crawford, the Hawks probably wouldn’t even make it to the EC Semis. Heck, just look at this past 2012 post season for the Hawks. Message to Buddy Grizzard: The Hawks [without Crawford] in this year’s playoff were eliminated in the first round. Please understand you can complain about Crawford’s performance in the SECOND ROUND of the playoffs when the Hawks had Crawford but you can’t even complain about a Hawks’ second round performance because without Crawford the Hawks can’t even get out of the FIRST ROUND of the playoffs. Get it? I hope you ["get it"]. [smh]
soullrenaissance
July 12th, 2012
4:03 pm
Joe’s nonchalant approach and silence on the court spoke volues Rod From CP. He was the quintessential complimentary piece and he should excell next to Deron W but we all know he had to get the HELL outta these parts for us to move forward..What we will never know is how Joe could have been being the complimentary piece to CP3 in Atlanta…Billy Knight, F your wing dreams.
Buddy Grizzard
July 12th, 2012
4:05 pm
“Without Crawford the Hawks can’t even get out of the FIRST ROUND of the playoffs.”
Haha that’s funny, you’re using Crawford’s performance against a team that lost in the first round of the playoffs the last two years (Orlando) as the litmus test. I’m talking about performances against Eastern Conference finalists Chicago and Boston from the past two seasons. Against ECF competition, not FIRST ROUND FAILURE competition [Orlando].
Against ECF competition [Boston] in this year’s playoffs, if Larry Drew had played Hinrich more and played Pargo and Green less, the Hawks would have advanced.
High-sider
July 12th, 2012
4:06 pm
@jhan
jhan
July 12th, 2012
3:47 pm
H-S – they wanted someone else to come play for that sorry franchise! Wonder why the Lakers, Celtic, Heat or Thunder weren’t knocking on the door of Jamal?
—————————————————————————————————–
The Clippers won a playoff series in the 2012 post season. How well did the Hawks perform this past 2012 post season? If I were you, jhan, I’d be careful of which NBA franchise I would “call” or label as “sorry.” In terms of post season performance with respect to the 2012 playoffs, the Clippers “progressed” while the Hawks “regressed.” You can take it or leave it alone.
Rod from College Park
July 12th, 2012
4:09 pm
“H-S – they wanted someone else to come play for that sorry franchise! Wonder why the Lakers, Celtic, Heat or Thunder weren’t knocking on the door of Jamal?”
They Celtics actually were knocking on his door. They ended up gertting Jason Terry for a little less. Miami, lakers and the thunder are not under the cap enough to pay Jamal 6 mil per. This after all is a business.
Rod from College Park
July 12th, 2012
4:14 pm
Buddy G,
Get real dude. the playoffs are the playoffs. It’s win and advance. That same first round failure team you speak of (Orlando) Was the ECF champions the year before, and had about a 10 game winning streak agianst us. Kirk Hinrich. LOL
Astro Joe
July 12th, 2012
4:18 pm
northcyde, I think it is reasonable to expect no more than 10 guys to play regular minutes… 2 at each traditional position. And to use a line from last week, since the hawks have more guards than Queen Elizabeth, obviously there will be some guards who get to spend the season modeling their finest clothes on the bench. I expect that Ferry will look for a little more balance (i.e. shed some SGs) but until then, yeah, Jenkins gets to learn the NBA game at practice (or in the D-League) and Stevenson gets to use his personal ATM to pay rent for accupying the Tony Delk Hawks Career Bench Chair.
BBIB
July 12th, 2012
4:21 pm
Ferry has been great so far BUT all of his comments are in vain and actually laughably ironic if we don’t do all we can to land Dwight Howard
We are NOT going to win if Josh or Al Horford are the best player on this team and I love both guys
But neither one is good enough to be #1 player on a championship team.
Dwight Howard is our only chance at having a #1 player good enough to win a championship
And for those of you scared that he won’t re-sign, I go back to Ferry’s point
“We would be good, but not good enough”
Even if he didn’t re-sign we weren’t going anywhere anyway without a superstar! So take the chance!
High-sider
July 12th, 2012
4:24 pm
@Buddy Grizzard
“…Against ECF competition [Boston] in this year’s playoffs, if Larry Drew had played Hinrich more and played Pargo and Green less, the Hawks would have advanced.” – Buddy Grizzard @4:05pm, 7/12/2012
When a starting 2-guard like Hinrich only scores a grand total of two points during a period/stretch of 10+ quarters of playoff basketball [125 minutes to be exact], it’s hard for a coach to keep that player in a playoff game especially when that player is NOT producing. And please spare me of those lame +/- statistics accumulated by Hinrich in Game 3 vs. the Boston Celtics in 2012 playoffs. Really? You were about to use +/- statistics to justify keeping a particular player on the floor/court in the playoffs yet that same player can’t score a single point in a playoff game? Get real dude.
Astro Joe
July 12th, 2012
4:25 pm
Iguodala is the most popular 13 PPG player in the NBA. I don’t get the fascination. Speaking of “value for the production”, sign Ronnie Brewer for a 10th of the price of Iggy for comparable stats (if they play comparable minutes).
BILLY KNIGHT
July 12th, 2012
4:26 pm
soullrenaissance
Billy Knight F your wing dreams.
BIG DOG
July 12th, 2012
4:29 pm
Astro Joe – I agree i would rather have Mickael Pietrus than Igg.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Buddy Grizzard
July 12th, 2012
4:31 pm
“Hinrich was indeed miserable last year – there is no way to put it differently since he looked slow, old and many times lost in the dust.”
That’s funny because according to MC he was the only Hawks guard who could stay in front of Rondo. Teague, one of the quickest players in the NBA, couldn’t keep Rondo from making layups but somehow the old man did.
“Lou Williams in not better than Jamal in anything. At least if you are going to make statement back then up with facts.”
Fact: Jamal Crawford peed his pants in Game 5 & 6 against Chicago.
Fact: Lou Williams had the best +/- on the team in the 76ers Game 7 loss to Boston. He was +3 in 26 minutes. Starting 2 guard Evan Turner was -23 in 31 minutes. Think Doug Collins was starting the wrong guy maybe?
Rod from College Park
July 12th, 2012
4:35 pm
“rod you never answered my question. as i said you couldnt so you wouldnt. i’ll repeat it for you, who would take an injured hinrich? i also credit hinrich as a gamer and baller to come back way ahead of schedule form his shoulder repair. even you legitimately cant take that away from him. he could have collected a paycheck and waited it out is my guess.”
I’m not qualified to answer your question doc. I’m not a gm. Being injured does not prevent you from being traded. There seems to be a lot of noise and waiting around for Dwight Howard, a guy coming off back surgery to be traded. We all said Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams could never be traded, and look what happened. You will have to ask Rick Sund that question. All I know is he was an expiring contract who could have been moved in order to make room for a guy who could contribute.
jhan
July 12th, 2012
4:39 pm
H-S – Compare the last 5 years between the Clippers & Hawks and let me know who has more playoff wins. Can’t believe you are actually going to defend the Clippers!
NBA is a business – I agree. Could that be why Jamal wasn’t resigned here?
Rod from College Park
July 12th, 2012
4:41 pm
“Iguodala is the most popular 13 PPG player in the NBA. I don’t get the fascination. Speaking of “value for the production”, sign Ronnie Brewer for a 10th of the price of Iggy for comparable stats (if they play comparable minutes).
Another example of stats not telling the whole story. Ronnie Brewer gets left open like Marvin, Iggy is usually the focus of defenses that play Philly. No disrespect to Brewer, he is very good defensively, but he is not even close to the player Iggy is.
TMACfan
July 12th, 2012
4:41 pm
Joe Johnson to throw first pitch tomorrow at the Yankees game!! Happy he is already getting some love from his new fans.
Rod from College Park
July 12th, 2012
4:43 pm
jhan,
Would you rather have the Clippers roster or our roster right now? Last 5 years is irrelevant unless you won a ring.
rollo lawson
July 12th, 2012
4:44 pm
Forget Dwight Howard and go get James Harden next summer. He shoots, drives to the basket, and gets to the line. And he is marketable. Rudy Gay or Tyreke Evans would by option #2, and #3.
Astro Joe
July 12th, 2012
4:45 pm
http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/8158017/blame-dwight-howard-failed-brooklyn-nets-orlando-magic-deal
With apologies to Dr. Mary & MsDee, it is like we are willing to get engaged to the most crazy, lunatic-minded, crazy-stare, be-afraid-while-you-sleep, grits-in-the-face-because-you-forgot-to-take-out-the-trash, fine-as-she-wants-to-be-lady in the world who is very likely to leave us standing at the altar. And why? Because we’re convinced that a stable and loving lady won’t ever want us.
This fan base needs some therapy.
rollo lawson
July 12th, 2012
4:46 pm
Ronnie Brewer can’t carry Iguadola’s jock strap!!!
jhan
July 12th, 2012
4:53 pm
Rod – that depends. Let’s see who is on both teams when the season starts. What is the extent of Griffins injury? Will CP3 resign with Clippers? What kind of cap room will the Clippers have? Remember this is a business – have to look past the current roster to make any decision like that.
High-sider
July 12th, 2012
4:54 pm
@Buddy Grizzard
“…Fact: Jamal Crawford peed his pants in Game 5 & 6 against Chicago.
Fact: Lou Williams had the best +/- on the team in the 76ers Game 7 loss to Boston. He was +3 in 26 minutes. Starting 2 guard Evan Turner was -23 in 31 minutes. Think Doug Collins was starting the wrong guy maybe?” – Buddy Grizzard @4:31pm, 7/12/2012
Fact: In Game 7 vs. Boston, Lou Williams scored a total of seven points and had a +/- of +3.
Fact: In Game 7 vs. Boston, A. Iguodala, J. Holiday and E. Brand scored 18 points, 15 points and 15 points, respectively, and accumulated +/- statistics of -6, -7, and -8, respectively. In Game 7, Iguodala and Holiday played 40+ minutes and Brand played 33+ minutes.
Fact: You, Buddy Grizzard, put too much emphasis on +/- statistics.
Fact: Most NBA franchise decision-makers don’t give a sh-t about +/- statistics. Will you please get that through your thick a-s head?
http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201205260BOS.html
terrell
July 12th, 2012
4:59 pm
Marvin was overrated coming out of college, but not as a Hawk.
High-sider
July 12th, 2012
5:02 pm
@Buddy Grizzard
Fact: In Game 7 vs. Boston, Lou Williams scored a total of seven and shot 2 of 9 from the field (0.222) and 0 of 4 from the 3pt. arc (0.000) in 26:15 of playing time.
If Jamal Crawford “peed his pants” in Games 5 and 6 vs. the Bulls in the 2011 EC Semis, how would you describe Lou Williams’ performance in Game 7 vs. the Celtics in the 2012 EC Semis? Lou Williams, after all, was the 76ers leading scorer during the 2011-2012 regular season. Now, do you see your hypocrisy? I do.
High-sider
July 12th, 2012
5:08 pm
^Correction/Edition: “Fact: In Game 7 vs. Boston, Lou Williams scored a total of seven [points*]…”
Casey
July 12th, 2012
5:12 pm
What about Josh Childress?
Michael Cunningham
July 12th, 2012
5:23 pm
new blog posted. shutting down this thread.