Atlanta Hawks: Danny Ferry covets wing player but no hurry to add one
Yes, Hawks GM Danny Ferry is considering using the final open roster spot (assuming Ivan Johnson eventually signs his qualifying offer) to add a small forward.
“I would say probably a wing that can compete defensively at a high level would be a good thing to be able to add at some point,” Ferry said.
Ferry taking his time with 15th roster spot. (Photo: Johnny Crawford/AJC)
But, no, that doesn’t mean he’s in a hurry to acquire such a player.
“That may happen,” Ferry said. “How that happens, I can’t sit here and tell you. Could it be someone we sign? Could it be a trade at some point and, if so, when could that be? Trades happen in their own time. We have until February to do it.”
And, Ferry said, if the Hawks do sign a free-agent wing, it’s likely the player would have to accept a non-guaranteed contract.
“There is a good chance we will carry 15,” he said. “But preferably that 15th person will be on a ‘make good’ situation that allows us the flexibility needed in case injuries happen and so on. Being locked into 15 [guaranteed contracts] is generally not ideal.”
Players with non-guaranteed deals are easier to include in trades because the team that acquires them can release them to save money. All players contracts become guaranteed on Jan. 10.
Ferry presumably is waiting to see who he can get through a trade or on a non-guaranteed deal because the wing players still on the market aren’t enticing enough to offer a guaranteed contract now. The wing also could come from among those on Atlanta’s summer roster, though Ferry said he and his staff still are deciding which free agents to invite to veterans’ camp.
The next key date for the Hawks is Sept. 11. That’s when the players acquired in the Joe Johnson trade and Devin Harris will be eligible to be used in trades that aggregate their salaries under CBA rules (60 days after they were acquired).
For now, the Hawks will stick with Kyle Korver as the closest thing to a true wing. But, considering Ferry’s flurry of transactions in his short time with the Hawks, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make a trade this summer or early in the season to reconfigure Atlanta’s unbalanced roster.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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428 comments Add your comment
Astro Joe
August 14th, 2012
2:56 pm
Boris Diaw
Someone brought him up a day or two ago and why Woody tried to make him a PG. Well, you have to know what the roster composition was back then to understand the situation. The Hawks started that season with the GREAT Kenny Anderson as their starting PG. By that time, Kenny was about 57. In the opening game of the season, he had twice as many TOs as assists. It didn’t get much better from that first game. The other PG option was Ty Lue. Meanwhile, Diaw was the starting SG (an above average ball handler with above average passing skills). But unlike every other SG in the NBA, Diaw refused to shoot the freaking ball. So with an ineffective Kenny Anderson, a shot-happy Lue and a “I won’t shoot” Diaw, Woody tried to at least run the offense through Diaw.
D’Antoni played Diaw as a “point SF” before injuries to the Suns’ big men forced him to play Diaw at center. From that position, he was able to out-quick the bigs and became highly functional.
done done it.
August 14th, 2012
3:02 pm
yeah I heard that the lakers are after Josh to build the future with Dwight, That would take the food right out of Danny Ferry’s mouth.
The lakers are smart enough to see the commercial and comrade and think as Ferry does and I have for the past 2 years. Howard and Josh gives you a great team to build around.
On the Al and Gasol joke and can hear them now…
” I thought you were going to protect the rim”- Al
” I thought you were. How can I get in position for my shot if you wont protect the rim?- Gasol
” im not protecting the rim, you are 7 ft tall, Im just 6′ 10′ – Al
” 6′ 10 is the average height for a center do your job” – Gasol
” I ve been here longer than you. you protect the rim” – Al
“thats because they couldnt trade you, nobody wanted you” Gasol
” what ever, Just give me the ball” – Al
” you give me the ball, I make more than you”- Gasol
” whatever” – Al
” whatevr” – Gasol.
Sautee
August 14th, 2012
3:07 pm
“Dont get it twisted. Al is an average to good player. You just dont build around mediocrity to try and get to the next level.” – T-s
Actually, T-s, YOU are the one who has it twisted if you think that I want to solely “build around” Al. I think like Jhan, that he is solid and gives good production relative to his pay. I have never thought he was “the one” who would take us to a Championship. Sorry to disabuse you of this notion.
The most I’ve ever said toward that idea is two years ago when I stated that both Josh and Al needed to be a bigger part of the offense. That’s a far cry from saying that I want Al to be “the one” who leads us.
done done it.
August 14th, 2012
3:19 pm
funny how when Josh enthusiasts talk the can live off Josh’s performances but when Al loud few supporter talk they need to link Al to Josh to raise the value of Al’s name.
Al is a role player. Apparently we agree on that. I wont argue that he is average to good or as you say solid, But so is Zaza and Ivan to whom Al is better compared.
Yes I trade Al for cap room and a 1st round lotto pick knowing that Zaza and Ivan will produce what Al is producing for millions less. We apparently have had a hard time getting takers for the Al trade. I can count 3 in the last 4 months that failed.
Josh is very good to great and the type of player you build with, which is why the Lakers are inquiring,
Sautee
August 14th, 2012
3:25 pm
“funny how when Josh enthusiasts talk the can live off Josh’s performances but when Al loud few supporter talk they need to link Al to Josh to raise the value of Al’s name.” – T-s
Al was in the top 5 in seven out of nine statistical categories for centers in his last full season, more than any other center in the league. He was 6th in another.
Do you see anything about Josh in that statement?
Sautee
August 14th, 2012
3:31 pm
T-s,
BTW did Zaza finish in the top 5 in ANY category this past year?
Nope.
Ivan?
Nope.
But you can keep on thinking that they are equal to Horford. That’s your right. Like I said, time will tell us just what Ferry thinks of Horford.
Slimjr
August 14th, 2012
3:37 pm
The Lakers actually would have upgraded brilliantly by swapping Bynum and Gasol for D12 and Smoove…
Wow. The Lakers just maybe the team to beat if Josh heads West….
done done it.
August 14th, 2012
3:47 pm
Sautee you havent said anything that over rides what Ive observed of Al’s performances over the past 5 years, When he’s not hurt, or disappearing in the playoffs, he is an average player performance and statistic wise.
Hes just an average guy whose best year (the only one you see) he averaged 15 pts. nothing great nothing spectacular. His career average points is 12 and his worst year is 10 points. Put the koolaid down. There is nothing exceptional here. He just an ordinary guy. Who when hes not injured can give you decent minutes.
So can Zaza.
Sautee
August 14th, 2012
3:56 pm
“Put the koolaid down. There is nothing exceptional here. He just an ordinary guy. Who when hes not injured can give you decent minutes.”
What kool-aid? The one that says he’s a solid player who is productive at the center position against bigger players? That’s the only Horford kool-aid I would drink.
Why do you keep throwing up straw men? I never said Al was “exceptional” now, did I?
“So can Zaza.”
Yes, Zaza can give you minutes at the center position, and he rose to the occasion while Al was out, but his production in those minutes was lower than Horfords’ from the previous year.
Sautee
August 14th, 2012
4:06 pm
“When he’s not hurt, or disappearing in the playoffs, he is an average player performance and statistic wise. ” T-s speaking of Al Horford.
Average, eh?
2010-11 Season Rankings For Centers In Order (Top 5) :
http://espn.go.com/nba/statistics/player/_/stat/scoring-per-game/year/2011/position/centers
Scoring: D12 / Bargnani / BLopez / AJefferson / Horford
Rebounds: D12 / Jefferson / Okafor / Chandler / Horford
FG%: Nene / D12 / Okafor / MGasol / Horford
FT%: Bargnani / Horford / BLopez / Jefferson / Zaza
Assists: Horford / CHayes / Duncan / MGasol / Hibbert
Ast / TO: CHayes / Horford / Duncan / Jefferson / MGasol
DBL / DBL: D12 / Jefferson / Horford / Duncan / Bogut
Steals: D12 / Monroe / Nene / CHayes / MGasol (Horford was 6th)
Blocks: Bogut / JMcGee / D12 / Darko / Bynum (Horford was 17th)
Who had the most top 5s?
Horford had 7, Dwight had 6, Jefferson had 5.
But if you want to rate that as “average” it’s your right to do so. Personally, as a Hawks fan, I’m thrilled to have a center rated so highly in so many different categories, but not everyone is proud of their team’s players accolades.
And that’s hard to figure.
done done it.
August 14th, 2012
4:17 pm
eu fcking reka we agree!
When we talk about offensive skill sets Al is significantly better than Zaza. But on the defensive end Zaza is better than Al,….watch what I say…. because Zaza denies the lane,alter shots and causes misses and intimidates far better than Al.
so hypothetically, If Al scores 12-14 points but gives up 20 points at the rim we have a net loss of – 6
so hypothetically if Zaza scores 8 pts but only allows 12 points at the rim we have a net loss of – 4
So while Al is a better score than Zaza he is not as good a defender and the 2 wash out. Thats why we did not miss Al last year. Zaza and Ivan were able to offset Al’s 12pt career average with better defense and thereby negated any effect the loss of Al would have meant.
Sautee
August 14th, 2012
4:31 pm
“But on the defensive end Zaza is better than Al,….watch what I say…. because Zaza denies the lane,alter shots and causes misses and intimidates far better than Al. ” – T-s
I respectfully disagree.
career blocks:
Horford: 1.1 / game
Paculia: 0.4 / game
done done it.
August 14th, 2012
4:43 pm
2010-11 Season Rankings For Centers In Order (Top 5)
2007-2008?
2008-2009?
2009-2010?
2011-2012?
Heres my point based on your dumb stats.
D12 / Bargnani / BLopez / AJefferson / Horford –
Ok you say Blopez and Bargnani each had a better year in 2010-2011 offensively, than Al Horford.
what were their rankings this year?
Not top 30 material !!
http://espn.go.com/nba/statistics/player/_/stat/scoring-per-game/sort/avgPoints/position/centers
So if you go by 1 year like you are (its really stupid) you don’t get a real gauge for talent or consistency of performance. Like I said you have to look at a full body of work and not just a one year stat pimping moment.
Like I said Al is just an average ordinary guy who averages 12pts for his career. Who is a weak defender. @ protecting the rim # 17 amongst centers.
done done it.
August 14th, 2012
4:48 pm
” I respectfully disagree”
You did not watch what I said did you ? Too much weed smoking at your house Sautee. I’ll try this again, to help you out, red flag me if you see the word ” blocks” in the statement that follows”
“watch what I say….
because Zaza denies the lane,alter shots, causes misses and intimidates far better than Al. ”
Sautee
August 14th, 2012
4:57 pm
T-s,
Two yes or no questions:
Does a blocked shot alter that shot? Does a blocked shot cause a miss?
done done it.
August 14th, 2012
4:58 pm
Like I said Al is just an average ordinary guy who averages 12pts for his career. Who is a weak defender. @ protecting the rim # 17 amongst centers.
http://espn.go.com/nba/statistics/player/_/stat/blocks/sort/avgBlocks/year/2011/position/centers
Well I gotta run. I guess it about time for the Blog censoring, thought controlling, Cunningham to come along and wipe out this thread so he can say see, Mr. Ferry, there no one here who thinks we should trade Al.
What a deceiver Mike Cunningham is.
Have a good day sautee
jhan
August 14th, 2012
4:59 pm
2011 Season – Double Doubles:
1 -Dwight Howard – 66
2 – Al Jefferson -37
3 – Al Horford – 36
Pretty good gauge of how a center is performing. Top 3 seems a little above average to me.
done done it.
August 14th, 2012
5:03 pm
Does a blocked shot alter that shot? Does a blocked shot cause a miss?
Does a missed shot mean it was blocked? is every altered path of a shot due to a block?
Well one thing is for sure. Al doesnt cause many blocks, alters, misses or lane denials. He more of the escort service type.
done done it.
August 14th, 2012
5:05 pm
yea, 10pts 10 rebounds double double. Go Al! Go!
And take Sautee with you.!
Punanny Jones
August 14th, 2012
5:08 pm
Yea, Al had an average year in 2010-2011, who’s disagreeing ?
Sautee
August 14th, 2012
6:32 pm
OK, T-s, serious question.
Will you please name for me the centers in the league that you consider “above average”?
Ken Strickland
August 14th, 2012
6:46 pm
Since when did average players get selected to consecutive Allstar gms and the All NBA team? WHERE’S THE DOGGONE LOGIC?
Ken Strickland
August 14th, 2012
6:56 pm
SAUTEE-Never argue with a fool, for he will only drag you down to his level of ignorance and stupidity and defeat you with his vast experience. You’re engaged with an absolute fool who believes anything he says or believes should somehow be accepted as fact.
Sautee
August 14th, 2012
7:31 pm
KenS,
I don’t see it as an argument. Rather an exchange of views. I don’t mind his (or any other) view that is differing, as long as he keeps it civil. Also, I’m not trying to “win”, so I’m unconcerned with outcomes of posts. Just having open discussion.
It would be a boring blog if we all agreed, would it not?
Sautee
August 14th, 2012
7:44 pm
“Ok you say Blopez and Bargnani each had a better year in 2010-2011 offensively, than Al Horford.”
“what were their rankings this year?”
“Not top 30 material !! ” – T-s
LOL at this. Lopez was injured and only played in 5 games. In those 5 games, he averaged 19.2 ppg, which was tied for 4th among centers.
Bargnani was second in scoring among centers this past season.
http://espn.go.com/nba/statistics/player/_/stat/scoring-per-game/qualified/false/position/centers
I’m not sure exactly what you looked up, but 2nd, and 4th is certainly among the Top 30.
Sautee
August 14th, 2012
7:52 pm
OK T-s, I figured out why you didn’t see them. Neither BLopez, Bargnani, OR Dwight played enough games to be listed under “qualified”, so you have to go to the left side, just above the “scoring per game” tab, and click on “all” instead of “qualified”. That shows the averages of those who didn’t play enough games to qualify for the final category by the league.
So I see where you were confused, but indeed both Lopez, and Bargnani scored well in the games they played in.
This link should get you there:
http://espn.go.com/nba/statistics/player/_/stat/scoring-per-game/qualified/false/position/centers
Sliimjr
August 15th, 2012
8:57 am
Friends and Country men, its time to wrap our minds around positive minded BS!
Now where do we begin this morning? Excuse me while I grab a cup of Hot Java.
Daddy Long Long
August 15th, 2012
1:14 pm
How about adding a CENTER…Truuuuuuuuuuu!!