Atlanta Hawks: Free agent Damion James gets camp invite
The Hawks invited free agent Damion James to veteran’s camp and the forward’s agent told Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports that he plans to accept.
James, like free agent James Anderson, will join the Hawks on a summer contract that would become a non-guaranteed one-year deal if he makes the roster. James and Anderson will compete to fill the role of defensive-minded wing that Hawks GM Danny Ferry is seeking.
The Hawks selected James with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2010 draft and traded him that night to New Jersey for guard Jordan Crawford. James, 24, played in just 32 games for the Nets and had his 2011-12 season cut short by a foot injury that eventually required surgery.
“I’m excited for the opportunity that Damion has to show people that kind of player he was going to be before the foot injury,” agent Mark Bartelstein told Wojnarowski. “He’s healthy now, and this is an ideal situation for him in Atlanta.”
The Hawks currently have 12 players signed to guaranteed contracts for the 2012-13 season; the roster limit is 15. In addition, Ferry said second-round draft pick Mike Scott received some salary guarantees as part of hi two-year contract and will be part of the final roster.
The Hawks also extended a qualifying offer of about $960,000 to restricted free agent Ivan Johnson and would have the opportunity to match if Johnson signs an offer sheet with another team. Because the Hawks do not own Johnson’s Bird rights and used the full mid-level exception to sign Lou Williams, they would not be able to match any offer sheet for Johnson that’s for more than the bi-annual exception of $1.957 million.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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100 comments Add your comment
jlewis
September 12th, 2012
10:52 am
Its nice to run through scenarios, but be aware, Seattle will have new ownership and a new arena, they are looking for a team. Like I have said all along, they brought Ferry in here to lower salaries and sale and move the team.
KevinM
September 12th, 2012
10:57 am
I MUS, after watching Al this past summer, I tend to agree on the rusty comment. He did not look good in Coach Cal’s offense and truly never was a focal point of that team.
Perhaps he looks better this year in the post for us, but I think we’ve seen the best he has as well.
AJ, why would Ivan be waiting on a guaranteed deal? Perhaps because it might be a “Anderson or James’ type non-guarantee?
Just Joe
September 12th, 2012
10:58 am
I think Ivan’s non-signing has to do with his agent wanting the bi-annual the Hawks have to offer ($1.9M) vs. Ferry wanting to preserve the bi-annual and get Ivan in camp with the $.9M qualifying offer.
Next summer, for the Hawks to have the cap space they want, they will have to renounce the rights to the majority of their free agents (could be everyone not named Teague, LouWill, Horford, or Jenkins???).
Its ironic that we may need the bi-annual next summer to lock up Ivan for a few years (I think he will play well this year). Use the bi-annual this year, and you’ve only got the veteran minimum & the MLE (if we can get our salaries back above the cap) to sign Ivan and any other free agents we’ve renounced (ZaZa, Morrow, Korver, ???). It will be very interesting how next summer will be handled. We may be able to sign Josh & another star free agent, but filling out the bench may be difficult if we have to turn down bird rights just to make the two big signings happen (Josh & ????).
Today, I would say use the bi-annual next summer for Ivan, and use the MLE next summer for ZaZa. It would stink to lose Ivan this summer though. Looks like Ferry is taking that chance though. Ferry has his hands full managing this year’s roster, with an eye toward next summer.
KevinM
September 12th, 2012
11:01 am
“AJ, why would Ivan be waiting on a guaranteed deal? Perhaps because it might be a “Anderson or James’ type non-guarantee?”
Okay, just found it back from a July blog…he has until 10/1 to accept this deal.
hawksfancents95
September 12th, 2012
11:13 am
*Perfect Trade*
Anthony Morrow and his 1 yr expiring contract for Corey Brewer and his 1 yr expiring contract.
Denver ould use a shooter to back up Iggy and we need a off the bench wing defender. we could even give denver a 2nd rd pick if they would’nt take that straight up.
Astro Joe
September 12th, 2012
11:14 am
Kevin, yes, guaranteed money… he just needs to sign.
tjhook
September 12th, 2012
11:21 am
Believe it or not, I like this East Texas country boy. I was stationed at Fort Hood while he was in college at Texas, saw him play a few times and he’s a rugged guy. A skill we will need – a good athlete, rough around the edges, but has good size and good upside. There won’t be pressure for him to star but a lot of opportunity to put the ball in the basket. If he has worked on his game, he may be a big surprise. He will be able to keep Korver on the bench because he will defend and can get to the basket. Mainly worried about his turnover rate and shot selection. Not that he’s a bad shooter, but what he will learn to rely on for good shots.
vava74
September 12th, 2012
11:30 am
KevinM,
I believe that the Hawks can only offer Ivan the vets minimum, which is what they did.
It’s Ivan who has not signed the offer sheet.
tjhook
September 12th, 2012
11:32 am
By the way, when did Danny Ferry fall in love with 2010 New Jersey Nets?
Sautee
September 12th, 2012
11:46 am
“Since Al is the last remaining all-star on this team, he should be leading us in scoring and rebounding.” – KevinM
“I MUS, after watching Al this past summer, I tend to agree on the rusty comment. He did not look good in Coach Cal’s offense and truly never was a focal point of that team.
Perhaps he looks better this year in the post for us, but I think we’ve seen the best he has as well.”
- KevinM
So Kevin, which is it? If we’ve seen his best already why would you expect him to be the leading scorer? And do you truly think Al will take more shots than Josh?
Hopefully one of those statements was tongue-in-cheek.
KevinM
September 12th, 2012
11:58 am
Sautee, I said he ’should be’ which doesn’t appear to be a good bet.
And I think we’ve seen his best, so yes, we know what we have here and yes, he contributes but he isn’t going to be the franchise player we need him to be. Go ahead, and slot him in at PF…..will he be an all-star this year?
Artman
September 12th, 2012
12:02 pm
By the way, when did Danny Ferry fall in love with 2010 New Jersey Nets?
The answer is when they agreed to take on Joe Johnson’s enormous contract.
Sautee
September 12th, 2012
12:27 pm
Kevin, you probably know that I think Horford is best at center. And no, there is no way in hell that he’s an All-Star at PF. But I’ll be surprised if he has peaked at the age of 25. We’ll see.
tjhook
September 12th, 2012
12:34 pm
@Artman
Joe’s contract does not explain Devin Harris or Damion James. I’m not complaining (I like the two) but I am noticing how we have pillaged a roster Avery Johnson did nothing with. Just wondering
tjhook
September 12th, 2012
12:36 pm
The bigger point I made is James has a chance to be a good surprise like Ivan Johnson so I am hopeful for the acquistion. Also, I am on record that I believe Devin Harris will take over the point guard position and Teague will request a trade since LD will have officially abandoned him as a team leader.
KevinM
September 12th, 2012
12:49 pm
“Sautee
September 12th, 2012
12:27 pm
Kevin, you probably know that I think Horford is best at center. And no, there is no way in hell that he’s an All-Star at PF. But I’ll be surprised if he has peaked at the age of 25. We’ll see.”
Sautee, I agree with you, but LD says he would be a beast at PF. I totally don’t see it because Al being that effective in the open court.
He needs to add bulk to be more effective at C and be able to compete with the few guys that are considered legit centers. Al’s game is around the basket, not on the elbows.
KevinM
September 12th, 2012
12:56 pm
On 12/21/2011, SI had a ranking of PGs…..they slotted Harris at 20, ahead of Andre Miller, Irving, and Collison. They slotted Teague at 34, ahead of Chalmers and Brandon Knight.
I can’t wait to see this year’s list because the 2011 list will be ever evolving into this year’s list. No way Tyreke will be at 11, Ellis at 5, or Curry at 7. Those guys don’t belong in the top 20.
KevinM
September 12th, 2012
12:57 pm
Here’s the PG list for those interested….
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/eric_mack/12/14/nba-fantasy-preview-pgs/index.html
Astro Joe
September 12th, 2012
1:04 pm
Kevin, in fantsay basketball, Monta Ellis is probably a top 10 PG. In real world basketball, most coaches would not allow him to play PG (for more than 5 minutes).
Only takes 5
September 12th, 2012
1:10 pm
People, all the roster talk is great. GM Danny has done great. #1 priority is still a dominant Center. 20+ points, 15+ rebounds, 5+ blocks, offensive option, defensive intimidator. We have a PF as a starting center. Unfair to him and the team. A great center moves Horford to PF, Josh Smith to SF, we are loaded with SG’s, Harris and Teague at PG. Awesome lineup.
WHEN ARE THEY MOVING ?????
September 12th, 2012
1:12 pm
NEW ARENA IN SEATTLE !!!! THIS CRAP WORTHLESS TEAM MUST MOVE OUT OF THIS TOWN.
WHY DOES ANYONE GIVE A DAMN ABOUT A NOTHING SPORT AND POORLY SUPPORTED, LIKE THEY SHOULD BE !!!!!!
MOVE ASAP, CANCEL THIS SEASON, SO SEATTLE CAN GIVE THIS CRAP TEAM A NEW MORE DESERVING HOME, AND GET OUT OF TOWN ASAP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHO CARES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!????????????????????????
CalmFury
September 12th, 2012
1:19 pm
Where do we find the next Shaq to put up 20/15/5 though? A fantasy basketball combo of Dwight, Tyson Chandler and Bosh? Surely not many on the trade blocks, free agency or on training camp rosters.
Grandad
September 12th, 2012
1:42 pm
Damion James / Pre Draft Analysis / DraftXpress
“James’ biggest strength clearly revolves around how hard he plays, a part of his game we don’t seem to have emphasized strongly enough in previous reports, and a skill in its own right. He brings an unbelievable amount of energy to the floor every time he steps out onto the court, being incredibly aggressive in pretty much everything he does.”
“That manifests itself in a number of areas—the way he runs the floor in transition, crashes the offensive glass, cuts and finishes at the rim, and just the overall toughness he offers. He *was the leading rebounder in Big 12 history” *[circa 2010]
“He seems to do a better job guarding the perimeter than the post.”
*note – better suited for [3] than [4] – defensively
“Given his high levels of work ethic, coachability, and maturity, he is certainly someone who could impress in private workouts and interviews, and he definitely appears to be the type of player a coach will want on his team.”
HoosierHawk
September 12th, 2012
1:46 pm
Laughed at the Hawks schedule page on their website. Looks like bron and smoove are squaring off with smug underbites.
Buddy Grizzard
September 12th, 2012
2:15 pm
“Apparently, Danny isn’t too concerned about losing him to another team and is going to force Ivan to make this roster once again.”
Josh and Al were asking for help on the front line. Sund went out and found them the reigning Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month who proved he could match up with multiple All-Star centers last year. If they are not on the phone telling Danny Ferry to make it happen and bring him back at all costs, I don’t want to hear any more crying about “we need help on the front line.”
Ken Strickland
September 12th, 2012
2:24 pm
It amazes me how some of our resident talent experts know exactly what a particular player can and can’t do. They have decided that Horford wouldn’t be a good PF, and have offered up one lame excuse after another, like
1-he lacks footspeed,
2-he’s undersized,
3-he’s too soft,
4-he doesn’t want to play OC,
5-he’s reached his peak,
6-he’s too one dimensional
7-he can’t protect the rim
8-he’s too mechanical
and a number of other BS excuses. Yet, despite all of these so called negative issues, he’s managed to get NBA players, coaches and writers to make him a 2 time All Star and 1 time All NBA selection. Exactly what is it about all of this that makes anyone with an actual basketball IQ think he’d be unable to duplicate his All Star and All NBA accomplishments at PF?
None of the above BS stopped him for making NBA execs, players, coaches and writers believe he’s an All Star and All NBA caliber OC. So what in the devil would prevent him from utilizing those same attributes, along with the NBAs most effective and efficient midrange jumpshot, to become an All Star and/or All NBA PF?
Would moving him to PF somehow automatically eliminate his ability to continue being an excellent passer, rebounder, and midrange jumpshooter? Will he lose any of his speed, quickness or athleticism, or get shorter and/or smaller? Why is it so damned hard for some to believe he’d actually improve at PF due primarily to playing against shorter, smaller and/or less physical players than he would at OC?
I’m still hoping we start a frontline of JSmith-SF, ZPachulia-OC, and AHorford-PF, along with JTeague-PG, and DHarris-SG. That would be our biggest and most talented frontline, as well as best frontline as far as rebounding and DEF. Outside of these blogs, I haven’t read a single statement that criticized Horford for taking too many jumpers. In fact, he’s been criticized more for not taking enough.
But over the last 3-4yrs, we’ve all read more than our share of critical comments about JSmith’s need to stop launching so many illadvised jumpers. Horford has the NBAs most effective and efficient midrange jumpers, but is called soft for utilizing it as his primary weapon rather than going inside more. Yet, JSmith, who is a below average jumpshooter that also uses it as his primary weapon to avoid physical contact, continues to launch them despite yrs of criticism.
How in the hell does Horford become SOFT for doing what he does best, and not Josh, who insists on doing exactly what Horford does, but not nearly as well? If, as some have claimed, Horford is doing it to avoid physical contact inside, how in the devil can you not say the same about Josh, who’s definitely trying to avoid physical contact inside?
Ken Strickland
September 12th, 2012
2:36 pm
GRANDAD-That’s a really good and encouraging scouting report. He definitely sounds like the type of SF Ferry said he was seeking. Let’s hope he’s healthy enough to live up to those attributes. Sometimes teams cut injured and slow to recover 1st rd picks to clear cap space and reduce or eliminate luxury tax payouts. It’s not always about a lack of ability, just business economics.
O'Brien
September 12th, 2012
4:25 pm
KevinM,
LD says he would be a beast at PF..
On one hand, LD likes it when Josh leads the fast break, despite the fact that he has referred to Josh as a kamikaze. And then on the other hand, he wants Teague to go and demand the ball after the rebound.
My point is, I don’t put too much stock into what LD says. Look how many times in the past he would talk about making a lineup change before he actually made a lineup change.
As for Al peaking, its possible 15 and 10 is his peak. But I see no reason why he cant put up those numbers this year (at center).
O'Brien
September 12th, 2012
4:36 pm
Ken S,
First of all, let me say I am a big Al Horford fan.
Would moving him to PF somehow automatically eliminate his ability to continue being an excellent passer, rebounder, and midrange jumpshooter?.
IMO, No.
Will he lose any of his speed, quickness or athleticism, or get shorter and/or smaller?.
He wont lose any of it. But PFs tend to have more speed, quickness and athleticism than centers do, so Horford wont have the same mismatch advantage that he has against other centers (who are usually slow afoot).
Why is it so damned hard for some to believe he’d actually improve at PF due primarily to playing against shorter, smaller and/or less physical players than he would at OC?.
Horford is 6′10″, so I don’t think he will have much of a height advantage against other PFs. And whereas a center likes to hang around in the paint/by the rim (leaving Al open for his deadly midrange jumpers), a PF is more likely to come out and guard him (and get a hand in his face).
Also, it is easier for Al to use his handles and get around centers. PFs tend to do a better job of moving their feet. This is part of the reason why when we played Orlando in the playoffs a couple years ago, Al saw a good amount of time at PF. And the 6′8″ Brandon Bass was able to slow him down.
When we went up against Chicago, the 6′8″ PF Taj Gibson (and 6′9″ PF Carlos Boozer) also slowed him down. In other words, he did not excel at PF like he did playing center.
Is it a small sample size? yes it is. He has proven he can be an all-star center, But I think there is enough of a sample size to make the concerns about him becoming an all-star PF valid.
Astro Joe
September 12th, 2012
4:48 pm
Yeah, my guess is that as a less than elite player (not an All-NBA first teamer), Al will struggle against some centers and will struggle against some PFs. The sample that we often use to evaluate him as a PF is against playoff teams… which logically suggests an above average defensive team. The vast majority of non-elite players produce below-average stats in the playoffs.
Just Joe
September 12th, 2012
4:55 pm
I agree with O’Brien.
Teague is quick by anyone’s standards. Josh is quick for a PF. Al is quick for a C. Play to their strengths, and surround them with shooters/willing defenders (for spacing).
Allowing Josh & Al to be defended by players that are closer to their skill levels in terms of athleticism & quickness, just doesn’t make much sense to me.
Ra'mon
September 12th, 2012
5:13 pm
“The head coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv and Russian National Basketball Team David Blatt may become the assistant coach of the Atlanta Hawks. Larry Drew has come to Israel today to watch and analyze Blatt’s work with Israel’s champions.”
Wow guys. This guy is a great X’s and O’s guy.
Ra'mon
September 12th, 2012
5:16 pm
Blatt, a point guard, played college basketball at Princeton University from 1977 to 1981, under coach Pete Carril with the Princeton Tigers. He also participated in the Maccabiah Games as part of the USA national team that won a gold medal in 1981.
Ken Strickland
September 12th, 2012
5:22 pm
JUST JOE-You’re taking a very one sided view of the situation. How does it benefit us to have Josh and Al constantly trying to defend players that are usually taller, bigger and stronger than they are? Since both players are All Star caliber players, they won’t encounter that many frontline players that are actually on their level.
As it stands, Josh has to rely more on quickness because he has trouble posting and backing down the bigger stronger PFs, which is why he resorts to shooting so many illadvised jumpers. Al has an even bigger task in trying to post and back down even bigger, taller and stronger OCs.
Astro Joe
September 12th, 2012
5:42 pm
All of the discussion about the conditions under which Josh and Al can be effective only reiterates my long-standing point that they (along with Joe previously) cannot be the best players on a team that gets into the ECF.
A Princeton alum as a possible assistant? Too bad we didn’t sign Childress… I haven’t seen a Hawk in the past 6-7 years who could move without the ball as well as Childress. Dude shot well over 50% not because of his picture-perfect jumper, but because he knew how to find an opening within 8 feet of the basket and would quickly attack the rim. That type of player typically excels in a Princeton style offense… because they are already predisposed to look for the opening near the rim.
Hiring this guy from overseas is a far more significant move (in terms of speculation about a possible head coaching candidate) than a former Knicks assistant who sat on the same row as the “Basketball Wives”.
Rod from College Park
September 12th, 2012
6:08 pm
“Yet, despite all of these so called negative issues, he’s managed to get NBA players, coaches and writers to make him a 2 time All Star and 1 time All NBA selection. Exactly what is it about all of this that makes anyone with an actual basketball IQ think he’d be unable to duplicate his All Star and All NBA accomplishments at PF?”
Because at center he was being compared to Howard, Bogut, Lopez, Hibbert….. At PF he would be compared to guys like Garnett, Bosh, David West, Lebron (sometimes), Josh Smith, Bargnani, Boozer. All which have much better skill sets than he does.
Astro Joe
September 12th, 2012
6:15 pm
David West? Better skill set than Horford? David West?
IMO, Al doesn’t need to apologize for not being an All-Star caliber player at multiple positions. A whole bunch of players don’t make it one time at any position.
Astro Joe
September 12th, 2012
6:26 pm
A very brief mention of discussions between the Hawks and Fesenko (it sounds like other teams are showing more interest).
Is it time to start begging for Rasheed Wallace to return from retirement (as some were practically doing a few months ago)?
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/sam_amick/09/12/matt-barnes-kenyon-martin-remaining-free-agents/index.html
Just Joe
September 12th, 2012
6:33 pm
Ken…on defense, we simply do what we’ve been doing, but improve on the fundamentals. In the playoffs, we gave up more than 90 points just once in six games. That Boston team went on to break 90 three times against Philly, and four times against Miami.
On offense, Josh shoots jumpers because the offense calls for him to be on the perimeter (too many iso or post up plays for Joe and Horford). The offense should be run with Horford in the high post (not trying to “post and back down even bigger, taller and stronger OCs”), and Josh in the low post, where he shot 60% close to the basket last year. Don’t try to make Horford a low post player, he doesn’t have the skill. Bring him up top, draw out the opposing center, pick n roll, pick n pop, feed Josh in the low post, and make the mid range catch and shoot. That should be the extent of Horford’s offensive game.
Just Joe
September 12th, 2012
7:28 pm
Of all 16 playoff teams this past season, Atlanta had the worst offense, averaging only 82.2 points per game. Was it good defense by Boston? They had an opponents average of 88.5 pts (we helped bring it down to there).
OKC and Miami were 2nd and 3rd in points per game at 101 and 97.
Astro Joe
September 12th, 2012
8:04 pm
Just Joe, no doubt that last year’s team was not very good offensively. That was true during the playoffs AND the regular season.
Of course, all of that is a moot point as there won’t be too much similar between last year’s squad and this one (IMO).
jhan
September 12th, 2012
8:43 pm
Seems like we’re overlooking Horford getting offensive rebounds & put backs. They count the same as someone posting up & making a hook shot. I could see Al getting many offensive rebounds from Josh/ZaZa misses when they try & post up. Al will also get many assisits flashing to the post & quickly passing out to the open jumpshooter. He can make this happen from PF or C if we just utilize the motion offense LD keeps talking about. I can’t wait to see how it pans out.
AG
September 12th, 2012
9:07 pm
Only takes 5 Name more than one center in the NBA that we can trade for so we can get 20 ppg 15 rb every night. Why apologize for the guy we start at center who averaged 15 ppg 10 rbs two years ago. Guy, like I have posted – the day of the dominate center is OVER!
Rod from College Park
September 12th, 2012
10:19 pm
“David West? Better skill set than Horford? David West?”
I’m hoping that you are joking. David West is a 2 time all star just like Horford, but at the PF position. If Horford had half of the moves, and footwork that David West has, in the post, there would be none of this Horford debating on this blog. David West has averaged over 20 ppg for a season a couple of times, while Horford has never come close. I also forgot to include Stoudemire at the PF position.
Rod from College Park
September 12th, 2012
10:20 pm
“Of all 16 playoff teams this past season, Atlanta had the worst offense, averaging only 82.2 points per game. Was it good defense by Boston? They had an opponents average of 88.5 pts (we helped bring it down to there).”
I wonder why. Hmmmmm……….
Ken Strickland
September 12th, 2012
10:52 pm
We need to stop making lame excuses for Josh’s constant habit of drifting out to the perimeter and launching jumpers. There’s no way in hell Woodson and Drew encouraged it or had him to it by design. We’ve actually witnessed Drew pull him for taking those illadvised jumpers, although not nearly often enough.
ROD FROM CP-Sometimes I wonder if you ever bother to read your own BS.
I’m going to let this endless debate end for me because I’m tired of reading so many lame excuses and justifications that’s not supported by any facts or common sense whatsoever.
Jae Evolution
September 13th, 2012
1:37 am
Hopefully James can step past his early injury riddled career and become a Ronnie Brewer type. They have the same size and same style of play. I think if James wants to really get PT he has to embrace defense and I’m not sure how far along his game is in that department at this point.
vava74
September 13th, 2012
2:26 am
“Ra’mon
September 12th, 2012
5:13 pm
“The head coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv and Russian National Basketball Team David Blatt may become the assistant coach of the Atlanta Hawks. Larry Drew has come to Israel today to watch and analyze Blatt’s work with Israel’s champions.”
Wow guys. This guy is a great X’s and O’s guy.”
Ra’mon, if this is true, this is LD’s replacement, not LD’s assistant.
This could be Ferry’s greatest move yet.
I have been advocating Blatt here since midway 2010/11. That guy CAN coach and CAN develop/recover wasted talent.
Thursday And-1 links: Whole lot of training camp notes | ProBasketballTalk
September 13th, 2012
7:13 pm
[...] the Hawks gave him, play this season in the ATL and become an unrestricted free agent next year. But so far he has done nothing, he has not signed anything with anyone. By the way, the Hawks have put themselves in a spot where [...]
2 FOR JOHN DREW
September 14th, 2012
12:43 am
LAST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!