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
Bertie
September 11th, 2012
6:14 pm
FIRST!!!
Bertie
September 11th, 2012
6:17 pm
As a UT alum, I followed Damion’s college career and he is a heck of a player. A little undersized to play the 4 in the NBA as he did in college but if he stays healthy he should make the team and contribute.
uga
September 11th, 2012
6:30 pm
great signee……i would still like to see us deal stevenson and williams for travis outlaw or austin daye….someone with some experience
steven a smith
September 11th, 2012
6:38 pm
I like the Travis Outlaw idea. Could be a solid starter for next season and beyond. He could stretch the floor when he played for the Trailblazers.
MsDee
September 11th, 2012
7:33 pm
Travis Outlaw is garbage now..I like Austin Daye better
lewis
September 11th, 2012
7:36 pm
the above 5 posters are insane
Najeh Davenpoop
September 11th, 2012
8:18 pm
FTPB
“Nets are severely underrated, if they could get a decent defending/rebounding C to put next to or behind Lopez they can challenge anyone.”
I don’t remember which NBA blog recently posted an article about this (one of the ones that posts a lot of advanced stat videos), but the Nets could end up being a really bad defensive team next season, if everyone repeats their performances from last year. In particular, their front court is not going to be good defensively.
They have firepower, no doubt, and they are probably going to be at least a top 5 team in the East, but it’s hard to consider them serious contenders when you think about the possibility of Brook Lopez and Kris Humphries having to get stops. I’d still put the Heat and Pacers firmly ahead of them going into the season.
S MAC
September 11th, 2012
8:26 pm
I think the Hawks should go hard after Corey Brewer he is the best end to end runner in the league. A great long defender at 6′9 and he create havoc in general on the defensive end of the court and knock down the corner 3 ball. I very cap friendly contract I think this us going to be a breakout year from C..Brewer…
Astro Joe
September 11th, 2012
8:26 pm
Outlaw has 3 years left on his deal and is not worth losing valuable cap space next summer. Daye fits better only because he is only guaranteed one more year on his deal. But I would fear that he would be yet another long-distance chucker on a team that doesn’t need anymore perimeter shooters.
I’ll be rooting for James to make the team (and stay healthy). I think he can show himself to be a solid rotation player if he can stay upright and mobile for more than a handful of games.
EmirS.
September 11th, 2012
8:29 pm
I think its amazing how fast this off-season has gone by. Less than 2 months untill the start of the season? Just crazy. I hope we are doing the AJC Fantasy League again.
Atm, I’m not excited about any of the camp invitees, which is as expected. But I am very eager to see the final rosters before tip-off.
Astro Joe
September 11th, 2012
8:37 pm
S Mac, if Brewer stays in Denver, it will be very hard to have a breakout year when he will be the 4th wing on a team with Iguodala, Gallinari and Wilson Chandler. Someone suggested him a month or so ago and he would be a nice fit on the Hawks (he fits the Hawks much better than he does the Nuggets).
Rev in Tampa
September 11th, 2012
8:42 pm
Will this James fellow play SF exclusively or compete for playing time at PF? If he is considered a PF then we seem to have a glut of people at that position.
S MAC
September 11th, 2012
8:42 pm
Corey Brewer is the ideal fit he brings it every night on the defensive end always giving 150% and is a great cutter without the ball… The Hawks said that they want to get out and run more well here is your guy…. 70% of his points came out in transition… Brewer and Smooth would be something to see high flying all over the factor..
Astro Joe
September 11th, 2012
8:45 pm
Rev, I’m pretty sure that James is considered more SF than PF. But, again, he has played in 32 NBA games in his career, so he is closer to being a rookie than Ivan.
S MAC
September 11th, 2012
8:50 pm
Astro Joe you are very right about if he stays in Denver it would be hard to breakout… I just hope we go after C.Brewer… I think I’m promoting him so much I have become the president of the Corey Brewer fan club..
rainman34
September 11th, 2012
8:56 pm
Im on the Brewer train that would be the perfect 3 for this team. Does anyone have Dannys number? haha. I also like james alot he reminds me a little of Gerald Wallace.
Rev in Tampa
September 11th, 2012
9:17 pm
Reality Check…
I am still not expecting a playoff appearance for this year’s Hawks team. The most important accomplishment for this year’s team is cap space next season.
pointguardslim
September 11th, 2012
9:34 pm
Damion James and Travis Outlaw. The campaign to surround Josh Smith with non-talent continues. You go Atlanta!
steven a smith
September 11th, 2012
9:35 pm
Are there any free agent small forwards out there who can stay in front of Durant or Lebron moving forward? Anyone becoming an unrestricted FA next summer who is considered “elite”? I don not think so. Last checked Carmelo is not available. Could Corey Brewer guard these guys? LMAO!!!
pointguardslim
September 11th, 2012
9:37 pm
cap space for next season. What do you plan on doing next year? I seriously doubt D12 or Paul are leaving LA.
ATL fans must be praying for Major Injuries to poach other teams talent. Stay classy guys. smdh
steven a smith
September 11th, 2012
9:39 pm
If MWP were younger, and came with his physchiatrist, he is the only defender tough enough to guard LBJ.(Metta World Peace). Guess Ivan is as close to MWP as we are going to get.
steven a smith
September 11th, 2012
9:41 pm
pointguardslim
September 11th, 2012
9:37 pm
“Money talks and __ __ walks brother. Anything is possible to those that believe.
S MAC
September 11th, 2012
9:54 pm
Steven A you sound very stupid who could guard Bron and KD??? That person would have a max deal already…. I bet one thing for sure they not just going to walk over Corey Brewer he will fight til the end unlike half of the league don’t sleep this dude got talent…
Rev in Tampa
September 11th, 2012
9:56 pm
PGS,
Do you seriously believe this Hawks team is built for a championship run? What is your goal ‘as a fan’ for this Hawks team?
I doubt you have very high expectations for this year’s team, so I am surmising that you are being negative for the sake of being negative. To be negative for the sake of being negative is to be negative-minded. And, as we all know from Mr. Strickland, to be NEGATIVE-MINDED is akin to being ANAL-MINDED.
steven a smith
September 11th, 2012
10:03 pm
I am warming up to the idea of having Al Horford as my starting PF. Josh Smith as my starting SF. Now, just bring us a shot-blocker to the middle and we are still a play-off team(as long as Josh isn’t forced to shoot jumpers). Zsa Zsa Gabor is just too plain clumsey to start and major liability on defense.
steven a smith
September 11th, 2012
10:08 pm
S MAC
September 11th, 2012
9:54 pm
Don’t get me wrong, i like Corey Brewer. I watched him play here in Florida, Howeva, if he is on the floor, S MAC, your starting line-up is way too small to compete. We would be back to a 1st round team only, exit early my friend. “SIZE MATTERS”
Rev in Tampa
September 11th, 2012
10:17 pm
steven a smith,
I have never felt that Horford has the foot-speed to keep up as well with elite PF’s. But he does have the quickness to run rings around traditional centers. That is what makes his mid-range jumper so effective – centers cannot get out to him quick enough. And if they run at him he can drive past them. He is undersized but still able to play acceptable defense on the traditional centers. If Horford moves to PF then, IMO, he becomes very pedesterian.
Of late, my gripe with Horford is his softness. He is not utilizing his potential.
dap01
September 11th, 2012
10:18 pm
The Hawks have too many small pieces to the puzzle. There needs to be a 2 for 1 trade or two. We need more quality and less quantity.
S MAC
September 11th, 2012
10:36 pm
Steven A I agree with you 100% that the Hawks are to small but Brewer is 6′9 and bigger than any 2 guard and small forward on the team… Morrow 6′5 or Stevenson 6′5, James Anderson 6′6 or James 6′7…
i_am_soulstar
September 11th, 2012
11:06 pm
Rev in Tampa
September 11th, 2012
10:17 pm
steven a smith,
I have never felt that Horford has the foot-speed to keep up as well with elite PF’s. But he does have the quickness to run rings around traditional centers. That is what makes his mid-range jumper so effective – centers cannot get out to him quick enough. And if they run at him he can drive past them. He is undersized but still able to play acceptable defense on the traditional centers. If Horford moves to PF then, IMO, he becomes very pedesterian.
Of late, my gripe with Horford is his softness. He is not utilizing his potential.
*****************************************************************************************
Agreed. Horford is best deployed as a center for all those reasons. He was a great PF in college, but he needs to get over his Gator days. I haven’t dug up any statistics to support it, but when we have played him at PF, he doesn’t look that great at the position IMO.
i_am_soulstar
September 12th, 2012
1:42 am
I find this interesting about Damion. In the 2010-2011 season, (only playing 25 games, so small sample size), he was #10 in NBA rebounding rate for all small forwards as a rookie, and #6 in defensive rebounding rate for all NBA small forwards. Not bad for a rookie. He’ll shine in camp and pre-season if he can grab boards.
vava74
September 12th, 2012
5:37 am
Both Damion Jones and James Anderson are good candidates for reclamation projects.
Both are first round picks and both were stars in the respective college teams.
Both could – with proper coaching, nurturing and development – become solid NBA rotation players.
Just think of them as extra first round draft picks since they are certainly young enough and talent enough to deserve a shot.
Moreover, they have fallen off the wagon due to injury and not due to lack of character and the mental skills necessary to survive the rigours of the NBA.
If they were nut cases or lazy/undisciplined guys like for instance Darius Miles, Stromile Swift… I would not touch them but in this case I think it is a good gamble.
Just Joe
September 12th, 2012
7:40 am
soulstar…..in that same season (10/11), James allowed an opponents PER of 9.2 at the SF spot. That’s outstanding. Again though, we’re talking 25 games total. I am also encouraged by the fact that James was the starting SF for the Nets last year until he got hurt. That was a bad team though.
ag
September 12th, 2012
8:00 am
I am a lot disappointed because I was looking at us to make a trade. We do have a couple of project guys – but do projects in basketball win championships? Every blue moon a project guy will develop into a serviceable player. The last couple of projects we invested in (Magnum Rolle, etc
ag
September 12th, 2012
8:31 am
Add Hilton Armstrong and Pape Sy to that list of projects – okay not Pape Sy, but Armstrong a top 10 pick, a big, and out of the NBA. I think Grandpa thinks Benson is of the simular mold, but he showed me a lot in the Summer League. He has a nice scoring touch around the basket and he really made a impact a couple of games.
ag
September 12th, 2012
8:32 am
I do wish we can trade some quanity for quality, a 2 for 1.
Buddy Grizzard
September 12th, 2012
8:46 am
The last project we invested in? Ivan Johnson. How did that turn out? Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for April.
Just Joe
September 12th, 2012
8:56 am
ag…this is not a championship year by any means. It’s a year where Ferry will hopefully identify the pieces that he wants to build around.
Ferry now has 3 late first rd picks (John Jenkins, James Anderson & Damion James), and two second rd picks (Jordan Williams & Mike Scott) to evaluate (along with a lame duck coach). Are there any quality backups in this group? Is there a future starter or two? Can any of these guys be ready to play big minutes by the trade deadline when guys like Harris, Morrow, Stevenson, Petro, and Korver will likely wind up on other teams?
What would a team of Teague, LouWill, Smith, Ivan, Horford, and Pachulia look like when supported by cast-offs and unproven rookies like Jenkins, Anderson, James, Williams, and Scott??? That may be what we look like after the trade deadline.
The ideal situation for this year (IMO) will be to establish an offensive & defensive philosophy for how Ferry wants this team to play, evaluate & develop the younger talent, and win enough games that you start developing the winning culture that Ferry talks about (which has to do with the perception of your players, your fans, opposing players, free agents, the media, etc…).
Combine all of that with successful trades of veterans for draft picks, and Houston grabbing the 8th spot out West (which means we get their 1st & 2nd rd picks), and I’ll be more than satisfied with this season.
Big expectations for next summer though!!!
Ken Strickland
September 12th, 2012
9:05 am
With James and Anderson being signed to minimum make good contracts, it appears Ferry isn’t interested in taking on any additional salary beyond this yr. The SF he covets will likely come from one of the players we’ll have in training camp, namely Josh, Morrow, Korver, Jenkins, Anderson, James, Stephenson.
With 7 of our newly acquired players becoming FAs after the season(Petro, JWilliams, Morrow, Korver, Anderson, James, and Stephenson), assuming they all make the 15 man roster, it looks like this will be a season that’s focused on player and coaching evaluations. Of course we all know there will likely be others invited to camp, like maybe everyones favorite(KBenson).
Astro Joe
September 12th, 2012
9:08 am
Great post, Just Joe.
coachroy
September 12th, 2012
9:26 am
look like nets 2011-2012 starter are now the hawks 2012-2013 bench and role players. Morrow,Harris,Stevenson,Petro,Williams,James
Mike is Back
September 12th, 2012
9:33 am
MC, I think James has the talent to make the team…I was raving about him during summer league that year after we trading him…he was lighting it up…then he got caught in the shuffle with the Nets and disappear. I think it was a GREAT MOVE by Danny to give him a shot. James is a defensive minded SF.
Sure hope we get tha Animal Back.lol
GO DANNY GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ken Strickland
September 12th, 2012
10:26 am
This is going to be a very interesting and potentially exciting season. I still think we’ll make the playoffs, because we do have considerable talent. We definitely won’t have any problem scoring, but it will be DEF that determines how far we can go. We saw what Josh could do with the extra shot attempts he got with Horford’s absence.
With the extra shots he’ll receive with JJ gone, Horford’s 2010 15.3PPG should increase from 15.3PPG to somewhere close to JJs level of production(18.8PPG). We all know that DHarris at SG is a major upgrade over Hinrich, and we can also expect a noticeable increase in JTeague’s production as well.
With Josh and Horford averaging in the 17-19PPG range, with the expected increase in production from JTeague, and with Harris definitely being an upgrade at SG over Hinrich, the production at SF will be the only thing that would keep this starting lineup from being better than last yrs. You add shooters like Morrow, LWilliams, Korver, and Jenkins, and you definitely have a chance to be exciting.
sam'l
September 12th, 2012
10:28 am
This team needs a game plan and the smarts and the will to make it work. something like defense as practiced by Thibadeau’s teams or guard play like Rondo. Or at least one more player who has a proven punch. This is gonna be brutal.
KevinM
September 12th, 2012
10:31 am
San Antonio is all about player development and they gave up on Anderson. Apparently, they didn’t like what they saw, and let him walk asap. What they saw was a slasher with a limited mid-range game.
I’m all for taking a chance on Anderson and James, but for them not to get guaranteed deals tells you there isn’t a lot of interest. They’ll get one more crack to make an impact and not a lot invested.
To me, I think Korver is the one that has to prove he can contribute on this team. He fights with Lou, Stevenson, Josh and Morrow for playing time. I don’t have faith in LD to play Jenkins unless his shot just falls in all the time. I remember JC2 making a statement to get minutes and what did LD do? He plugged him in ahead of Teague which made zero sense. One of the many questionable moves of LD in his 2 years here.
Yet, no deal done with Ivan 20 days before training camp? It doesn’t make sense. Apparently, Danny isn’t too concerned about losing him to another team and is going to force Ivan to make this roster once again.
KevinM
September 12th, 2012
10:36 am
Since Al is the last remaining all-star on this team, he should be leading us in scoring and rebounding. This is the year he either steps up or Slimjr gets more ammunition.
Astro Joe
September 12th, 2012
10:39 am
Jevin, Ferry made an offer to Ivan… the ball is in Ivan’s court ot accept it. I think you have it backwards.
I MUS WRITE
September 12th, 2012
10:40 am
MSDEE they are both garbage IMO -I dont want either. I will say that Outlaw has proven he has the talent to play at this level -He balled out to get that contract and he hasnt been seen since. Daye on the other hand has shown absolutely nothing since he left Gonzaga.he got pushed around by summer league guys and just doesnt seem to have that fire…..These guys and worse than the underwhelmin SF that we sent to Utah……
Astro Joe
September 12th, 2012
10:41 am
Sorry, Kevin (not Jevin). My jad.
I MUS WRITE
September 12th, 2012
10:44 am
KevinM dont count on that. By Xmas Slim Jr will be sitting on a nucler weapon. Call me crazy but I dont ever see AL becoming the man on a team -He is a rusty robot with a good midrange shot.
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
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