Atlanta Hawks: Wizards up next; Korvers welcome first child
Vivlamore reporting from Hawks practice.
The Hawks try for their eighth win in nine games Friday against the Wizards, a team they barely defeated during the recent stretch.
The Hawks won a 101-100 decision over the then-winless Wizards on Nov. 21 on a last second 3-pointer. The Wizards won their second game on Tuesday by defeating the defending NBA champion Heat. That game is a point of emphasis for Hawks coach Larry Drew.
“The team that we played weeks ago, they are not the same team,” Drew said. “They are much better basketball team right now. You can see the way they play. They feel much better about themselves. They come off of a big win against Miami. They took us down to the wire. Under no circumstances can we look at this team’s record and underestimate this team.”
A new addition
Kyle Korver and his wife, Juliet, became parents on Wednesday with the birth of their daughter. Baby Kyra Elyse and mother Juliet are healthy after a birthing process that took more than a day, Korver said.
“It’s emotionally draining,” Korver said Thursday. “You watch your wife battle. She was grinding for a long time, 30 hours. You want to make it better but you can’t really do that so you just hold her hand and tell her she is amazing.”
Korver was not with the team on Wednesday for their 108-104 victory over the Nuggets after the labor process began Tuesday. Both sets of parents arrived in Atlanta Thursday to greet their granddaughter.
Korver has been out with back spasms and hasn’t played or practiced since coming out of the Nov. 28 game against the Bobcats in the third quarter. Korver said he is feeling “much better.” Having not played in more than a week, Korver is doubtful for Friday’s game against the Wizards.
Injury report
The Hawks were thin for Thursday’s practice without Devin Harris, DeShawn Stevenson and Korver. Harris injured his left ankle in the second quarter against the Nuggets. He was re-taped during halftime and returned for the entire second half. Stevenson was rested.
Sitting pretty
Through 15 games, the Hawks (10-5) are third in the Eastern Conference behind only the Knicks (13-4) and the Heat (12-4), who will play Thursday.
“I know a lot of people didn’t think we would be where we are at this point,” Drew said. “Me personally, I didn’t give it much thought. I just knew what I had to do as a coach as far as getting this team prepared and getting all these guys on the same page as fast as I could given all the new faces.”
The Hawks lead the NBA in fast break points (17.4) and forced turnovers (18.1), are third in assists (23.5) and steals (9.4), sixth in points allowed (94.2) and opponent field goal percentage (.432) and ninth in points in the paint (42.7).
Fourth-quarter woes
The Hawks lost a seven-point fourth-quarter lead in Wednesday’s win over the Nuggets. They also could not hold a nine-point lead in a loss to the Cavaliers Friday, which snapped a six-game win streak.
Drew said his team has room for improvement in the final quarter, particularly on the defensive end.
“I think we are playing OK,” Drew said. “… I know I sound like a broken record with this defensive stuff. My whole thing, as I told our guys, we are looked at as a team that is just going to play offense. We are looked at as a team that has guys who can shoot the ball and are going to score. Me personally, I want to change that perception. In talking to them, they want to do the same.”
- Chris Vivlamore
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96 comments Add your comment
Slimjr
December 6th, 2012
4:23 pm
1st??????????
Slimjr
December 6th, 2012
4:23 pm
2nd????????
paian
December 6th, 2012
4:24 pm
not really i just didnt post anything haha
paian
December 6th, 2012
4:25 pm
that twal guy called you a bandwagon hawks fan smh
Slimjr
December 6th, 2012
4:25 pm
Congrats to Kyle Korver and his wife, Juliet on the Birth of their new Daughter!
The Truth
December 6th, 2012
4:27 pm
“Stevenson was rested.”
Stevenson kind of reminds me of AI
“IT’S NOT A GAME, WE TALKIN BOUT PRACTICE MAN” – AI
I MUS WRITE
December 6th, 2012
4:35 pm
Moist???? Jealousy is a female trait……..
The Truth
December 6th, 2012
4:43 pm
“Kyle Korver and his wife, Juliet, became parents on Wednesday with the birth of their daughter.”
Indirectly, this is extremely good news for the Hawks. With one more mouth to feed, Kyle will now work even harder to earn a new contract. This could be a great situation for the 31 yr old California native if he plays it right. A possible 3 yr deal and assistant coaching opportunity would be the ideal case for him in the ATL.
Jae Evolution
December 6th, 2012
4:47 pm
Sources told Broussard that Atlanta and the Houston Rockets, two clubs long linked to Gasol, no longer have interest in acquiring him. The same, sources told Broussard, holds for the Denver Nuggets, who possess multiple players who would appear to fit D’Antoni’s system well. ESPN.com
Grandad
December 6th, 2012
5:05 pm
Now we know Kyle`s back spasm`s were only sympathetic labor.
Slimjr
December 6th, 2012
5:09 pm
HaHaHa @ Grandad…
I must= delusional…
Grandad
December 6th, 2012
5:11 pm
All those folks that say we need a small forward;
heck, we haven`t had one in yrs,
why worry so much about it this yr.
drmaryb .(""_ ^).
December 6th, 2012
5:13 pm
The NIMBERS Don’t Lie!
_________________________
Here’s the story line on The Ferry - Led Hawks:
1 & 1
3 & 3
6 & 6
9 th
These rankings are elite, my cohorts. Let’s give Coach & his Staff some credit now.
Grandad
December 6th, 2012
5:21 pm
Sameba
-from last eve-
E Bledsoe still on rookie contract.
Doubtful they will move him `til after this summer,
and they make sure C Paul re-signs.
The thing – Vinny D ain`t playin` him but about 15 min per.
Grandad
December 6th, 2012
5:28 pm
Slimmer
Your allright !
keith
December 6th, 2012
5:32 pm
Congratulations to the Korver family. I have 2 daughters of my own, one 17, and one 15. Mr Korvers’ life has forever changed. Children are a blessing from God. Hope the Hawks will reward him with a Max-Deal to make this the greatest year of his life.
Grandad
December 6th, 2012
5:33 pm
uh oh
Slimmer = you`re allright !
* I messed up you`re:
shhhhhhh ….. I typed [your] w/o the apostroph & the e
Grandad
December 6th, 2012
5:37 pm
Keith;
are you D~W ?
Slimjr
December 6th, 2012
6:03 pm
Knicks and Heat on TNT at 8pm! Oh boy!
Both teams are undefeated at Home: Knicks 7-0, Miami 8-0..
Knicks blew Miami out by 20 the first time they met in the Garden. Miami will be pumped for tonight’s home game on TNT…
Amare will be missed in this one..Right Woody? Put the lawn chair away Woody..You are going to have to coach tonight! lol
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
December 6th, 2012
6:50 pm
Congrats to Korver
Rod from College Park
December 6th, 2012
8:31 pm
“All those folks that say we need a small forward;
heck, we haven`t had one in yrs,
why worry so much about it this yr.”
Could not have said it better myself.
Buddy Grizzard
December 6th, 2012
9:09 pm
After MIA-NY tonight, the Hawks will be tied for second in the lost column.
Slimjr
December 6th, 2012
9:25 pm
Raymond with the huge 3 before the Half to tie it up Buddy!
Did this guy go #5 behind the bust Marvin Williams? Hmmmm
I’ll take him over Ty Lawson everyday and twice on Sunday..
Slimjr
December 6th, 2012
9:50 pm
Somebody is putting on a clinic, on TNT..
That #5 pick is some baller..
Don’t count your chickens just yet…
Sammy
December 6th, 2012
10:15 pm
Trade Suggestion: Andris Biedrins for devin harris. biedrins has talent and just needs a new system, this would also allow JJ to get more minutes and on the times we go big by starting ZAZA, we actually have a decent backup 7 ft centre who can rebound and defend.
WHEN ARE THEY MOVING ?????
December 6th, 2012
10:19 pm
WHY ARE THESE IDIOTS STILL HERE AND NOT, I REPEAT NOT IN SEATTLE ????
WHO REALLY CARES ABOUT THIS FRANCHISE ? IT IS JUNK, TRASH AND WORTHLESS,
PLUS OWNERS WHO LIE ALL THE TIME.
SELL SELL SELL SELL WE DO NTO NEED THIS TEAM IN THIS CITY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CHICKEN hawks $UCK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
keith
December 6th, 2012
10:39 pm
How can the Heat lose to Woody, without melo??? Go figure.
glw
December 6th, 2012
10:42 pm
lol @Americans Airlines Arena sounding like Philips when the crowd is rooting for the road team.
High-sider
December 6th, 2012
10:44 pm
Who said Woody can’t coach? Who dat, who dat?
Knicks openin’ a can of whoop a$$ on the Heat.
Novak-aine with the “wet,” “wetter,” and “wettest” jumper.
High-sider
December 6th, 2012
10:46 pm
Woody said, “No ‘Melo, no problem; we got this.”
sam'l
December 6th, 2012
11:02 pm
Wow. Knicks over Heat. Rasheed. Hard to believe. Iistened not watched and the energy was amazing.
sam'l
December 6th, 2012
11:02 pm
Hawks closing on the Heat……how long will this last?
ag
December 6th, 2012
11:14 pm
Hawks have Heat Monday. Have to take a page from the Knicks, hustle, spread the floor, run, great PG play and shoot the 3!
Big Ray
December 6th, 2012
11:43 pm
Big Ray, some bloggers continue to obsess with the notion that Tolliver received rotation-type minutes early in the season. And continue to talk about it, even 6-8 games after he last received rotation-type minutes. You know how folk start chewing on old bones around here.
What’s that? Sorry, can’t hear because I have a fossil stuck in my teeth and it makes a grinding sound every time my jaws move…
Ken Strickland
December 6th, 2012
11:44 pm
I just can’t believe no one has tried to convince Josh to develop a midrange gm by using the bank shot rather than always shooting for the rim, like he has such a good touch. TDuncan will ride his bank shot all the way to the HOF. He needs to become more efficient as a scorer, like Horford.
Just about every Hawks fan hopes Ferry will sign DHoward, or another high profile center. But let’s suppose he decides to go after an elite SF instead, and then secures a decent backup center? Solidifying the SF position, while starting Zaza and moving Horford to PF, would give us a solid frontline. Add a backcourt of Teague and either Korver, Morrow, or Jenkins, and you have a solid starting lineup. A bench of Williams, Ivan, Stevenson, Scott, and a decent C, and we have a solid team.
Big Ray
December 6th, 2012
11:46 pm
Who said Woody can’t coach? Who dat, who dat?
Knicks openin’ a can of whoop a$$ on the Heat.
Novak-aine with the “wet,” “wetter,” and “wettest” jumper.
Yeah…Knicks have been good. I wonder how it will go when “I need the ball” Stoudemire comes back. Knicks won’t have proven much against the Heat until they can avenge that playoff whoopin’ from last season.
Melvin
December 7th, 2012
12:11 am
Interesting article. This may be a problem on the arisen for many teams in the league. The Heat may be the last small market to have a so-call Superteam. This won’t be a problem for the Lakers, Knicks, Nets and Celtics. Can the league survive with less parity? We will see how this plays out.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/ian_thomsen/12/06/sixth-man-nba-cba-nicolas-batum/index.html
Hawks_4_Life
December 7th, 2012
12:28 am
Congrats Korvers
doc
December 7th, 2012
1:13 am
chipper welcomes his new girl.
home run?
or is it more how plastic dresses up a skinny girl?
http://bustedcoverage.com/2012/12/06/chipper-jones-girlfriend-lexi-ray-playboy-model/#photo=28
anyway wondering if there was a short forward out there to compliment horford and josh to take us closer to the top? can danny find the missing link and what form will it take?
doc
December 7th, 2012
1:14 am
view the gallery folks.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
December 7th, 2012
1:31 am
When was the last time Woody won a playoff series? Good regular season coach that chokes in the playoffs.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 7th, 2012
1:58 am
FTPB
“Anybody care to list their Top-5 low-post players in the league?
Which guys have the best post moves? I’ll try to compile my list later.”
Duncan, Pau Gasol, Jefferson, Scola, Randolph, Melo, Kobe. Some combination of those. Probably forgetting someone important.
FACTS
December 7th, 2012
4:35 am
@Melvin
So Miami is a small market, but Boston is a big market?
Top 10 metro areas ranked by population: 1. NYC 2. LA 3. Chicago 4. Dallas 5. Houston 6. Philly 7. Washington 8. Miami 9. Atlanta 10. Boston
Stop listening to ESPN and their garbage. Being in the top 10, Boston is a “big market” but it’s mentioned like it’s NYC or Chicago, when it’s metro has less people than places like Atlanta and Washington who’s teams never get referred to as “big market.”
Classic case of ESPN drivel, notice how the Phillies and Eagles are “big market teams that deserve stars” but you never hear the Sixers talked about like that, and they are in the same market.
If RG3 and the Redskins pick up a few more stars and become a consistent winner, watch ESPN start callin them a “big market team” too.
vava74
December 7th, 2012
4:49 am
FACTS,
the expression “Big Market” should be interpreted as “sports’ big market”.
Boston fans are passionate about their teams, which makes its population a large consumer of sports events/programs/commercials with players, …
Also, the number and tenure of transplants in a given area – which remain connected to their original teams – has to be taken into consideration.
A quick example:
4 million people with 2/3rds of transplants equates to just 1,32 million potential local team fans
3 million people with just 1/4er of transplants equates to 2,25 million potential local team fans
Add the two factors together (rabidness and transplants) and you’ll see that “big market” must be interpreted not only by the number of people living on a given area.
Grandad
December 7th, 2012
4:57 am
FACTS:
Boston is in the ” Northeast megalopolis ”
which includes:
Baltimore, DC, Philly, NYC, and Boston.
For this reason, they [all] are considered Major Mkts.
Grandad
December 7th, 2012
5:10 am
Naj
I would choose [in this order] … mine is virtually identical to yours.
1.Gasol
2.Duncan
3.Randolph
4.Jefferson
5.LBJ
** with a tip 0`the hat to Scola
** and a mention – Andrew Nicholson is young … but -
he has the best post moves / game coming out of college
that I`ve seen in yrs.
Just Joe
December 7th, 2012
6:12 am
Duncan, Pau Gasol, Randolph, Jefferson, Bynum
Nicholson in Orlando is just warming up offensively. Needs to rebound better, but his offense will be there. He’s learning now how to handle nba double teams right now.
I’d still trade Horford and Petro for Turkoglu, Nicholson, and Vucevic. Vucevic is up to 10 pts and 9 boards in 29 minutes a game. Kid is only 22 and has 3 pt range if he wants to use it. It appears Coach Vaughn doesn’t want his young bigs Vucevic and Nicholson taking that shot though. No attempts for either man.
Buddy Grizzard
December 7th, 2012
6:24 am
“I’d still trade Horford and Petro for Turkoglu, Nicholson, and Vucevic.”
Thank God you’re not the Hawks’ GM. You would trade an All-Star, All-NBA player for a bad contract and two players who haven’t proven anything at the NBA level while playing for a loser? Al Horford is the best player on the third place team in the Eastern Conference. You would trade him for lawn trash?
Grandad
December 7th, 2012
6:33 am
I would prefer [Nicholson & Harkless]
-but-
I would trade neither Al nor Josh.
It does not appear we have a match.
ORL is not gonna trade those two youngsters for *our “lawn trash”.
* Petro, et al.
Buddy Grizzard
December 7th, 2012
6:38 am
Slim J.,
Your knicks got it done… highly impressive. And I got a trade for you:
Devin Harris, Mike Scott and Andre Kirilenko to the Lakers, Pau Gasol to the Timberwolves, Nikola Pekovic and Derrick Williams to the Hawks. What do you think?
vava74
December 7th, 2012
6:44 am
Wolves would never do it.
I would.
Lakers maybe would.
vava74
December 7th, 2012
6:46 am
Saw Harkless the other day in the D-League and liked what I saw.
Big body, lively feet, decent post moves.
Buddy Grizzard
December 7th, 2012
6:54 am
Derrick Williams would fit like a glove in Atlanta. As mentioned on rep atl, Josh Smith is holding opposing small forwards to a PER of 3.1. That means Williams wouldn’t have to guard elite opposing small forwards, but on offense he could play on the wing, where he is a much more dangerous shooter than Josh. He would also be playing with two of the best passing big men in the NBA on one of the best passing teams in the NBA. The Hawks also get a lot of points in transition. Just imagine the number of wide open threes and alley oops this cat would get playing for the Hawks. The Twolves would end up looking stupid for trading him.
Buddy Grizzard
December 7th, 2012
6:54 am
Why wouldn’t the wolves do it? They’ve been after Gasol to pair him with his Spanish national team teammate.
Buddy Grizzard
December 7th, 2012
6:57 am
I would imagine the Hawks would be sending out picks in the trade. You could also substitute Brandon Roy for Pekovic to sweeten the deal for the Twolves.
Buddy Grizzard
December 7th, 2012
7:01 am
Actually sending out Kirilenko and Williams would leave MIN without a small forward. Probably better send Roy, Williams and Pekovic out. The Twolves have some cap room so they don’t have to send out all of Gasol’s 19m in salary.
ag
December 7th, 2012
7:33 am
Damn Joe, what did you wake up drinking. At the rate Al is playing, he is going to be an All-Star. When he gives us his hustle game like against Denver, he is one of the best C’s in the NBA. He even blocked a shot or two. I am really liking his game and he is our clutch player.
EmirS.
December 7th, 2012
7:48 am
I have Nikola Vucevic on my fantasy team. Like all my other fantasy players, I pay close attention to him. He’s a big body who can rebound and block. He would more than likely be an upgrade over Zaza, however I don’t believe he has the same fire and in your face attitude like Zaza. He is also a better rebounder and shot blocker than Pekovic. But he falls in the same category as Asik and Pekovic. He also turns the ball over less than both of those two guys.
I believe he could be a great back up to Horford. On a team like ours where rebounding is a problem, I can guarantee you that this guy can give you 10 to 15 rebounds just coming off the bench. Kind of Reggie Evans like really. He wont be averaging 10 points like he is at the moment, just due to the fact that we have twice the number of scorers that the Magic have. But don’t be surprised if he averages you 12 to 14 rebounds a game while blocking two or more shots.
I didn’t think much of him when I took him out of free agency, but he is a solid player. I’d love to see him in a Hawks uniform.
ag
December 7th, 2012
8:27 am
BG… do the Hawks really want another Williams, who was a second round pick. If we had Nikola Pekovic and D. Williams, please set up the starters and reserves.
FACTS
December 7th, 2012
8:31 am
The Wizards, Nationals, Redskins, Orioles, and Sixers are all within the BosWash I-95 Megalopolis yet I never hear ESPN or the media mention them as “big market teams that deserve star studded rosters.”
The Trailblazers have some of the most loyal fans in the NBA. They are 2nd in attendance. That doesnt propel them into being a “big” or even “mid” market. They’re still a small market team. So that doesnt give anyone the right to call Boston a “big market” and act like larger metros like Atlanta, Miami and Houston arent.
FACTS
December 7th, 2012
8:32 am
ESPN is a biased piece of _____ network.
ag
December 7th, 2012
8:37 am
The one advantage the Hawks have over a lot of teams is their depth. Trades certainly would hurt, especially trading Harris away. I do think the Lakers would take the deal because they have the worst bench in the league and could add three pieces to give away one. They would start AK47 or even Jamison.
ag
December 7th, 2012
8:44 am
PG Teague Lou
SG Korver Morrow Jenkins
SF Williams Stevenson
PF Josh Ivan Tolliver
C- Horford ZaZa Pekovic Petro
Big Ray
December 7th, 2012
9:13 am
Buddy G –
I’d take that trade…we ain’t losin’ much on it.
hfc95
December 7th, 2012
9:29 am
Buddy G, very creative trade but I find that irresponsible for the Lakers and T’wolves. We saw what Gasol did just this past summer for Spain and he still has plenty left in him. They need Nash back badly to properly judge what they are capable of. The Twolves would lose a true starting C who does all the dirty work and doesnt require the ball. I know they want rubio,gasol and love but I dont see LA trading Gasol to get devin harris and kirilenko.
My trade which I can not honestly believe is not being discussed thouroughly on this blog(hopefully it is in GM DF’s circle) is one that progresses both teams involved exponentially.
Devin Harris and his $8.5 mill contract & Willie Greens $1.375 trade exceptionand our 1st rd pick or HOU’s to MIL for Monta Ellis and his $11 mill contract.
We get a 20ppg SG that can score every where and actually get to the foul line. He then accepts his player option for next season and the Hawks have a incredible chance to make it to the ECF. Mil gets a 1st when Monta was gona walk after the season anyway. And with no Monta they wont win any games and can have the best shot at a #1 pick in the lottery.
Teague Ellis Korver Smith Horford!!! How do you stop that? and then we let lou and monta go in spurts and that is too much offense for any team to try to stop.
ag
December 7th, 2012
9:38 am
hfc95, – I do like that trade also, but it does not address the problem we are having at SF or backup center. I don’t know why Milwaukee will do it.
MsDee
December 7th, 2012
9:45 am
Bout to pull some questions from a “blast from the past” to my boys from the blog. In case ya dont know who Im talking about, its Rob from CP, Vava74, & Najeh. What do u think about my boy Horford so far after 15 games? Is he still considered ‘trade bait’? Has he given ya enough ‘hustle/banging’ down low yet?? Could he do what Josh did last season when Horford was out all season?? (Win IN OKC w/o Josh) Why isnt Josh our leading scorer since he has the ball in his hands more than Horford, while NOT having Joe on the team anymore after putting up outstanding numbers last season? With Josh being the “face of the Hawks”, will he be an AllStar FINALLY this season or will it be Horford again, FOR THE 3RD TIME???
Just curious about your thoughts thus far!
Astro Joe
December 7th, 2012
9:56 am
IMO, Kobe is a top 5 player in the post. The othes can be debated but Kobe can’t be stopped down there.
I would gamble on Derrick Williams also. I originally thought Williams had star potential. I’m not as sure anymore. I suspect that if we examined him like we do our own players we would find some deficient skills (dribbling, shooting, effort, etc.) that keeps him from optimizing his talents. But again, I would make the gamble.
It would be nice to see the Hawks get a blowout win and see JJ2 get some garbage time minutes tonight.
Regarding the Knicks, I have more confidence in Amar’e adjusting his ego for the team than I do if it were Melo returning from a long rehab.
Joey
December 7th, 2012
10:10 am
Really good, in-depth read on the Hawks:
http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/44408/an-eye-on-the-hawks
hfc95
December 7th, 2012
10:31 am
ag- we are doing well so far with no real SF and a lack of a backup C for ZaZa and AL. I think we can rotate deshawn, kyle and josh at SF to get what we need at the 3. As for a legite backup C we had Keith Benson who could give minutes and I think could eventually turn into a larry sanders type, athletic long big man.
As for the Monta trade, If MIL doesnt want a 1st and maybe even a 2nd for Monta when he is going to walk away after this year anyway why not trade him? MIL is 9th in the east currently and they will flutter in that spot, if they trade ellis who is their only shot at winning they can drop down and make the lottery and try to improve their team moving forward, keeping monta for the year on the hope they clinch the 8th spot is very bleek and will not happen, they mine as well trade him and pick up a draft pick or two and try for the future. Thats how I see this trade as a win win for both franchises.
ag
December 7th, 2012
10:33 am
Although Ms Dee did not address me (because I have not been a Horford hater) – hey I am at work and it is slow, so I guess you get me.
Horford does lead the team in scoring and rebounding. The Hawks are 7-1 when he takes 12 or more shots “throw me the damn ball”. He is 3-3 in the other six games. He has taken 192 shots, and made 104.
I MUS WRITE
December 7th, 2012
10:33 am
Ms Dee- While Horford has been playing well- I would still trade him for the right C/PF.I know what his stat line is but theres theres just something there that screams Trade. Idont know if the numbers match but Brook Lopez would work for me.
Peckovich is a goon- eggzactly the type of player we need around here. The guy has sum offensive skills as well.
Horford for Peckovich and D Williams would be sweet we loose a jumpshooting big thats allergic to the post for a good C and an up and coming Sf
All Post Team
Z BO
Gasol
Al Jefferson
LBJ
Bynum
hfc95
December 7th, 2012
10:42 am
Even with GM DF’s amazing off-season and moving all these guys and getting a bunch of expiring contracts, he did a average job of drafting which seems to be a hawks curse that is unbreakable. We have two 1st round picks(probobly) in the 13 draft and WE ALL KNOW those picks will sit on the bench or go to the d-league anyway. I see zero value in draft picks for the hawks. Trade them to get veteran talent that LD will play now.
I think john jenkins was a good safe pick but the mike scott pick blew my mind on how terrible it was. I thought we would gamble on PJ3 and then the second round pick we had a 4 yr starter at kentucky that plays every role and is a true SG/SF that can defend in Darius Miller and we pass him up for another 6′8 tweener PF.
ag
December 7th, 2012
10:47 am
I don’t understand why you would trade Horford. He has done most of his work in the paint this season.
Just Joe
December 7th, 2012
10:58 am
Horford is having a solid year, but he’s not an allstar. He’s putting up 15 & 9 and playing good team defense.
I would trade Horford for additional cap space (Turkoglu’s contract is only guaranteed for $6M next year), and two youngsters that I believe in (Vucevic & Nicholson). If I can get a draft pick (or swap of draft picks) great, but I really believe in these 2 kids.
Vucevic at 22 yrs old is putting up 10 & 9 with 1+ blocks in less than 30 minutes per game. He has to work on his efficiency and cut down on the fouls, but he has the potential to be a solid player.
Nicholson is a scoring machine. He could score 15+ a night as a rookie if you gave him 30+ minutes. As he develops a feel for the NBA game, he’ll eventually make an impact.
If I’m going to build around Josh, then these are two guys that I wouldn’t mind putting around him. Both guys are atheletic and can run the floor. Both guys have exceptional length. And I think both guys will eventually show the ability to knock down a 3 when needed.
Rod from College Park
December 7th, 2012
11:02 am
In case ya dont know who Im talking about, its Rob from CP, Vava74, & Najeh. What do u think about my boy Horford so far after 15 games? Is he still considered ‘trade bait’? Has he given ya enough ‘hustle/banging’ down low yet?? Could he do what Josh did last season when Horford was out all season??
Horford has been very solid this year. He seems to be going back to playing in the paint, which is what has made him better this year. His outside midrange jumper has not been falling like it usually does, so he has adjusted his game and done more work down low, which is something Josh should realize as well. I never disliked Horford, I just got tired of hearing the Josh bashing when Horford is supposed to be the chosen one. He is the high draft pick, he is the all star, he comes from the winning culture. He still does not shoot enough for me, and has a hard time creating his own shot, be he has been very solid. As long as he stops shying away from contact, and starts playing some defense, and protecting the rim he is doing his job. Let’s remember he is the highest paid player on the team now.
Just Joe
December 7th, 2012
11:03 am
You guys need to remember that Pekovic is a free agent at the end of the year. There’s no guarantee that he will sign here long term.
Monta Ellis will likely be too (he has a player option for next year that will probably be turned down). I would not give up a draft pick in a trade for Ellis, when he would probably love to sign here in the offseason anyway.
Rod from College Park
December 7th, 2012
11:09 am
I will also go ahead and make the prediction early for the blog. As constructed, no matter how good they are in the regular season, without a trade that brings in a guy who can create his own shot in the half court, the Hawks will crash and burn again in the playoffs. Playoff basketball is a totally different game, and unless Josh and or Al can develop a consistent post game, no one other than Lou Williams can get his own shot on this team against good defensive teams.
Astro Joe
December 7th, 2012
11:14 am
Just Joe, maybe Nicholson could be a scoring machine. He reminded me of Chris gatlin when I saw him play briefly a few weeks ago. But I wouldn’t call him a scoring machine now. Turkaglu may have one of the worse contracts in the NBA. He and Lamar Odom have had some of the most precipitous drops in productivity in recent NBA history. I sometimes get caught up in these young Euro centers who have made an impact while making very little money. Then I wonder if our Euro center wouldn’t be in a comparable category with Vucevic, Pekovic, Asik and others if given a consistent 30 minutes/game. While not as good as some of those guys, I suspect Zaza wouldn’t be too far off.
I’d trade Horford too, but not for a horrific contract and 2 rotation players. And there is nothing about this season that suggests we should “build around” Josh. Ferry should offer him a very good contract and he should return next year as a cornerstone of the team moving forward. But being a member of the core is a little different than being the focal point. The Hawks don’t yet have a focal point. We should only trade Josh and/or Al if we’re acquiring a focal point (or someone with that type of potential). Especially if that trade removes the cap space to have a discussion with a possible focal point next summer.
MsDee
December 7th, 2012
11:18 am
Wow!! I am so very proud of your response, Rod from CP!! Oh and sorry about naming u Rob instead of Rod in my last post
Just Joe
December 7th, 2012
11:27 am
AJ…Nicholson is putting up nearly 7 points a game on 54% shooting in less than 13 minutes. He’s been on the floor for 20+ minutes just once this year (21 minutes). He responded with 15 pts. His success will hinge on his decision making and whether or not he can improve his rebounding and passing out of the post. Talented 22 yr old.
Slimjr
December 7th, 2012
11:28 am
BUDDY FOR GM!!!!!!!!
We acquire a SF @ 6′8″ with star potential and a back up big for practically nothing?
Buddy you are the MAN!
Make it so Scottie! Aye Captain…
Slimjr
December 7th, 2012
11:35 am
Buddy,
right hand salute for Raymond Felton who basically played with one hand?
His left hand was in pain all night with a bone bruise received the night before against the BobCats..
Last night’s game was a back to back for the Knicks, while Miami rested? OMG!!!!!
No Melo, NO Amare? Are you kidding me?
40 point combined massacre in two wins against Miami is no accident!!!
Miami=Red Alert!
32-10
14-4
MsDee
December 7th, 2012
11:41 am
I MUS WRITE & Astro Joe???
WHAT!!! “still trade Horford”????? Trading Horford right now would be a very insane move and Ferry would lose ALL CREDIBILITY!! Without Horford, the Hawks would truly crash and burn. It was Horford, the other night that was able to hit a crucial jumper in the 4th to keep us ahead while Denver made their run. He didnt hesitate at all, unlike Rod’s opinion of Horford that he gives up open shots. Maybe he does sometimes, but I like how he didnt look for anyone on that possession and drilled the shot.
With the money this team will have next season, I WOULDNT TRADE NEITHER ONE OF OUR KEY GUYS!! Ferry should, of course, make the run for Dwight and CP3, but if neither those guys wants to come, THEN u look to get other quality free agents who are looking to make a name for themselves with a playoff bound Hawks team who are STILL looking for THAT 1 KEY player!! I just wouldnt take a chance THIS season, trading Horford, Josh, nor Teague!
MsDee
December 7th, 2012
11:43 am
Oh and sorry “ag” for leaving u off the list. Najeh, Rod, & vava74 just sticks out more to me when it comes to Horford, the one BIG we have with a top b-ball IQ!!
Astro Joe
December 7th, 2012
11:50 am
Just Joe, I didn’t say that he wasn’t talented. I suggested it may be too early to call him a “scoring machine”. And as you know (because i respect your understanding of the game), what will determine his ability to become a bonfide scoring machine is his ability to score after NBA defenses view his as a threat to winning/losing a game. Until that happens, the jury is still out.
MsDee, sorry, I’d trade any Hawk for the right long-term asset. And please understand, I don’t suggest trading a player because I don’t like him (that is juvenile reasoning). I suggest trading a player because I recognize that he has value across the league and that perceived (high) value could bring back an asset that better fits the team’s long-term goals. We would get more back for Horford than any player (or reasonable combination of players) on the roster.
The Truth
December 7th, 2012
11:58 am
“Devin Harris and his $8.5 mill contract & Willie Greens $1.375 trade exceptionand our 1st rd pick or HOU’s to MIL for Monta Ellis and his $11 mill contract.”
Unless the Hawks are yielding a SF or an upgraded backup C out of a trade why lose a 1st rd pick? Especially since Jenkins game is TBD and developing at this point. Bringing in Monta would put Jenkins in a straight jacket for the next 2 yrs and beyond if LD stays around.
Just Joe
December 7th, 2012
12:04 pm
I’ve stated my opinion before and still stand by it, it will be very difficult to build a championship team around Josh and Al (combined salaries of at least $27M next year). Ferry will have to choose between them at some point, or get very lucky in the draft.
ag
December 7th, 2012
12:09 pm
Rod from CP – I am sure Lou can create his own shot. With the clocking going down, I want the ball in Lou’s hand.
ag
December 7th, 2012
12:13 pm
My bad also, Rob from CP
progeny
December 7th, 2012
12:21 pm
Korver looks like he’s a good dude. found this video of him and his wife. I’m not the most religious person, but the guy has character
http://breakthrough.org/article/165/kyle-korver-endorses-breakthrough-as-funding-priority
Jimmy Crack
December 7th, 2012
12:26 pm
It’s good that Korver’s missing time with the birth of his child happens at the same time as Kyle resting his ailing back. He should be able to practice and get back on the court very soon. Congrats to the Korver family.
darrell starks
December 7th, 2012
12:34 pm
Just Joe, Hawks need keep both player Josh and Horford to continue the succes of this team, both player bring a diverse that nobody have in the nba.
JOSH CAN PLAY BOTH SF AND PF.
HORFORD CAN PLAY BOTH PF AND CENTER
Keep both and add a true center in D12 to this team and Hawks will be and elite team in the NBA.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
December 7th, 2012
12:45 pm
D12 and Kobe by the end of season will be tired of each other, Kobe is 2 demanding and D12 need more space to be comfortable playing his game.
I CAN SEE D12 COMING HOME IN 2013.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
ag
December 7th, 2012
1:11 pm
Looking at the 2013 free agents, the pickings are pretty slim. Hey a lineup with D12 will look really good
Jody
December 7th, 2012
1:13 pm
@Rod from College Park
Actually, Al is not the highest paid player on the team. Josh is.