Face Off: Hawks need to get the point — and it’s Rafer Alston
Rafer Alston is giving the thumbs down to staying in Orlando.
Read Mark Bradley’s view: Say goodbye to Marvin Williams, hello to Caron Butler
There is a point guard who just started for a team that reached the NBA finals — and he’s available. He also comes with a contract considered Atlanta Spirit budget-friendly. Hello?
The Hawks shouldn’t re-sign Mike Bibby. They should trade for Orlando’s Rafer Alston. He requires less of an investment than Bibby and might get them further in the playoffs. Look what he just did for the Magic?
I know. The Hawks finally got good again. The last thing you want to do is blow things up. But this isn’t a razing as much as it’s a needed remodel. (See ajc.com photo gallery.)
There’s a pretty good chance that we’ve seen as far as this Hawks team can go. They survived a seven-game series with Miami in round one. But they were waxed by Cleveland in the second round, and it turned out the Cavaliers weren’t nearly as dominant as everybody believed. Something needs to change.
Bibby, who is about to become a free agent, will not get a contract close to the $15.2 million he made last season. But he still will require a longer and more expensive commitment than Alston (one year left at $5.25 million), who is likely to be traded. The Magic needs the payroll relief so it can re-sign Hedo Turkoglu. The team acquired Alston in February only because they needed to replace the injured Jameer Nelson.
Even Alston suspects a trade might be coming — and he doesn’t seem to have a problem with it. That’s probably Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy made the questionable decision to give the just-rehabbed and rusty Nelson extensive playing time in the finals. “I always think I’m going to be traded,” Alston said (but then he has changed teams five times). “I don’t know. I think [teams] don’t respect my point guard abilities. That’s every team I’ve been on.”
After being traded by Houston, Alston started the rest of the regular season for Orlando and all 23 games in the playoffs. The Magic took out Philadelphia, then Boston and then the expected unstoppable force, Cleveland, in six games. In the key Game 4 win, when the Magic took a 3-1 series lead, Alston contributed 26 points, four assists and two steals. He also scored 20 points in Orlando’s only finals win over Los Angeles.
The Hawks probably have a core. We’re just not really sure what it is. Al Horford is a definite keeper. Josh Smith should be a definite keeper, drama and trade rumors notwithstanding. Joe Johnson will be going into the final year of his contract. But he had another disappointing post-season and this isn’t the time for long-term commitments.
Alston does not possess Bibby’s scoring ability. But he’s a better defender and can penetrate, which is what the Hawks need. And unlike the scenario of re-signing Bibby to a multi-year contract, acquiring Alston affords management flexibility after next season. A trade wouldn’t be difficult because Alston is 32 and expendable. Even then, they have pieces to move, starting with Marvin Williams. (One suggestion: Keep hope alive with Acie Law for one more season.)
Bottom line: If the Hawks really want to see how much this three-man “core” can accomplish, it makes more sense to do it with Alston than Bibby.
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125 comments Add your comment
truth-serum
June 17th, 2009
10:31 pm
Brendan
June 17th, 2009
11:44 am
How about Jeff Schultz and Sund for two Michael Vick jersey? Id pull the trigger on that deal and will gladly throw in Mark “Mo Dumb” Bradley”
RealSquawk
June 17th, 2009
10:46 pm
why is MArvin expendable?
Wabe
June 17th, 2009
11:55 pm
I’ve thought about this idea myself, but he’s not a good fit for the Hawks. The Hawks lack shooters as it is, and Alston would just add to the Hawks shooting woes. On top of that, he doesn’t pose the type of offensive threat the Hawks need out of whoever plays the point gaurd. Alston was a great fit in Orlando because the Magic surrounded him with great offensive talent. Aside from JJ, who on the Hawks poses a offensive threat?
Just take a look back to this past post-season and tell me who was the least respected offensive player on the Magic? We heard throughout the post-season how teams didn’t respect Rafer’s offensive abilities. He was moderately effective when he would attack the basket and put up a few floaters, but aside from that, he was extremely inconsistent creating things for himself – and that’s exactly the kind of PG the Hawks should be pursuing.
In general, Rafer Alston is a great facilitator – but I wouldn’t consider him a stud PG. I would much rather pursue someone like Andre Miller, an underrated veteran who can create his own shot and get others involved.
Bottom Line Schultz, go look at the talent level that was surrounding Alston when he played for the Magic and then look at who he would be working with here in ATL. I would honestly rather keep Bibby > Alston. Even though he’s a liability on the defensive end, Bibby at least adds more consistency shooting the ball.
Wabe
June 17th, 2009
11:57 pm
The Hawks need to upgrade at either PG or SF.
I wouldn’t really consider Alston that big of an upgrade from what we already have…
Najeh Davenpoop
June 18th, 2009
12:39 am
“Why isn’t anyone talking about the Hawks signing Hedo Turkoglu?? ”
Me and mountain_jim mentioned it on Sekou’s blog yesterday. Turkoglu would kill two birds with one stone for the Hawks — he could step in as the starting small forward and make Marvin expendable (maybe as the piece that goes to Orlando in a sign and trade for Turkoglu), and he could fill the offensive niche that Bibby has been filling (handle the ball, initiate offense, play two-man-game with Joe), making Bibby expendable. The Hawks would have a hole at point guard but it wouldn’t be too hard to find someone to fill that spot, since in a scheme where Joe Johnson and Turkoglu are initiating all the offense the point guard’s responsibility would mainly be on the defensive end. The biggest problem, by far, with this is that Turkoglu is probably going to command an eight-figure-per-year salary, and with Joe Johnson becoming a free agent next year it’s asking an awful lot of the DASG to commit a long-term deal to Turkoglu. I’m not sure the team’s finances would allow for such a move.
truth-serum
June 18th, 2009
4:25 am
Big Ray
June 17th, 2009
3:03 pm
YOU HAVE MORE SENSE THAN
Big Ray
June 17th, 2009
7:52 pm
The Truth
June 18th, 2009
10:09 am
Has anyone notice how much better AJ looked since he’s been with the Orlando Magic? I mean, when he played for the Hawks he was completely ineffective and looked very old as a PG. He goes to the Magic and he looked blue chip. Now we are talking about Alston. If he played for the Hawks, Woody would have him looking like garbage. As much as I like Alston, I would hate to see him abused by Woody.
MBZ
June 18th, 2009
10:29 am
Chea
June 17th, 2009
11:41 am
I’m not sure about this one. The reason Acie Law never played is because Woody runs no pick-and-rolls and needs his guards to be great spot-up shooters. Alston is not one, so I don’t see how he’s going to replace Bibby in Woody’s system. Replace Woody, and then we can talk about PGs with suspect jumpshots.
EXACTLY.
Doesn’t everybody see that its the system???? It’s the freaking system. Acie Law should at least have a Jordan Farmar-type role on this team but instead he sits on the bench and loses his confidence. FIRE MIKE WOODSON.
Hoops
June 18th, 2009
12:12 pm
Jeff,
You are correct that the weak spots on the Hawks team is PG and Center. Mark Bradley wants to trade Marvin for Caron. But, that trade still leaves us weak @ PG and Center. Caron might be an upgrade, but it will not get us to the Finals.
I like your plan better, but I think Sessions can be signed for the same or less money than Alston and he is only 23.
This is my plan-Sign Sessions and trade Josh for Barqnani and their #9 pick.(Listen, you might like this) Let Bibby walk. Resign Zaza and Marvin. Sign and trade Flip for Charlie V.
Look @ this line up with Horford @ PF, but staying inside on offense:
PG-Sessions, Acie(there is not a better PG in this draft than Acie)
SG-JJ, Tyreke Evans(#9 pick)-in case we loose JJ next year
SF-Marvin, Mo Evans, #19 pick-Earl Clark, Budinger or D. Brown for when Mo leaves next year
PF-Horford, Charlie V. (Horford plays inside with Barqnani out)
C-Barqnani, Zaza, Morris (Zaza plays inside with Charlie V. out on the second unit)
I would rather have Bosh than Barqnani, but I don’t see that happening! Think this one over! I haven’t seen this plan before.
funkyketchup
June 18th, 2009
12:40 pm
why would orlando, who is in the same division, trade with the Hawks? I do like the idea of saving the money by not resigning Bibby and try to get a center.
Eric
June 18th, 2009
12:46 pm
Rafer Alston will be 33 years old in July Bibby is 2 years younger, and in my opinion better. Skip can be a little sloppy at times, and he’s not the shooter that Bibby is. This would be a dumb move, the draft is loaded with good YOUNG point guards.
Truth-serum
June 18th, 2009
12:59 pm
MBZ
June 18th, 2009
10:29 am
Ill bet you do a lot of copping out in life. The coach did not shoot that brick the player did. The coach did not make that turnover the player did. The coach did not get dunked on the player did. did Jon Koncak ,Rumeal Robinson, Stacy Augmon blame there inability to step up to the pro level on the coach. You remind me of the Mother who takes her soft son to play football or basketball or even boxing and whines when he can make the team or is a bench warmer or is knocked out. She blames the coach because her son and favorite cant make it. Well that coach not only made the playoffs but went to the next level!!
Flip Murray has played for 5 or 6 coaches in the pros and has been cut,traded or let go more than once. He never blames the “Coach” or the “system” he just mans up and raises his game and look at him now!!
Acie Law may one day be a good player but right now hed start on zero,0,none,nil,nada NBA teams. Woody did not shoot that brick for him,make that turnover or get took by his man. I hope Acie has the decency enough to try and step up his game like a FLIP MURRAY and not whine like a
Chea
June 17th, 2009
11:41 am
khandor
June 18th, 2009
4:42 pm
Jeff,
What you said about the Hawks’ need for a PG like Alston vs one like Bibby is, for the most part, inaccurate. The Hawks NEED a PG who can shoot the ball a great deal more than they need one who can penetrate … given the paucity of consistent perimeter shooting from the remainder of Atlanta’s roster.
When NBA Observers make inaccurate judgments it causes me to scratch my head and go, “Hmmm …”
Feel free to drop by for a visit at any time to my blog.
http://khandorssportsblog.com/wordpress
JJ Fan
June 18th, 2009
5:49 pm
Jeff- that was really smooth the way you deflected my comment but the question still remains. Joe Johnson is your best player and option on this team. Josh still has to learn how to play this game that we all love. Do you think he had wide open shots because Cleveland and Miami missed their defensive assignments, if you think that let me help you out they did not miss their assignments the decided to let Josh do his thing (turnover, bad pass, missed shot or something of that nature). You don’t give Joe his props because all he does is play the game without pounding on his chest or acting like he’s never made a shot he is a Professional (PRO), look up the definition. I think you have good insight from a fans point of view I just think when it comes to sports and reporting on it leave that up to Sekou Smith.
JOHN DREW
June 18th, 2009
7:18 pm
IT’S KINDA FUNNY …. WHEN SOMEONE HAS A VERY VALID POINT, OR CALLS ANOTHER BLOGGER AN IDIOT ….. AND HE CAN’T SPELL WORTH A DAMN.
David Smith
June 18th, 2009
7:47 pm
What bothers me the most about Rick Sund’s draft/free agent signings is that he takes too many risks on project players. I wish people would stop hating on Josh Smith and the limitations of his game (He may make his share of mistakes but, at least he will rebound and play solid defense) because this kid is still very young and, has time to become one of the best two-way players in the NBA. If anyone deserves your scorn it should be Joe Johnson (yes I said it!) because Joe has the ability to become a great scorer but, disappears at times during games (the playoffs were a prime example). Sund should package three of our lesser players expiring contracts to either use our draft pick to move up into the top ten or make a deal for a young post player (or guard) and use our pick to draft a point guard (Lawson or Maynor are my choices).
Coaching Change
June 18th, 2009
9:04 pm
Alston, Bibby, what difference does it make as long as Woodson is the coach? He is the worst coach in the league, hands down, and the sad fact of the matter is that none of you people will face up to it. That includes you Schultz. He took the second most talented team in the East and coached them to a whopping 47 wins…IN THE EAST. With Woodson at the helm, this team would’ve won 35 games in the Western Conference. Think about that. Look at how badly Woodson got out coached in the playoffs. It was down right embarrassing. At some point someone in ownership needs to grow some huevos and kick Woodson’s arse to the curb. Until that’s done, this team will languish, regardless of who is at point guard, or forward or center for that matter. It’s a recipe for disaster when a team puts political correctness above sound decision making and winning. You people are going to get exactly what you deserve next year….another mediocre season, and early playoff exit. Nice job, Hawks.
Big Ray
June 19th, 2009
3:05 pm
Truth Serum,
Gee, I wonder why you would say that. Oh, probably because you’re the clown that posts as me (or just a similar type of person, doesn’t matter which). Too bad you can’t live up to your own surname. Your posts might be worth something then….
Jeff,
It’s not that I think Alston is a head case. But I don’t see him getting along with Woody so well. Veterans who know what they’re doing don’t seem to think too much of him. Well, JJ does, but we all know why. Two key examples are Anthony Johnson and Mike Bibby. Johnson actually walked out on Woody, and practice, once. Say what you want about Josh and his dust-ups with Woody, but he never once walked out. And then there’s Bibby. He talks back to Woody all the time, including the infamous incident where he put things in perspective: Woody got lippy about Bibby passing the ball to Josh for a perimeter shot, and Josh taking it. Bibby said, (and I paraphrase), “Hey, you run the play that way. He was open. I passed the ball. What was I supposed to do? If you don’t want him taking that shot, then you move him from that spot in the play. You do it.”
Case closed. If Alston can “get into it” with Van Gundy, imagine him and Woodson. That’s all I’m saying. That, and Alston is more of a “get it to the other guys” kinda point guard than Bibby is. Will that work for Woody?
I only say this because Woody may not have been extended, but he’s the coach until they fire him. Gotta make the best of the way things are.
And again, Alston is 32 (as in, older than Bibby), and we’re not a title contender by any stretch of even the most koolaid-permeated imaginations. Will Alston come to a team that’s not ready to contend for anything other than a second round playoff series?
Wabe
June 19th, 2009
3:26 pm
I don’t mean any disrespect by this, but honestly, Mr. Schultz, I honestly think you have NO CLUE what you’re talking about when it comes to the Hawks…
I’m not saying my ideas are any better, and I’m not saying I’m a basketball guru/genius, but this idea you’re selling is a TERRIBLE solution to our PG woes. One, we need to get younger. Two, we need a PG who can play within Woody’s system. Three, you guys have been bashing the Hawks shooting abilities all season and now you wanna replace one of our better shooters – who is also 2 years younger – for an inconsistent shooter…
Wabe
June 19th, 2009
3:42 pm
If you wanna bring in another veteran PG to replace Bibby with, ANDRE MILLER. That’s honestly the only veteran PG that I think most would be satisfied with…
He can create his own shot, he’s bigger than Bibby so he can cause matchup problems for smaller gaurds, and he’s a decent mid-range shooter.
I wouldn’t consider Alston an UPGRADE over Bibby.
But Miller could be…
truth serum
June 19th, 2009
9:39 pm
i sure sound like samuel does
rusty
June 19th, 2009
10:24 pm
jj is a ball hog. why is he doubled & trippled teamed? it is because he slowly dribbles into the paint & then often turns the ball over or passes it outside with 3 seconds on the clock. great players go quickly to the hole or passes quickly to open men under the basket. the
reason we have no ball movement is that jj always is dribbling the clock away. barkley & walton has said this, the hawks have a flawed offence.
Chico27
June 20th, 2009
2:51 am
I’ve been a big Hawks fan for a while now. i’m not a season ticket holder, but have spent big money attending game after game for the past few seasons. If Atlanta lets Bibby go for Alston, i will not only stop going to the games but will no longer be a Hawks fan. Making Jeff’s suggested trade would only mean that the Hawks, as an organization, are satisfied with a mediocre team that might barely make it to the playoffs. Obviously Bibby is not worth $15 mil to the Hawks or any other team. Due to the economic situation, and the demand that there is going to be out there for him, he will definitely be forced to take a major pay cut next season. I say if the team can keep him for $10 mil or less, they should commit to him for 3 more seasons. Bibby has proven to be valuable to the team and this is not the time to gamble with a trade like this since we all know Alston is not know for his consistency (Hence the fact that he has played for 6 different teams in 9 seasons). I would love to see Bibby along with Flip, and Marvin stay for next season. Keep the core group and bring in a big man like Glen Davis, Wallace, Bosh, or Stoudemire….
Sund & Bradley Seperated @ Birth (NOT A COMPLIMENT) LOL
June 20th, 2009
4:51 pm
WOW I COULDNT HAVE SAID IT BETTER. THIS ARTICLE GETS 5 STARS FROM ME!! ONLY THING IS IS THAT AL HORFORD ISNT GOING ANYWHERE. HORFORD IS A FAN FAVORITE AND IS PRAISED BY THE BUSINESS OFFICE!! ACIE DESERVE HIS CHANCE TO PROVE TO ALL THE DOUBTERS AND MIKE WOODSON THAT HE WILL AND CAN DOMINATE AS A POINT GAURD IN THE NBA! RAFER ALSTON SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT AND PRACTICAL IDEA BUT AS YOU SAID THIS IS THE BEST AS OUR ATLANTA HAWKS WILL GET WITHOUT ANY CHANGES. IM NOT SURE IF RAFER ALSTON IS A LEADER BUT ALLEN IVERSON IS A PROVEN LEADER PLAYER AND LED THE 76ERS TO THE FINALS. ONE MIGHT QUESTION A.I BC OF HIS PLAYING TIME WITH DENVER BUT IT WAS A DIFFICULT POSITION PLAYING WITH CARMELLO (ANOTHER BALL DEMANDER)..THE MOVE TO DETROIT PISTONS SHOULDVE NEVER HAPPENED IN THE FIRST PLACE. ALL AND ALL HE IS AVAILABLE AND WITH THAT BEING SAID THE HAWKS WOULDNTHAVE TO GIVE UP ANY OF THE PLAYERS. AND WITH THE 19TH PICK THEY CAN JUST FOCUS ON A CENTER THAT THEY CAN BUILD WITH FOR THE FUTURE AHEM..B.J MULLENS/DEJUAN BLAIR?
09-10 SEASON STARTING 5:IVERSON,JOHNSON,WILLIAMS,SMITH,HORFORD
09-2010 BENCH:LAW,EVANS,MURRAY,PACHULIA,BLAIR (FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICK)
RESERVES:JONES,WEST,HUNTER,GARDNER
ALLEN IVERSON/ACIE LAW OR RAFER ALSTON/ACIE LAW
P.S THE TEAM NEEDS RENOVATION NOT TOTAL DESTRUCTION…2010 EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS!! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HAWKS!!!
Suicide lines: Grizzlies ‘threaten’ to take Rubio, Rondo rumors … | Hot NBA Videos.com
June 20th, 2009
8:23 pm
[...] Jeff Schultz, AJC: "There is a point guard who just started for a team that reached the NBA finals — and he’s available. He also comes with a contract considered Atlanta Spirit budget-friendly. Hello? The Hawks shouldn’t re-sign Mike Bibby. They should trade for Orlando’s Rafer Alston. He requires less of an investment than Bibby and might get them further in the playoffs. Look what he just did for the Magic? … Alston does not possess Bibby’s scoring ability. But he’s a better defender and can penetrate, which is what the Hawks need. And unlike the scenario of re-signing Bibby to a multi-year contract, acquiring Alston affords management flexibility after next season. A trade wouldn’t be difficult because Alston is 32 and expendable. Even then, they have pieces to move, starting with Marvin Williams." [...]