Going after Ilgauskas would be right move for Hawks
The 7-foot-3 Zydrunas Ilgauskas would give the Hawks a needed presence in the paint in the playoffs. (AP photo)
We can speculate at length about how Josh Smith and Al Horford are young and Joe Johnson will re-sign after this season and the Hawks likely will be a playoff team for sometime.
But really, we don’t know. Teams sometimes have a limited window to win. That’s why the Hawks are going after former Cleveland center Zydrunas Ilgauskas now. Smart move.
According to our Michael Cunningham, the Washington Wizards, who acquired Ilgauskas from Cleveland Wednesday as part of the six-player, three-team trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, are likely to buy out the remainder of the 7-foot-3 center’s contract. (They’re rebuilding and only were interested in his expiring contract.) That would allow Ilgauskas to sign as a free agent with any team, and at least four teams appear to be in the mix: Cleveland (which wants him back and would have to be considered the favorite), the Hawks, Dallas and possibly Denver.
Ilgauskas would need to be released before March 1 to be eligible for the playoffs.
Ilgauskas was a career NBA starter until this season, when the Cavaliers got a guy named Shaquille O’Neal. But he’s averaging just under 14 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in his career, and he has played in 64 playoff games and two All-Star Games.
Even if Ilgauskas didn’t start for the Hawks, the move would allow them to bring him off the bench in the postseason and shift Al Horford to power forward and Josh Smith to small forward (with Marvin Williams going to the bench), giving them a potent front line. The Cavaliers beefed up for the playoffs Wednesday when it acquired Antawn Jamison from the Wizards.
The Cavaliers and Orlando are clearly the two best teams in the Eastern Conference. But acquiring Ilgauskas would at least strengthen the Hawks’ post-season chances for a second-round upset.
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128 comments Add your comment
Gilley
February 18th, 2010
3:35 pm
1st. Not going to happen but wishful thinking
Mountain Man
February 18th, 2010
3:40 pm
Jay-uff, maybe ewe kin straighten this out fer me. Washington traded fer this here feller. Now, they’s a-gonna pay him a bunch o’ money ta go back and play fer Cleveland? Thet don’t make no sense.
ChippersLoveChild
February 18th, 2010
3:41 pm
Why sign with Atlanta only to be eliminated by Cleveland, when you can re-sign with the Cavs and win a ring? I’d say he will pass, especially since that is the only city he has ever known in the NBA and I’m sure has a home there, etc.
Why get Ilgauskas? I vote that the Hawks just go out and sign Arvydas Sabonis, I’m sure he has something left in the tank.
Tale of Woe
February 18th, 2010
3:47 pm
The Hawks don’t strike me as a very strategic team (or one with any more money to spend). No way do we go after the Big Z. He will resign with Cleveland.
Fed Up With Wren (Again)
February 18th, 2010
3:47 pm
Hey, Jeff, can Cleveland really re-sign Z and have him for the playoffs? I think they would have to wait 30 days since they just traded him, right?
Give the man some credit
February 18th, 2010
3:55 pm
SIXTH!
Quick hits: With Jamison to Cavs, do Hawks need upgrade? | Jeff Schultz
February 18th, 2010
3:58 pm
[...] Cleveland center Zydrunas Ilgauskas if he is released by the Washington Wizards, which is expected. Here’s why it’s a good move.) This is Michelle Damon. And that's all I have to [...]
Truth-Serum
February 18th, 2010
4:01 pm
Jeff I hope this isnt some political posturing from Sund to keep the Hawks fan base appeased. With us thinking that we… he tried, when he actually doesn’t intend to make it happen. Its like you said earlier. You can always make a deal if you want to . I agree 100%
Good reporting, keep us posted Jeff. I feel better already.
Jeff Schultz
February 18th, 2010
4:04 pm
Mountain Man — Because Wizards don’t care about Ilgauskas. They’re rebuilding and just wanted the expiring contract. They’d rather buy him out for less, and I’m sure he doesn’t want to play in D.C., either.
Jeff Schultz
February 18th, 2010
4:04 pm
ChippersLoveChild — A very good question.
Truth-Serum
February 18th, 2010
4:04 pm
Al would be a better small forward than Josh, Josh is a true power forward and one of the best in the game. We could trade Horford and increase our bench strength.
Jeff Schultz
February 18th, 2010
4:04 pm
Fed Up With Wren — Not aware of a 30-day rule.
Mountain Man
February 18th, 2010
4:05 pm
Thankee Jay-uff. You’re a goodun, no matter what JSS sez.
Jeff Schultz
February 18th, 2010
4:05 pm
Truth Serum — I think Hawks/Woodson really want him. Whether they get him is another matter. I’d think Cavs would be favorite.
Schultz Do Your Homework
February 18th, 2010
4:06 pm
0% chance Ilgauskas ends up in ATL. Actually -0%. He is re-signing in CLE. He is a good friend of Cavs GM Danny Ferry. Ferry would not trade him with out knowing that Z would be coming back. Plus he has no reason to leave. This has been very carefully orchestrated for months. There is no “mix” of teams. These teams might be delusional, like you, but I assure you its not happening.
Truth-Serum
February 18th, 2010
4:06 pm
Are you agreeing that we cant win a title with Ilgauskas, Schultz?
Truth-Serum
February 18th, 2010
4:11 pm
Hummm, good insight but going back to your previous statement, deals can be made. How much time would he get with Cleveland? Even less now. What would his role be with Jamison and Shaq on the front line? Hed get much more burn here and hed be right in the hunt for the title too. Besides, how much more money can Cleveland spend to keep him happy? I actually think we could make a very good presentation.
BRUCE LEVINSON
February 18th, 2010
4:13 pm
Where the heck have you been?
BRUCE LEVINSON
February 18th, 2010
4:15 pm
Got to get you some ZA ZA Pa trool lee e ah.
Truth-Serum
February 18th, 2010
4:17 pm
* Nate Robinson
* #2
* Guard
E-mail photo | Buy photos
2009-10 Statistics
PPG
13.2
RPG
2.40
APG
3.7
EFF
+ 12.13
Born: May 31, 1984
Height: 5-9 / 1.75
Weight: 180 lbs. / 81.6 kg.
College: Washington
Years Pro: 4
How did this guy get 100 points at the rim against us?
3DawgKnight
February 18th, 2010
4:19 pm
Do the Hawks have a realistic chance of signing ZI and what about that 30 day rule?
Schultz Do Your Homework
February 18th, 2010
4:31 pm
The Hawks do not have a realistic chance of signing Z. And Z needs to sit out 30 days before returning to CLE.
todd grantham
February 18th, 2010
4:31 pm
Jeffrey, welcome back!
Jeff Schultz
February 18th, 2010
4:34 pm
Schultz Do Your Homework: I think 0 percent would be overstating things just a tad.
For others asking about the 30-day rule, here’s my understanding of it after talking to Michael Cunningham: Ilgauskas is eligible for the playoffs as long as he is released by the Wizards by March 1. The Cavaliers would have to wait 30 days to re-sign him from the time he is released. But he would still be eligible for the playoffs. (Example: He’s released on Feb. 28. He is re-signed by Cavs on March 28.) Obviously, no other team would have to wait the 30 days. If we get further clarification of this later, I’ll pass it along.
Jeff Schultz
February 18th, 2010
4:35 pm
Truth-Serum — I’m not sure if a title is realistic with or without him. Cavs and Magic still better in the East. But with him improves the Hawks chances.
Jeff Schultz
February 18th, 2010
4:35 pm
3DawgKnight: (I like the name.) Realistic? Chances still favor Cavs. 30-day rule answered above.
The Dogfighter Returns
February 18th, 2010
4:36 pm
Dude, what r u talkin about willis?
z is old and slow. the team is fine. just need to reduce turnovers, maximize their posessions and seize the moment.
the time is now hawks.
Art Vandelay
February 18th, 2010
4:36 pm
Ilgauskas’ agent, Herb Rudoy:
“I’m going to try to get them to do a buyout, but I’ve already heard from a few teams — good teams — that are really interested in wanting to talk about Z going to play for them,” Rudoy told the paper. “I don’t know exactly what’s going to happen. I think his heart is in Cleveland, that’s for sure. But we’ll see how this plays out. He’s got 30 days to make a decision if it’s Cleveland. If it’s somebody else, he could make it in a week. His whole decision will be based on what’s best for his career. He’d like to win a championship, that’s for sure. But it’s his call, not mine. I’m just going to give him all the options.”
So, if Z wants a little vacation to rest up for the playoffs, he’s got 30 days to backpack through Europe if he wants to go back to Cleveland. Otherwise, he could be signed by any other team moments after his release from the Wizzers.
Jeff Schultz
February 18th, 2010
4:37 pm
Todd Grantham — Thanks.
Art Vandelay
February 18th, 2010
4:37 pm
Ugh. I hate answering a question and feeling useful, only to find that it’s been answered seven times in the three minutes I took to create my post. Devastating.
Jeff Schultz
February 18th, 2010
4:38 pm
Dogfighter: So you don’t think having a 7-3 guy coming off the bench helps a team?
Jeff Schultz
February 18th, 2010
4:39 pm
Art Vandelay — Yes, but you do all of those things that don’t show up in the boxscore.
todd grantham
February 18th, 2010
4:39 pm
I think the Hawks’ bench is their achillies heel. anybody would probably help.
Tucker T
February 18th, 2010
4:41 pm
It seems pretty shady that a team can trade a player to another team for a player in return and then turn around and get that same player back. Doesn’t seem fair to me.
Ted Striker
February 18th, 2010
4:41 pm
Jeff — Your explanation on the 30-day rule wasn’t that confusing but I had a 7 martini lunch and couldn’t finish the sentence. I will complete the reading assignment after I re-proofread the S.I. Swimsuit Edition for the 77th time.
Art Vandelay
February 18th, 2010
4:47 pm
Tucker T — the NBA was built on a foundation of shady. Doesn’t seem fair that one player can get to the free throw line more than the entire opposing team, but that happens on a regular basis too. “Fair” has no place in professional sports, unfortunately. For additional reference, see: Yankees, New York.
Steve Holman
February 18th, 2010
4:48 pm
but i cant pronounce the guy’s name!
The Dogfighter Returns
February 18th, 2010
4:54 pm
the hawks are fine. barring injury and a brain fart by the coach they should have a cucessful season.
the guy is a guard in a big man’s body. his best days are behind him.
sign him so that he can talk to pachulia.
they can both exchange stories about communism in the old country.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
February 18th, 2010
4:56 pm
never going to happen because it would help so there you go .
Eddie
February 18th, 2010
4:57 pm
This would be great if the hawks did get Z. We have been missing a true center for a long time. Just think if Al H. was playing Power Forward his true position the potential would be great. Especially if he made the all star game at Center he could be the best power forward in the game. Point Blank! I would even start Z and have Smoove coming off the bench. We would definitely be one of the deepest teams in the league.
Mountain Man
February 18th, 2010
4:58 pm
How you say thet feller’s name anyhow?
tyger
February 18th, 2010
5:07 pm
Yeah right!
Astro Joe
February 18th, 2010
5:22 pm
Assuming that Z returns to the place that has provided him with a commercial puppet, will the AJC challenge Rick Sund to consider other viable options to help this team? Instead of focusing on a specific name, how about focusing on the missing skill sets that can be addressed by other players less rooted in a contending team.
Astro Joe
February 18th, 2010
5:26 pm
There will be other “bought out” players who can help this team (and guys who may not be tied to the leading contender for a championship). But first, Sund and the ASG need to agree to add a 14th player to the roster. What are you all doing to challenge Sund to think beyond the current 13-man roster (and Z as a distant, distant, distant long shot)?
Asheville Dawg
February 18th, 2010
5:26 pm
Always go after 7 foot three inch guys. Also go after guys with names like you mentioned just to see how many ways there are to pronounce it! Name me the last good/great center on the Hawks? Walt Bellamy?
Barrington
February 18th, 2010
5:29 pm
The Hawks could definitely use Ilgauskus but I’m not sure why Sund isn’t making a move for anyone. The Hawks are a good team, however, they desperately need some help in the front court, especially at center. I think Sund’s hands are tied as he must try to resign Joe. If he could do it over again, he probably wouldn’t have resigned Bibby and/or Marvin, both have regressed this year. Additionally, fire Woodson!
matt r
February 18th, 2010
5:29 pm
Not sure how he fits in considering we just made commitments to Marvin and Zaza
Steve Holman
February 18th, 2010
5:30 pm
do you pronounce his name like julio iglasius?
Jeff Schultz
February 18th, 2010
5:38 pm
Ted Striker — You need to do well on this 30-day Rule Test. You’re pulling a 68 in the class right now.
RA
February 18th, 2010
5:39 pm
So, Chipperslovechild. Which one were you again? Nevermind, maybe the Hawks losing to Cleveland isn’t a forgone conclusion. Maybe if they get a guy like Ilguaskas, they could move Al over to power foward, Smoove over to the Small, and put all 7′3 of him in the starting lineup as the center. Would it be enough to be Cleveland, I don’t know, but it would definately give them something to think about.
Jeff Schultz
February 18th, 2010
5:39 pm
Holman — Just call him Iggy. Or Ilgy?
Jeff Schultz
February 18th, 2010
5:41 pm
Dogfighter — Just what we need: a Lithauania vs. Georgia debate between Ilgauskas and Pachulia.
Jeff Schultz
February 18th, 2010
5:42 pm
Astro Joe — It’s my understanding the 14th player thing has been approved if they can get Ilgauskas.
BRUCE LEVINSON
February 18th, 2010
5:47 pm
I wish “Falcons Sorry” would interject a Mike Vick comment into this boring blog.
todd grantham
February 18th, 2010
5:48 pm
Jeff, does basketball still have the 10 day contracts for players?
scott
February 18th, 2010
5:48 pm
Barrington they arent making moves because they have no money to pay anyone. we need a big body like his to go anywhere in the playoffs
Barrington
February 18th, 2010
5:50 pm
@Tucker T,
I agree with you. If Z signs back with the Cavs, it would be shady. Plus,if I was him, I wouldn’t go back. First, you bring in Shaq to take my job and next, you trade me? It would be great if Z could sign with us and laugh at the Cavs if we beat them in the playoffs. I’m dreaming!
Rufus1
February 18th, 2010
5:51 pm
The Difference
The Hawks would be better if we got Z. We Are closer to those teams most people want to admit. The Magic are the only team we have been unable to compete with this season. He would provide depth, Size, rebounding and a low post presence. He would receive the most playing time with the Hawks and would provide the most impact with the Hawks. He has to determine if he wants to ride the pine to a championship or be the guy that puts a team over the top
AtlSouthside
February 18th, 2010
5:55 pm
WE NEED A 7FT CENTER!!!! What’s taking so long for mgt to “pull the trigger”?
Barrington
February 18th, 2010
5:57 pm
Scott, you are right. He would have to be released then signed as free agent. Marvin Williams and Bibby should pay back a portion of this year’s salary to sign Z and bring him & Crawford off the bench!
"Chef" Tim Dix
February 18th, 2010
6:01 pm
Hawks better off signing Schultzy to a 10 day contract. Interested?
Stone
February 18th, 2010
6:18 pm
I would love to see him come to ATL…he has a much better jump shot thans Josh Smith
Jeff Schultz
February 18th, 2010
6:29 pm
Todd Grantham — Yep. I think I need to come up with my list of 10 coolest things in pro sports. That’s one of them.
TheAntiMe
February 18th, 2010
6:30 pm
I would like to see it but it looks like a no go. Inside sources say that Ilgauskus absolutely refuses to play for a coach who has no eyebrows. You have to admire a player with such strong principles.
Jeff Schultz
February 18th, 2010
6:30 pm
“Chef” — Clear the lane. I got me some elbows.
Jeff Schultz
February 18th, 2010
6:31 pm
The AntiMe — You made me laugh out loud with that one.
kjb
February 18th, 2010
6:35 pm
Do we have a chance at a bigtime free agent other than j.j.?
mario scandrett
February 18th, 2010
6:47 pm
hell yeah bring big Z in…this makes us a major competitor for the championship….
byDawg
February 18th, 2010
6:57 pm
Do folks really think ZI would come off the bench if he signed here? I think our starters 1-5 would be Josh and Al, ZI, Joe and Mike – with a stronger bench by adding Marvin to it. Marvin is expendable iyam for future needs.
nique
February 18th, 2010
7:04 pm
how would salaries work if z re-signed with the cavs? how much could they possibly sign him for? how much could we sign him for?
mrHonline
February 18th, 2010
7:09 pm
Jeff,
The Hawks can offer up to $3M more than the Cavs to nab Ilgauskas. Any chance the Spirit would be willing to commit up to $4.5M to get him?
bigjase
February 18th, 2010
7:14 pm
lets go get Z!!!!!!!!!!!
Jeff Schultz
February 18th, 2010
7:23 pm
KJB — You mean like LeBron or Bosh or Wade?
cavsin2010
February 18th, 2010
7:23 pm
You can all forget your silly dreams of a championship or Z. He’ll be wearing a ring with the Cavs at the end of the year when the your precious Hawks have been home for weeks. Just lay back and watch the 2010 Champs do their thing.
Jeff Schultz
February 18th, 2010
7:25 pm
MrHonLine – I’m sure they’ve approved going after him but don’t know how high they’ve authorized.
Jeff Schultz
February 18th, 2010
7:26 pm
Cavsin2010 — I was waiting for them to do their thing last year and they got smacked by Orlando. But maybe this year will be different.
Neda
February 18th, 2010
7:29 pm
“Zydrunas Ilgauskas.” Say that three times fast!
Announcers will be getting terminally tongue-tied.
Stirg d'Nahsif
February 18th, 2010
7:46 pm
Earlier this year, I suggested that we go after Joakim Noah (start Bibby, JJ, Josh, Horford & Noah). With Iggy signing, the effect would still be the same (Bibby, JJ, Smoove, Horford & Iggy). The beauty of that lineup is the bench (Teague, Crossover Crawford, Williams, Smith & ZaZa).
athdog
February 18th, 2010
7:48 pm
The Hawks would most definitely be a better team with Z in the post, then Al and Smoove at three and four (interchangeable, really) JJ at two and Bibby at point. Even better with Chris Paul or Deron Williams at point, but that’s another story…Marvin didn’t start in college, and I don’t really think he’s going to be any more than he is now. It’d be great if they could move him and end up with a big man…
cavsin2010
February 18th, 2010
7:49 pm
Jeff Schultz-
Great point…but if we’re dragging last year into this, why would Z come to a team who he helped sweep out of the playoffs in 08-09 then beat twice this year already? Not such a great way to wind the ol’ career down, don’t you think?
Hawkman
February 18th, 2010
8:03 pm
Any chance we do a sign and trade with JJ in the off season? Hawks aren’t built to win a Championship as currently constructed.
Willie Coyote
February 18th, 2010
8:13 pm
I’d prefer Troy Murphy. Alas, he isn’t available.
Gravy Train
February 18th, 2010
8:21 pm
Doesn’t matter where Z goes or who the Cavs get, there’s only one ball and you know who will shoot it the most.
Phil and Kobe are still in L.A.
The Mamba is the best thing going in the NBA
The difference between Kobe and Lebron is best illustrated at the charity stripe and beyond.
Hawkdafied Chick
February 18th, 2010
8:22 pm
Nope!
Hawkman
February 18th, 2010
8:28 pm
No championship in these Hawks future…sad to say!
Commissioner Stern
February 18th, 2010
8:46 pm
NBA Rules Explained:
1. The 30 Day Rule is designed so that the league can stack certain teams for the playoffs. Research shows that TV ratings are higher when star players, like Lebron, participate in multiple rounds of the playoffs and finals. The team concept is nice for high school and college basketball, but in the NBA it’s all about creating TV stars. To insure that our star players aren’t left sitting at home during the playoffs, we want to make sure teams like Cleveland aren’t burdened by things like the salary cap and other roster rules. The 30 Day Rule gives our most favored teams the chance to add additional star players and test drive them for a month without actually giving up one of their existing players.
2. The Two Basketball Rule – In the event that one team is able to add enough star players that it becomes difficult for all of those players to take their customary number of shots, that team may elect to play with two basketballs while on offense. The favored team will be considered to be on offense until the defending team is able to take posession of both basketballs, and all points scored by the favored team while in posession of either basketball will count. The defending team may not score points until it has taken posession of both basketballs, at which point they must discard one of the basketballs before transitioning to offense.
3. Transition Period – The 30 Day Rule and The Two Basketball Rule are designed to work together. The 30 Day Rule gives teams a period of time to determine if the Two Basketball Rule will be necessary. Cleveland is now in the Transition Period. At the end of the Transation Period the Cavs must decide if they want to add more players, more basketballs, or both.
Frank Wren
February 18th, 2010
9:03 pm
Good stuff
kjb
February 18th, 2010
10:06 pm
Yes Jeff, I mean players like that (LeBron DWade CBosh & so on) this summer…for me the Hawks need a decent center & a real point guard, so Al can play the 4 & Jsmooth play the 3 then if we can’t pick up JJ this summer, sign or try to trade for someone similar. I’ll package MBibby, MWilliams, JTeague for someone we need & go get another scorer coming off the bench with Jamal,then on draft day get what we really need when it’s our time to pick & I really believe if the Hawks do these things this summer they would make some serious noise next year!!! Build the team around Al & Josh & I seriously see some champions in the future!!! What you think about that Jeff S.?
blonju
February 18th, 2010
10:27 pm
Big Z would definitely help us but i would keep the lineup exactly how it is… it’s amazing to me how negative most hawks fans are… this team is built more effeciently than larry brown’s DET team that won in 2004 – only thing is, our competition is much tougher in 2010… still, this is not to say the hawks don’t have a chance… it sounds like there are a bunch of cavs fans on this blog… denver is about to beat cleveland tonite… the hawks have beaten the same denver team by 25 this season… anything can happen in the NBA despite the constant political shadiness that david stern loves to perpetuate (and then deny publicly)… Big Z is not a difference maker, but he’d be a GIANT help down low for postseason purposes… Remember HAWKS FANS, we have 6 guys who can go for 20 on any given night… the CAVS have 3… let’s not give them the title just yet…
kjb
February 18th, 2010
10:31 pm
Also Jeff ,how do you think this summer will go for the hawks?, just your opinion.
Seldin
February 18th, 2010
11:45 pm
getttttt zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Jon Koncak
February 18th, 2010
11:55 pm
7′-3″ would definetley help in the middle. Al would be a MONSTER at PF. We should make a VERY strong push.He would get more money, more playing time and MUCH better city. I would put as much on the table as possible. Remind him they just brought Shaq in to take his position AND just traded him.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brooking's Dad
February 19th, 2010
3:17 am
Enter your comments here
Keith Brooking's Dad
February 19th, 2010
3:19 am
Truth-Serum
February 18th, 2010
4:04 pm
Al would be a better small forward than Josh, Josh is a true power forward and one of the best in the game. We could trade Horford and increase our bench strength.
ABSOLUTELY THE DUMBEST THING I’VE EVER HEARD, EVEN FROM THIS IDIOT.
Keith Brooking's Dad
February 19th, 2010
3:20 am
Schultz Do Your Homework = niremetal
Truth-Serum
February 19th, 2010
5:40 am
Keith Brooking’s Dad, Flattery wont get you any where with me…. Im try to win. I know you like losing and are a loser, hence you hide with a false moniker. Clearly Josh is a better power forward than Al, and which means if one of them has to move to SF, I think that would better suit Al than Josh, but rather than stock pile power forwards lets see what we can get on the open market for the #18 shot blocking center in the NBA. I’ll bet his value is high right now so let take advantage of it and build a championship team.
Let me encourage you to get a grip on yourself emotionally. If you need help, seek it. It not normal to call rational people idiots.
Have a nice day and good luck to you.
Truth-Serum
February 19th, 2010
5:40 am
*trying
Truth-Serum
February 19th, 2010
5:45 am
*its
iReapATL
February 19th, 2010
6:04 am
al at pf?……….looooool…..sorry but you cant be serious, while smoove may be a pf NOW, but hoford is A TRUE pf. the best thing would be for smoove to move down to sf. i laugh imagining horford matched up with the lebrons, grangers,, melos, and durants of the league. Jsmoove woould def be much more effective than marvin @sf, well atleast for now cause marvin barley hits his shots anyway, he wants to drive with his uncordinated footwork and dribbles to get called for a charge or turnover. and the way smoove has been shooting the 15-17 footer recently, i for sure wouldnt mind a shift if we can sign a center.
Marcus
February 19th, 2010
6:09 am
hmmm……….not real sure of Cavs depth chart, but if they have a chance at composing a team w/Jamison at the 4, Shaq at the 5 as starters and bring Big Z and Varejo (sp?) off the bench . not to mention a scrub named Lebron at the 3 … eek!
No way Big Z rolls to the land of peach cobbler and Varsity chili dogs.
Don’t wanna crown dey azzes yet, but I see a blacksmith hammering out some gold headgear in their future.
Andy
February 19th, 2010
8:20 am
Someone posted “why should the Hawks go after Ilgauskas, instead they should just sign Arvydas Sabonis” and someone else posted that was a good thought. The comments seemed serious. Sabonis is 46 years old. If the Hawks sign Sabonis, perhaps they can also sign Magic Johnson to get him the ball in the post.
Hoops
February 19th, 2010
8:37 am
In my opinion, the Hawks would be very wise to do whatever they can to sign Z. Why not offer him a two year deal? He has an outside shot. That pulls Shaq, KG, and DH out away from the basket. This would in turn allow Horford and Josh to work inside against the other teams power forwards and not have to deal with the bigger centers. This is a great opportunity to get a quality BIG that can produce for the next two years. Wouldn’t Z love giving it back to Cleveland??? I would sale that hard along with the fact that he could make the Hawks a real threat!!!
2 year deal for Z. Sign him up!!!
All I'm Saying Is...
February 19th, 2010
9:11 am
I agree with you Schultz that the Hawks should definitely talk to Z’s agent and make a run at him. I’d love to see him play alongside Horford (and wouldn’t it be funny to see Woody try the ‘Sequoia’ defense of Z, Jason Collins, Horford, Josh Smith, with JJ at point!)
Unfortunately, I don’t see Z wanting to leave the Cavs. He knows that what they did was a business move and won’t take it personally. He likes being on that team and they’ll take him back. More likely he’ll chill for 30 days, rest his old bones, enjoy time with his family, and then re-sign so he doesn’t have to disrupt his personal life or figure out how to fit in with another team and coach.
LET’S GO HAWKS!
HGN
February 19th, 2010
10:25 am
Ilgauskas would help the Hawks immediately…And give us the needed size in the middle that we lack. I hope the Hawks go after him hard. He could be the difference maker and presence in the middle we so desperately need.
We can get away with playing a power forward in center during the regular season , and maybe during the first round in the Playoffs. But once we reach the second round we better have some size and presence in the middle to match the anticipated opponents ( Dwight Howard; Shaq ; Perkins/Garnett) if we want to move on. Z would give us that.
Now , do The Hawks stand a chance to get him, probably not. I think he will sit out a month and then return to The Cavaliers. But I hope The Hawks make a very serious run at him just in case he is open to a change in scenery.
MsDee
February 19th, 2010
10:34 am
Realistically, I think the Hawks need to just stay put with what we have and concentrate on the off season to resigning Joe at a decent price and getting the nessecary free agent big men that will be available. The Cavs or Lakers has this year on lock no matter who we bring in to join the team. So why waste time and money if its just going to be irrelevent?
JSS
February 19th, 2010
11:10 am
It’s 5:00 in the morning, I’m tired, mad and in no mood for garbage! Will this director please get these last 5 shots so we can go home!
It is not a either or matter when it comes to where Z plays in a Hawks rotation. You gain flexibility in 3 spots if the coaching staff is up to it… You get Al moving to play the 4 in “certain” rotations. It adds Josh getting time in the 3 spot in a expanded rotation. See Lamar Odom’s role with the Lakers, it is about energy and production at certain periods of the game. The Hawks would finally be able to play big for a expanded amount of time. I mean, it gives Grandpa Joe time to get well for the playoffs and the intangibles that his “old veteran” body brings. It gives ZaZa a chance to come in and scramble. We all know he is no high flyer or defensive presences. The one Hawk who even gave more than 1 minute of trouble to LeBron on the offensive end last year in the playoffs was who? That is right, JOSH SMITH!!! The more time we can have him on the floor and not in foul trouble. It takes pressure off of Marvin! he is what he is… He will give you spurts, if you take the load off his plate, he is no cook, he is sous chef! OK, Truth knows how much I believe that defense wins championships. However, I don’t think you have to have Shaq in the 5 to do it! Every great center in NBA history with the exception of Russell and Miken lost multiple times in the Finals. You don’t trade Al Hortford, you reallocate your use of him at the 4, the 5, and in rare moments the 3 spot against certain match ups with Boston only. He is a fine but not great player. He makes this team better, he really does…
I spent a lot of time discussing what could be, still I don’t believe it will happen, I believe Big Z goes back to the Quicken Arena. However, if he takes a chance on a team like Atlanta, all the better…
Rufus1
February 19th, 2010
11:47 am
Imagine this
Horford take Rashard Lewis or Jamison on the block. Howard can’t stand in the paint because Z can hit the “3″. He could change the entire dynamic of our team.
To all the “negative Neds”…Have some faith in this team. We are very good team and with Z we would become a stronger contender for the eastern conference title. We have no idea what they have said about the Hawks in the cavs locker room…HE MAY BELEIEVE HE COULD BE OUR MISSING PIECE
Daniel
February 19th, 2010
12:46 pm
Moving Josh to small forward is an awful idea. On offense, he’s best close to the basket. Moving him to small forward would just encourage him to shoot long jumpers and defenses to collapse into the lane. On defense, he’s best when he’s near the lane to challenge anyone driving to the basket. Putting him at small forward would pull him further out and negate any of his strengths.
Hoops
February 19th, 2010
1:41 pm
Daniel,
I agree. My thinking on signing Big Z is that now you have quality depth. The Hawks can play Al or Josh @ PF while Big Z is @ C. You still have Al or Zaza @ C when Big Z is on the bench.
KevinA
February 19th, 2010
1:47 pm
Ilgauskas does one thing for sure. No more Collins and Joe Smith. They would join Rando at the end of the bench.
j
February 19th, 2010
8:41 pm
Z would be great coming off the bench BUT trading Al Horford? Truth serum – that makes no sense … why don’t we bring in gilbert arenas and trade joe johnson while we’re at it … haha
ICECOLD
February 19th, 2010
8:49 pm
cleveland can not resign him for 30 days… which means they can not use him for the play offs.. which means he wont be on the roster to get a ring.. and he might jus want to get back at cleveland for trading him or for gettin shaq.. they really dogged him and i think that he doesnt wanna go back there. second. he will fit in perfectly with the hawks as the starting or backup center. he will get as many minutes as a starter if he wants it. but now when josh smith or anybody drive, now they have a center that can shoot the three point shot and hit it. thats a serious threat especially for the iso- joe happy hawks… way more options to drive and kick too… and a true seven footer that can guard a big.. like shaq and dwight howard…and its not like the hawks are trading for him, or have to pay much for him, its worth it in the short run and the long run… he will make everybody better because he can stretch the floor more, teams will have to pay honest defense which means more open and smart shots for the hawks!!! it can help joe johnson want to stay on the team and we will finally have that big men everybody keeps crying about.. i honestly dont see the down side for having him on the hawks.. somebody please help me see what would be a problem with him to be on the team!!!!! please tell me!! lol
Smoove at the 3???Get Real
February 20th, 2010
4:43 am
Z is either in Washington or going back to Cleveland
Can’t believe this “beat writer” thinks that Smoove can play the 3 for an extended period. You must not have been watching his career so far.
Anyone else that still thinks he is a 3 can’t call themselves a Hawks fan
Really?
February 20th, 2010
4:54 am
Why would big Z not resign with CLE if they still want him? I appreciate you writing this article, we all love to dream, but this is definitely not going to happen
Really?
February 20th, 2010
4:56 am
Smoov can play both the 4 and the 3, I think having him at the 3 in our “Big” package and having him at the 4 in our “Small” would give us a great advantage as far as matchups
GovClintonTyree
February 20th, 2010
5:31 am
Problem is, now you have to play Smith at the three. You know he’s gonna feel compelled to take six threes a game, right?
I’m sure Woody can figure out a way to manage the minutes and fit everybody into the rotation…oh, wait. Never mind.
jfreak
February 20th, 2010
10:06 am
Big Z would be a very nice addition and would really make this team better by putting Horford at power forward and Williams on the bench. We would really have a solid bench at that point giving our starts more rest the rest of the season so they are more fresh come playoff time. This addition would really give us a shot at Cleveland.
However, I think Big Z knows the Cavs have the best chance at a ring and his time is running out. Big Z will probably resign with the Cavs but who knows maybe his feelings are hurt from being traded and decide to get back at Cavs?? Who knows?
steve
February 20th, 2010
10:15 am
Even if we get Illgauskus, I don’t think our PG’s (outside of Crawford who is not a true point), can lead us to a championship. If we picked up a legit point and Illgauskus, I say “why not this year”?
Tony
February 20th, 2010
10:35 am
Nice article Jeff. I have been saying for months now that Atlanta should acquire a center and put Al and Josh at 4 and 3 respectively. All sorts of negative comments followed. Now this seems like a good idea all of a sudden. 0% chance the Hawks get Ilgauskas is absurd. The mere mention of it gives it weight under the current circumstances. The Hawks have a chance to improve themselves if not but for the rest of the season. Any attempt to proceed with the current squad in tact (Mr. Sund) is only a quick end to the 09-10 season. Take notes from last night’s game. The Hawks again were broken down because of Phoenix’s front and their ability to drive to the hoop time and time again. Come on man! Hint: Get in Washington’s ear real quick and force this transaction quickly! Let’s Go Hawks!
Truth-Serum
February 20th, 2010
2:56 pm
Tony, Ive been saying this for two season’s now. The thing to note is that Josh is not a three, but a star Power forward. If I have to choose between josh as Al its Josh. There is only one, 1, uno, playe in the NBA who averages 15 pts,8rbs and 4 assists. Josh is a GREAT shot blocker and now team run away from him rather than to him. Yes, we need to start a true center, but Josh is my starter at power forward not Al. Al does not and can not play defense and is among the lowest rated shot blockers not only for a center but for a NBA player.
Al goes to the bench and comes in with the second squad.
fanoffalcons
February 20th, 2010
9:05 pm
I don’t know what the hype is about Z. I watched the Cavs games at the end of the season last year and the playoff games and I was always wondering why Z had his back to all of the action. I don’t think he is the guy.
HawksFanSince77
February 21st, 2010
3:07 am
I say forget Z! Go after Devin Harris & Marcus Camby in the off-season & re-sign Joe Johnson. Hawks NBA Champs 2011!!!
Beck
February 21st, 2010
3:12 am
Why would we put Josh Smith into a position where he was required to be a shooter? Isn’t tht what the coaching staff have tried to drill out of him over the past few years? Why do people insist on talking about him as a ‘3′? Big Z would be nice but only to deal with D. Howard and Shaq.
cora
February 21st, 2010
10:35 am
Yes the comment about Z being a ’shadow of his former self’”.. wow !! ..as a reporter,one would think that you would know..Z is 14 pts 8 rebs career..this year he is about 8 and 5. Do you realize that the Cavs now have another giant.. SHAQ?..that is the only reason his numbers are down!! Z would be a real nice addition to ATL.no doubt ..he has a few years left..but not @ his current salary.Why do you think the Cavs stayed with him during the late 90″s when his foot kept giving him problems?..it was because he was and still is the total package for an NBA center. scorer..blocks, rebs..passing,..screens..good FT..and he can bust 3’s and has CLASS. Cora [originally from Cleveland]
Fool Serum
February 21st, 2010
7:31 pm
Truth-Serum
February 20th, 2010
2:56 pm
Tony, Ive been saying this for two season’s now. The thing to note is that Josh is not a three, but a star Power forward. If I have to choose between josh as Al its Josh. There is only one, 1, uno, playe in the NBA who averages 15 pts,8rbs and 4 assists. Josh is a GREAT shot blocker and now team run away from him rather than to him. Yes, we need to start a true center, but Josh is my starter at power forward not Al. Al does not and can not play defense and is among the lowest rated shot blockers not only for a center but for a NBA player.
Al goes to the bench and comes in with the second squad.
Fool Serum
February 21st, 2010
7:32 pm
JUST WHEN YOU THINK HE COULDNT TOP IT OFF, HE GOES AND SAYS WE SHOULD BENCH OUR ALL-STAR CENTER AND BRING IN SOMEBODY ELSE TO PLAY CENTER. AND HE WOULD TAKE OUR NON-ALLSTAR FORWARD OVER OUR ALL-STAR PLAYER. WHILE WE ARE AT IT, WHY NOT START MARIO WEST AND LET JJ SIT THE BENCH. THIS IS SOMEBODYS MIND ON DRUGS.
ICECOLD
February 21st, 2010
9:36 pm
big z would not start for the hawks.. he would come off the bench, so he doesnt have to play the three, but if he did, it wouldnt like that would be his new position, he would jus play it sometimes when they wanna have a big line up.. its like when joe go to small forward sometimes, when bibby and crawford is in there,, he only has to do it every once in awhile.. and josh wouldnt have to shoot, marvin dont shoot shoot all the time, he just go to the basket…. josh can just do that
Sorry, Hawks: NBA can’t stop Ilgauskas’ return to Cavs | Jeff Schultz
February 22nd, 2010
2:07 pm
[...] effect on the Hawks, for two reasons: 1) If Ilgauskas doesn’t return to the Cavaliers, there’s a good chance he’ll sign with the Hawks; 2) And if he does go back, the Cavaliers effectively will have acquired Antawn Jamison before the [...]