There goes another: Miller signs with Houston over Hawks
Veteran center Brad Miller is taking his game to Houston, not Atlanta.
The Hawks continue to either: 1) Twiddle their thumbs, or 2) clutch their wallets, when it comes to signing another center. Either way, another big man just fell off the board.
Brad Miller, believed to be the more desirable choice for the Hawks’ offense over Shaquille O’ Neal by some in the organization, has agreed to a three-year contract worth nearly $15 million with the Houston Rockets, according to ESPN.com. The deal probably was out of the Hawks’ price range.
The 34-year-old Miller, who was a two-time All-Star for Sacramento when Rockets coach Rick Adelman was there, drew the interest of several teams, including the Hawks, Boston, Cleveland and Miami. The 7-footer averaged nine points and five rebounds in 24 minutes last season in Chicago.
Where does this leave the Hawks? Possibly nowhere.
They have made no movement on O’Neal. A potential trade that would have dealt Marvin Williams to Cleveland for salary relief appears dead, if it was ever even alive. And it doesn’t appear Hawks’ ownership is willing to spend the money on anybody else to improve the front line, which means they’ll again have an out-of-position Al Horford playing center.
For the record: Yes, I’m aware Horford made the All-Star team last year. But even he has said on several occasions he feels more comfortable at power forward. The Hawks don’t necessarily need to sign a starting center. They merely need somebody who can play significant minutes off the bench, take up space and be a presence. Either O’Neal or Miller would fit the bill.
If the Hawks stand pat, are you comfortable with things as is? I’m not.
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192 comments Add your comment
tony
July 18th, 2010
5:47 pm
Steve, Mark Fox is the real deal. He have his team playing smart fundamental basketball. If he had a facilitator last season I believe they would have played in the ncaa tournament. They have a kid name Gerald Robinson(pg) who transfered from Tenn St who will give them a huge boost this upcoming season. I believe they will win the SEC this season and will go deep into the ncaa tournament. I’m very excited about the dawg’s basketball program. GO DAWGS!
Real Talk
July 18th, 2010
5:48 pm
Casual Observer
I guess that make you and uneducated buffoons too by comenting on a blog that PAYING FANS & SEASON TICKET HOLDERS are expressing about a team that is getting destroyed by wannabe successful businessmen.
You have a point though maby the city of Atlanta should boycott all Hawks games and actually pool the money to one source and buy this team for these scavengers.
Scarey the Hawk
July 18th, 2010
5:58 pm
Hawks will never win just ask Joe! The worst getting worse!
E43
July 18th, 2010
6:57 pm
I think that the meltdowns are a bigger problem than all this true center talk. i say this because jamal crawford had 7 games where he shot .400 or lower in the playoffs. joe7 bibby 4 marvin 9 smith 4 and Horford 2 games. i understand that we dont have Kobe and all but the guy has 2 games all postseason where he shot .400 or below.
i question the effect some believe a true center will bring because heres not a single center out there that wont have a problem with dwight howard. i doubt that this center will somehow just make our team wide meltdowns dissapear.
joBjo
July 18th, 2010
7:15 pm
how bout Dampear?
looks like Charlotte’s gonna cut loose his non guaranteed contract to stay under cap.. Would he be an acceptable back up. we tried to get him once already before he went to Dallas.
Show me state
July 18th, 2010
7:31 pm
The ASG is waiting to see if shaq can get his offer from elsewhere….and knowing that more and more teams are less interested…he will then decide to play for atl for the MLE….
eturn
July 18th, 2010
7:56 pm
You think the Hawks didnt have Fans in the seats in the past..Just wait till this season comes. Will be a lot less.
Melvin Flowers Macon Ga
July 18th, 2010
7:58 pm
It will be a long year for the Hawks they will be bad and not worth looking
at this season.
The owners need to sale the team because they never will built a championship
team in Atlanta.
The players are getting older plus they got to pay them big money one day.
Sale the damm team.
They will make the playoffs but who will they play, the heat magic bucks bulls
first round lossers again .
And to hear lies again from the owners talking bout being contenders.
shannon1776
July 18th, 2010
9:00 pm
As a fan, I don’t care about the excuses or the fact our owners have no money. That is their problem. I know to them, it is a business investment. to me, it is about winning titiles. Period. If this group can’t afford to give me the best team in the NBA, sell it to someone who will. Go big, or go home. Isn’t it amazing that some teams are run so well (Boston/Heat, etc, ) that they can seem to sign 2-3 superstars, yet the Hawks can sign someone who isn’t a superstar to superstar money, and have no mpore room under the cap?
That is why we suck: Joe Johnson makes more then Lebron and Kobe. How is that possible? I will not go to a game this year for the first time in 7 years.
Miami, Chicago, Orlando, and Boston are better than us. e will be lucky to get a 3rd seed. That isn’t good enough.
Trent
July 18th, 2010
9:01 pm
Look like another 50 win season, barely getting out the first round and getting swept in the second round for the third straight year.Give us owner that will spend money. HELLO TED TURNER ARE YOU THERE…
Is it football season yet?
July 18th, 2010
9:08 pm
What? NBA basketball is lame. A celebrity driven game with referees in prison for fixing games and the rest hired from professional wrestling.
mm
July 18th, 2010
9:27 pm
So glad the Hawks saved/got all that money by trading the center they got at the top of the 2nd round so that they could use the money to get a center in free agency. That worked out perfectly…
SteveW
July 18th, 2010
9:38 pm
Is Anthony Tolliver better than Joe Smith? Yes, so get him
Is Kwame or Shaq better than Jason Collins? Yes, so get either one of them
RandMo probably gone to Tel Aviv to play according to internet reports
And 1 site has us with Mario back – I don’t know if that’s good or not if it’s true – he might be a good buddy for Aminu if Aminu makes the team.
SteveW
July 18th, 2010
9:39 pm
Dampeir was not-existent in the playoffs – he may be over the hill (35).
Zelmo Beatty,Tree Rollins please come back
July 18th, 2010
10:43 pm
Not signing Joe, regardless of the cost, would be an admission that Belkin may have been right all those years ago. The ASG has many attributes among their number: egotism, hubris, good luck in parental choices, self-adoration, etc.. humility and the desire to admit a mistake is not among them.
Sleepy
July 19th, 2010
12:00 am
@ grandmasterflash –
If Rose choked then wow what do you think JJ and Josh did in the playoffs against the magic . They basically had full blown collapses and I have yet to to hear anyone even address why they think JJ and Josh will recover from that . Regardless of who we bring in when your two best players show themselves to be mentally soft youve got to be ready to make a move .
This team has a huge asterisk by it now no matter who we bring in.
welikebaseball2
July 19th, 2010
12:06 am
Casual Observer: Calm down. This kind of stuff is exactly what blogs were made for…venting, throwing out sometimes-insane ideas, playing armchair gm, etc. Blogs have served this very function since introduced by media. Remember why fans are called fans. We can all be a little fanatical at times.
By the way, “successful” group of businessmen? LOL…guess it depends on what you define as “successful.” Simply owning something does not a “successful” businessman make.
Trigger Trigsby, the Third
July 19th, 2010
12:41 am
ntrigue stated: Just take Aminu and Tolliver
- Thats the smartest comment on this post . The Hawks should sign these two and buyout RandMo so he can go back to Landmark Christian and be the altar boy that he’s destined to be.
jo
July 19th, 2010
5:34 am
Sign SHAQ NOW!!!!!
F-105 Thunderchief
July 19th, 2010
7:27 am
Where the Hawks had the most opportunity to improve was in the head coaching slot. They interviewed three people. They hired the cheapest one … an assistant under the guy they decided not to bring back.
Then, they had to sign, or not Joe Johnson. They offered him a max contract. The fact is Joe Johnson is no more skilled than John Drew was. Does anyone think Drew would have ever been worth a max contract? Didn’t think so. So, they overpay Johnson by a lot, hamstringing what they can to to upgrade the center spot.
No matter, they say, we’ll spend what it takes, including luxury tax to add the right pieces. Um, no, apparently not.
I’ll believe nothing I hear from these clowns. And, I’ll believe they’re not stupid when they prove it.
SteveW
July 19th, 2010
10:04 am
shannon1776 – believe it or not, Kobe makes a ton more than JJ – 5m or so more this year – and Kobe will be making 30m at 35. Many players are making more than JJ this year – like Gilbert Arenas, Yao Ming, Gasol etc. – it’s just the length of his contract that makes it valuable – and the fact he will make almost 25m at 34 years of age.
AtlSouthside
July 19th, 2010
10:47 am
We are 1 player away… just needed a Center (like the pass 3 seasons)
Tremaine
July 19th, 2010
10:47 am
SIGN SHAQ!
Boneyard Randy
July 19th, 2010
10:53 am
We need some toughness inside. Kurt Thomas is 142 years old and he dominated us at times in the playoffs. Is Charles Oakley available? Bill Lambeer? Any center we get has got to have a decent jump shot too, b/c that’ll move Smoove to “SF”. We can’t have 3 guys clogging up the lane on offense.
ray
July 19th, 2010
11:17 am
The Hawks’ big problem is not a lack of bigs. Don’t forget, besides Al (who really is a center) and Smoove (please don’t encourage him to jack up more outside shots by moving him to the 3-spot), there is still Zaza (who is sometimes disappointing, but all in all not a bad backup 5). What they really need is a three who can consistently play tough, aggressive defense (not Marv) and who plays smart, efficient offense.
Barnacle Bill Bavasi
July 19th, 2010
11:31 am
Josh Smith is a competent mid-range shooter. He can handle the 3. That position doesn’t have to be a long-range shooter.
Jeff
July 19th, 2010
12:02 pm
You have got to be kidding me………
Atlanta is expected to end up re-signing center Jason Collins. Sources said Sunday at the NBA Summer League nothing is imminent due to the free agent currently being in Europe. But expectations are he eventually will re-sign after his return later this week, and it would figure to be a minimum deal worth $1.229 million. FanHouse.com
Jake Wolf
July 19th, 2010
12:07 pm
Im now a Magic Fan…Who is with me?!
tyger
July 19th, 2010
12:51 pm
RandMo to Maccabi Tel Aviv…
Another chapter in the horrid book of poor player development, the Hawks in dire need of BIGS lose out on another 7fter. I know I’m in the minority here, but this is another tremendous loss of opportunity in my book. But like Marvin, maybe the kid needs to go somewhere where he will actually play. I still maintain he’s got one of the better low-post games on the team. Admittedly, he’s not strong defensively, but that’s not his game, he can score the basketball around the hoop. And who needs more easy baskets that us?
I watched him in the 4th qtr. vs. the D-league, and everytime I looked up he was at the FT line. Why? He knows what’s he’s doing on the block. Why didn’t we emphasis his strengths rather than focus on his weaknesses?
tyger
July 19th, 2010
1:13 pm
ASG throwing in the towel…
SAM is right…the Hawks signed JJ to save face, they don’t intend to actually compete and a championship is for the smokers…put down the pipe. They are content to be NBA owners.
In retrospect, Woody overachieved and pulled together a bunch of 1st rd. picks and surprised everybody with a playoff team. ASG comes out pretty well with a 1st rd televised playoff, several big game sellouts and their share of luxury tax distribution. They’re not counting on competing in the 2nd rd. – that would require significant investment, i.e. paying luxury tax, and that would forfeit their share of the luxury tax distribution – not happening.
Sad thing is we are THIS close! And Shaq could get us over the hump, he’s the one player DHoward cant bully. The one player that’ll clog the lane from DWade and LBJ and provide the Hawks the “heart” they lack. It’s simply asking too much of Horford to take that beating, even though he gives a yeoman effort, he simply isn’t big enough. And we know Smoove is a PF in name only.
Kwame Brown is a good specimen, but he doesn’t address our issues. He’s just a more expensive RandMo, maybe not as good. Certainly hasn’t done anything anywhere he’s been.
I don’t think ASG appreciates the embarrassment and humiliation felt by the fans when getting pounded by 30-40 on national tv. And to watch them piss away several negotiating chips for 2nd rd picks, trade exceptions and cash is insulting.
But like clockwork, they’ll complain about attendance! Who’s going to fight downtown traffic after a workday on a Wednesday night to see them beat up on below .500 teams, lose on the road and get swept in the playoffs, year after year after year?
JUST SELL THE FREAKING TEAM ALREADY!
Hawk IL
July 19th, 2010
1:23 pm
Don’t worry—with Joe Johnson running isos, the Hawks will be unbeatable!
omg
July 19th, 2010
1:28 pm
hawks are going to resign jason collins for the vet minimum for one year according to espn.com…go to the nba section and click on rumors
omg
July 19th, 2010
1:31 pm
Collins will re-sign with Atlanta
9:46
AM ET
Jason Collins | Hawks TopEmail
FanHouse reports backup center Jason Collins is expected to re-sign with the Hawks.
When he signs it will be for a one-year, veteran’s minimum deal.
Collins only averaged 0.7 points and 0.4 rebounds last season, but is seen as a good locker-room presence, which why he’ll be retained. The Hawks also need
Matt Matheson
July 19th, 2010
1:46 pm
Jeff – I have been a die hard atlanta sport fan since 1969… That means I have had to endure losing season after losing season because of ownership’s lack of interest in making any of our teams champions because of bad picks and trades. Ted Turner was the only team owner we had that was willing to pay for the top free agents. Please do not refer to the Cox and Schurholtz team as the best in the history of atlanta sports – those two clowns have made one bad trade after another. Two trades have worked – bringing in Fred McGriff and John Smoltz – all the rest was terrible rent a player trades and absolutely killed our farm system – the Escobar trade should have happen two years ago.
Cox’s has always liked the veteran over young exciting players – Schmidt for Neagle – bust – Tex – for 5 players – 2 all-stars – don’t offer him a contract – but you over pay for Lowe – 38 – Kawakami (spelling) o- for ever can’t pitch in the majors – there was a reason the Japanese teams didn’t want him,.. Grissom/Justice for Ambree/Lofton – who played like a little leaguer who didn’t like his teammates – this just after you won a World Series title – Only an Atalant team would trade two allstar caliber players for nobodies- wonder why we didn’t win more titles – Let me get back to the Hawks now – Onwership sueing each other – you over traded for Johnson – giving up what turned out to be three number one picks – Diaw our number 1 pick from the previous draft- and 2 number 1’s – now you over paid for his lackluster butt again – Hired coaches that had no clue has to run a basketball team – Weiss- Kruger – Woodson – (He had 0 talent – for the first 3 seasons then got talent and had no idea how to use them) our fire sales – Terrible draft picks – Williams (both Sheldon and Marvin) same player type- Josh Childerss- did not pick Chris Paul – and we are still looking for a true point gurad – overpaid for Bibby – to old/slow – this comment is getting me down so I will address those dirty birds they to where a joke because of ownership for 36 out of 40 years – until Author Blanks got them – then he intrusted the convict vick – no one did any type of background on him – a real one – gave up LT and Brees for an unimproved underclassman with exactly 117 pass attempts at Vtect – but I understand why Atlanta needed a a Minority face – and he was the chosen one – even after his conviction and time served the way the falcon crowd chewered for him was sickening – but again the Minority (because of their way of liofe – doing what ever they need to do to survive – I don’t hold that against them – I was forced to go to high school in some of those same projects back in 76 when the state thought it be a good idea to desegregate the public school system. I saw first hand how and what they did to survive – some of my closest friends (still today) are from those projects – we served in the Marines together – and they had plenty of stories to tell. And now getting back to the article the Hawks are now out of money – so we are stuck with this same lack luster of talent – all rebounders and only two scores (Smith one he drives to the rim/Johnson when the shot clock is at 3 – otherwise he just olds the ball – rest of teamjust stands an watches).
Are we fans that go two these venues going to be subject to more lack luster performances by overpaid and spolied brats – Can’t live on millions – a year – I sent a letter to the falcons and Hawks about a year ago – and told them to have some these brats try and live on a Medical Disablity Retirement check with a family of four to support – at $1599.00 – with no benefits from the Veteran’s Administration or Marine Corps for a wrongful termination discharge – 15 plus years I have been fighting the Marine Corps – 14 trips through Congress and now a local state Senator is now willing to take my case – and these athletes constantly wine about wanting more money! And now you wrote about onweeship not willing to spend money – send all of them a copy of this to them and make their players read it – maybe then they wouldn’t be so worried about making millions on top of millions. Thanks – I hope you reply to this – it would be a good thing to read if you do respond!
Semper Fi,
Sgt Matt
coachx
July 19th, 2010
3:26 pm
The ASG sucks !
The tell the fans they will be luxury tax and I actually believed it.
They are liars trying to operate the team on a cheap budget.
jay dubu
July 19th, 2010
3:32 pm
The bigs that the Hawks have passed on thus far, were too expensive (in terms of years and total money) for what they going to give you. There’s no need to repeat signings like last season (Joe Smith, Morris, & Collins) if the coach is going to use them as practice players only.
It appears that the Hawks want to get a good big man for the league minimum, an idea that they should abandend. Find a big man that fits on the team, and sign him!!
tony
July 19th, 2010
4:35 pm
The fans in the ATL need someone to represent them against those blood sucking SCAVENGERS(ASG). If JJ was worth 120 millions not 1 fan would be against the signing. It’s the OWNERS responsibility to please the fans but the ASU only want to please themselves.
It’s very disappointing to hear a few fans say we shouldn’t trade Marvin Williams for Shaq. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? If some of you people can’t see that MW is a BUST I feel sorry for you. I would do anything to dump his salary. Can MW lead this team to an NBA Title? GIVE ME A BREAK! Can Shaq lead the hawks to an NBA Title? That’s a chance I’m willing to take. I am sick and tired of watching MW loss his balance every time he drives to the basket. Watching JS shoot BRICKS and JJ DRIBBLE all night is bad enough.
It’s time for CHANGE! Put some smart basketball players on that team. Last season I was lobbying for them to draft Darren Collison but they drafted another sg(Teague). In this year’s draft I was lobbying for them to draft Dominique Jones and Omar Sanham but they drafted selfish JC2 and a 1 practice wonder(SY). Only if I could scout for this team we would have one of the smartest basketball team in the NBA. You don’t need a college degree to have good insight.
3Klub
July 19th, 2010
4:52 pm
I hear you Tony…
But I wouldn’t trade Marvin for Shaq either.
tony
July 19th, 2010
6:00 pm
I hear you to 3Klub. I would dump MW contract without a trade. He ain’t worth it. He’s a very nice young man but I am about WINNING. Sorry MW.
shannon
July 19th, 2010
6:50 pm
Thanks god we Resigned Jason Collins….. Almost lost him to the unemployment line lol….Can we sign a vet like Stackhouse or something instead of getting Mario “I’m on the floor so the opposite team has something to laugh at” West lol
haljoy
July 19th, 2010
7:02 pm
I love the Atlanta hawks,falcons & braves, but management dosen’t appear to have a clue on how to draft, or negotiate for top talent. It is an ongoing cycle of bad, or missed deals. The falcons should have drafted Jonathan Dwyer, instead of leaving him for Pittsburgh to pick up in the late rounds, and the hawks should have drafted, or traded for a seven footer to play center instead of selling the entire farm on Joe Johnson and making him the highest paid nba player,even though he wouldn’t even be in the top ten guards selected on any of the nba teams, if they could pick whomever they wanted.
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