Poll time: What would you think of Smith-for-Bynum deal?
Andrew Bynum has some baggage but he would give Hawks a legitimate center. (AP photo)
The other day I wrote that it might be time for the Hawks to part ways with Josh Smith– not just because he’s the most likely trade candidate in their core, but because it’s becoming clear that he’s getting tired of being blamed for everything when something goes wrong.
The Smith-bashers in town favored the column. The Smith fans hated it, some taking it as another media assault on Smith. Fact is, as I wrote, I agree with Smith that he takes more blame for the team’s shortcoming than he deserves.
Loading ...But that column sparked immediate trade rumors, including this one: Smith and Kirk Hinrich to Los Angeles Lakers for Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest. Barring other moves, that would leave the Hawks with a starting five of Bynum (center), Ron Artest (small forward), Al Horford (power forward), Joe Johnson (shooting guard) and Jeff Teague (point guard).
That trade is nowhere close to reality right now — it was concocted by media members for the sake of discussion, and because it seems plausible. The Lakers could be looking to move Bynum after his postseason meltdown, and they also may pursue a deal for Orlando’s Dwight Howard, which would make Bynum expendable. (One outlet, Hoopsworld, also is speculating whether the Clippers will pursue Smith.)
Bynum obviously has had his issues. But he would give the Hawks their first legitimate center in years and allow Horford to move to his more natural position of power forward. If the way Teague played against Chicago in the playoffs was not an aberration, suddenly the Hawks could be set at point guard and center, and when is the last time we could say that?
So I’m not saying this trade is going to happen. But since there seems to be so much interest in this topic, I figured I’d turn it over to you. What would you think about a Smith-Hinrich for Bynum-Artest deal? We’ll also put up a poll and see how the voting goes.
By Jeff Schultz
♦
Earlier: Cowardly Bettman ignoring evidence of Thrashers fans
Earlier: Countdown: Bettman, Spirit on Facebook, angry beaver, Monta’s tattoo
Follow me on Twitter @JeffSchultzAJC; friend me at Facebook.com/JeffSchultzAJC
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
435 comments Add your comment
decriz
May 25th, 2011
5:36 pm
i can’t believe people want to move Josh Smith. wake up people! it’s time to get rid of Joe Johnson. He is the True LIMITER of this team.
yeah Al is Smart
May 25th, 2011
5:39 pm
“The most important reason Al is better”
How many triple doubles does Al have? Michael Jordan is smarter than all of them too bad he’s not physically capable of playing anymore.
Horford is the highest trade value he can get a blue collar center in Bogut. Williams must go as well or it wil be a lateral move.
The Bucks trade with Sanders gives Hawks 2 guys with length comparable to ‘09 Lakers and ‘08 Celtics. Hinrich trade to let the rosters fit and get Teague starting.
ITs so simple but people want to say oh this black guy is dumb and this one went to college and is smart.
If Al is so smart how come he one 2 championships in college, 2 all star appearances, a team usa invite but he cant figure out how to get around Ryan Anderson or Amare Stoudemire.
Hawks are only going to screw themselves out of a guy who posted similar advanced stats to Carmelo only last year and the Atlanta media will lead the way.
One of the most efficient players versus small forwards when at 230 lbs and you want to trade him away for Chris Kaman and Marvin Williams to team up with Al Horford who gets his shot blocked by KG, Dirk, Bargnany, Gasol, etc, etc.
No one wants his silly old man jumpshot. Give me Larry Sanders who can put on weight and still dunk and Bogut who is a real DPOY candidate. Gooden Salmons off the bench with AL Thornton and blue collar PACHulia and Ronnie Price.
but Hawks will never do it for their beloved Horford.
Speed kills lol ask Phoenix Golden State and Philadelphia. Atlanta is the next to fall victim to small ball. Smith is ghost to Clippers or Lakers deal with it Atlanta.
ag
May 25th, 2011
5:41 pm
For all those whom question his IQ, I am sure you have never played ball. He is highly competitive and last off season he worked very hard on his jumpers. You could see the improvement until about February. Again, for his game to develop, he has to be able to knock down a open jumper. If he can’t, it limits his weapons. I don’t agree with all the 3’s, but he should shoot open jumpers. He rarely forces a jumper over the top.
ag
May 25th, 2011
5:46 pm
Josh vs other Hawks.. 2nd in FG % (of players who average 4 shots or more
b. 3 pt % is among worse on team, but better than JJ
c. 2nd in scoring
d. second in rebounds
So really is this they guy we really want to trade?
peacengrits75
May 25th, 2011
5:46 pm
Here’s the line up I envision next year…however it may happen…
D Howard c
A Horford f
J Johnson f
K Heinrich g
J Teague g
Make it happen.
JOSH SMITH FOR 3!!!
May 25th, 2011
5:48 pm
2011-2012 Atlanta Hawks Starting Lineup
C Lebron James
PF Lebron James
SF Lebron James
SG Lebron James
PG Josh Smith
ag
May 25th, 2011
5:54 pm
peacengrits75 – Get NBA Live 2011 and make the trade. That is the ONLY way that is going to happen! Think about it, how many people, not to mention athletes, live and work in a city that they did not grow up in? If asked, I bet the majority never want to go live at home again.
christopher
May 25th, 2011
6:00 pm
no…all hes gonna do is hurt hes knee…
Double Zero Eight
May 25th, 2011
6:34 pm
I would rather see Marvin and Joe traded for Bynum.
I know it is not even a remote possibility for that to happen!
Ken Strickland
May 25th, 2011
6:45 pm
DUKESTER-I’ve gone on record as being against us making any major trades. I think Sund and the ASG will do for LDrew exactly what they did for MWoodson, and that’s give him what he feels he needs to succeed in the final yr of his contract. I don’t think Drew wants to get rid of any of our core players, and that includes Hinrich and Teague.
I think he’s also very intrigued by what he saw from Teague the entire Chicago series, and JSmith the last 2gms of the series. You know he’s not dumb enough to want JJ traded, and he’d rather play Horford more at PF than trade him. There are 3 players that are certain not to return next yr, and they are JPowell, EThomas, and JCrawford. I’m not certain if LDrew will want to retain both Rolle and Armstrong, since they’re simular in size and ability.
The Wad
May 25th, 2011
6:50 pm
Absolutely not! Is this all it takes to be considered a sports writer? Just throw some crap on the wall and sit back to let the readers do your job for you? That trade is the dumbest idea one could imagine. Better to trade Joe Johnson, Zaza Pachulis, Marvin Williams and every other bench player(except Teague) for Howard. We instantly become Miami with J. Smith, Al Horford, Dwight Howard, Teague and Hinrich as our starting five. Keep Crawford and we can put together whatever bench we want. Players will beg to be on this team. That would be a CHAMPIONSHIP caliber team instantly!!!!!
Strother Martin on Josh Smith
May 25th, 2011
6:56 pm
Im all over this deal like white on rice.
ag
May 25th, 2011
6:58 pm
Ken Strickland.. I agree, but they need to move Marvin. Pietrus or Barnes is available through FA. If we can dump that contract for a draft pick, it will free up salary to really improve our bench. Either or both of those guys give a team a 3pt presence and are good defensive players – and tough as well.
sas
May 25th, 2011
7:11 pm
First,that deal would never happend,so we can stop talking about it.The way I see Hawks future is : we MUST find a way to trade Joe Johnson.I know he is the best player on the team but his huge salary stops any attempt for improvement.We can make any deals,trade JSmith or Al or so and so but the reality is we can NOT get a player who can put us over the top,meaninig contend for the title, and the reason is we dont have enough money left for his salary.I had a conversation with a couple of people from Hawks organization 2 days ago and they have the same way of thinking,we can not improve with JJ on the roster.It’s going to be hard to trade him but not impossible,if Arenas can be moved why not Joe.Here a good GM steps in.I wished Rick is one…Lets say JJ can be moved,we are not going to get the same value in return and we should except that and for 1-2 years Hawks would not be going anywere(but where we going now,finals-NOO,so…) but after that we will be able to get a super star who is also a leader and a winner (CP3 or the homeboy superman) and with the rest of the talent on the roster-JSmith and Al.we can contend for the title.
Second,Marvin.Well,what can i say.There is no fire in this kid.He has the lenght to be a very good defender or may be a spot up 3 point shooter but nooooo he is none of that.He need to go even if its for a draft pick.There are so many players on same position in NBA who make 2 or 3 times less money than he is.So fare well Marvin.
Third,new coach and new GM.I understand ATL SPIRIT is trying to save money by going for the cheep but you can NOT be cheep on the most important part of the organization.If you design a car and you have to cut cost,would you save $$ by cutting cost on the engine or some trimming,handles and so and so…?Lets be real now.
At the end, everything is about money and we as fans have to understand that.It easy to say get Kobe,Lebron,Wade,Rose …..but the reality is it’s all business
That been said,sorry for the long post,we can all hope for the best because this is the true fan’s destiny.
GO HAWKS
nash
May 25th, 2011
7:42 pm
sending Josh to L.A. for either bum (Kaman or Byman) would be crazy with a capital K. If there is any player that should go it would be Joe the Joke Johnson. I can’t believe you came up with this idea SHAME ON YOU
bjrufino
May 25th, 2011
7:50 pm
make it bynum-artest for smith and williams, Not Kirk
superiorblogman
May 25th, 2011
7:53 pm
@superiorblogman
May 25th, 2011
4:14 pm
Horford for Bogut is good but
Derrick Williams could very well be Michael Beasley part two. He is longer and heavier and taller though so we will have to see. But you do realize you’re advocating building around Derrick Williams at the 4/5 because if we trade Smith/Horford for him. We are not getting PF/C defenders.
Derrick Williams has stated that he is a SF that may play PF if asked from time to time. Al Horford has stated he wants to play more PF. Josh Smith has not stated anything and maybe that is because he has no clue of what he really is or wants to be. He just wants to do what he wants to do. There is a difference. Atleast Derrick Williams wants to be a SF, atleast Al wants to be a PF, we dont know what Josh wants to be , he just wants to shoot jumpshots when he wants to and not hear about it.
PG Teague/Hinrich/Earl Watson (minimum)
SG Joe/Marcus Thorton(MLE)/Pape
SF Derrick Williams/Marvin Williams/Gary Flowers(Draft)
PF Al/Reggie Evans(MLE)/Chris Wilcox
C Varaejo/Zaza/Fesenko(Minimum)
Like I say trade Josh Smith to the Cavs for Varaejo and the #4 pick, then package the 4th pick, 2011-12 2nd rd pick and 2012-13 1st round pick to the Twolves for #2 and take Derrick Williams. That above team is so much better than what we currently have. Finally, if you could move Varaejo and or Hinrich for Marc Gasol, Nene, Oden, Kaman, Bogut, or Bynum you would have a beast team.
redd
May 25th, 2011
7:57 pm
trade smith ,and william for rudy gay an get a center in fa
superiorblogman
May 25th, 2011
7:58 pm
Derrick Williams has stated that he is a SF that may play PF if asked from time to time. Al Horford has stated he wants to play more PF. Josh Smith has not stated anything and maybe that is because he has no clue of what he really is or wants to be. He just wants to do what he wants to do. There is a difference. Atleast Derrick Williams wants to be a SF, atleast Al wants to be a PF, we dont know what Josh wants to be , he just wants to shoot jumpshots when he wants to and not hear about it.
PG Teague/Hinrich/Earl Watson (minimum)
SG Joe/Marcus Thorton(MLE)/Pape
SF Derrick Williams/Marvin Williams/Gary Flowers(Draft)
PF Al/Reggie Evans(MLE)/Chris Wilcox
C Varaejo/Zaza/Fesenko(Minimum)
Like I say trade Josh Smith to the Cavs for Varaejo and the #4 pick, then package the 4th pick, 2011-12 2nd rd pick and 2012-13 1st round pick to the Twolves for #2 and take Derrick Williams. That above team is so much better than what we currently have. Finally, if you could move Varaejo and or Hinrich for Marc Gasol, Nene, Oden, Kaman, Bogut, or Bynum you would have a beast team.
Gearon
May 25th, 2011
8:07 pm
I hope you mean Al Thornton for the MLE and even that is too much for a guy making $750K off the bench.
Gearon
May 25th, 2011
8:13 pm
Al Horford is a PF. Ryan Anderson, Brandon Bass, Andrea Bargnani, Amare Stoudemire, Carlos Boozer, Kevin Garnett, Taj Gibson, Chris Bosh
Lockdown. Horford is a small center and there are up and coming PFs that will make the HAwks look bad down the line in this very draft.
superiorblogman
May 25th, 2011
8:14 pm
Gearon
May 25th, 2011
8:07 pm
I hope you mean Al Thornton for the MLE and even that is too much for a guy making $750K off the bench.
What? Please, you have to replace Jamal’s production off the bench and splitting the MLE between Marcus Thorton and Reggie Evans would be ideal.
Nick
May 25th, 2011
8:32 pm
Anyone who wouldn’t make this trade needs their head examined. And its not because of Josh hating, but a true center would instantly make this team a competitor. While I would prefer a center with more toughness, there aren’t that many true ones out there and this guys is one of them. My question is why the Lakers would consider getting rid of him.
hawker t
May 25th, 2011
8:38 pm
make the trade—no brainer. josh smith will never be anything big in atl.
Mystikal
May 25th, 2011
8:58 pm
Hey JS,
What do you think if we dealt Josh Smith to the clippers for Eric Gordon and DeAndre Jordan? Do you think they’d be willing to part with Gordon?
Scratch that, too many unknowns till this lockout is straightened out. What about Smoove for Kris Kaman straight up?
jason
May 25th, 2011
9:07 pm
Wow. Really? Andrew Bynum? The only trade that would make sense for the Hawks is to trade Josh Smith to the Clippers for Chris Kaman and a 2012 first round pick. Haaa! xD
Observation
May 25th, 2011
9:14 pm
“Smith and Kirk Hinrich to Los Angeles Lakers for Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest”
According to Trade Machine, The Hawks net +3 more wins per Hollenger’s analysis. But what isn’t factored is durabilty and character. Asisde from Bynum’s obvious health concern, essentially, this trade would amount to a 1 for 2 head-case swap favoring the Lakers. Trading head-case Josh for head-case Bynum and head-case Artist.
Time
May 25th, 2011
9:49 pm
No, no and no. Josh Smith should stay a Hawk. The moronic ramblings of AJC media goons and fake Hawks fans shouldn’t win out. I remember when they did win, and the franchise traded, well the whole franchise, for a scrub with balky knees who left the next year. SUND – DO NOT LISTEN TO THESE CLOWNS. KEEP JOSH.
Now if you could work something like Schultz and Bradley for Mariotti (buy low candidate..lol) and Woody Page. I’d be all for that.
PB3
May 25th, 2011
9:53 pm
Like many of you…we know that moving JJ will only happen by retaining a portion of his contract no matter who the player(s) is/are. I’ve read several very interesting trade ideas, but I live in the world of “keeping it real” and Josh HAS GOT TO GO!!
He is a cancer, un-coachable (by the coach, team mates, fans and NBA analysts), immature, and he does not have a keen court awareness and basketball at this level takes more than an ability to jump to block shots and dunk. Basketball at this level takes a commitment to working hard and showing maturity.
I’m a season ticket holder who loves this game and some of the things I’ve noticed about Josh is that he does not care. He doesn’t sit with the team during timeouts, he sits on the bench during half time shoot a-rounds and he takes the team out of its offense almost every time he launches one of those ILL-ADVISED shots.
Many guys think we are too hard on Josh, but remember it was he who said, “I’m going to show the eastern conference coaches something for not voting me into the All Star Game”. If that is not a sign of where his head is, I don’t know what else anyone needs to hear (IMMATURE). He also has a reputation around the league of being a whiner.
Maybe a change-of-venue is what Josh needs and if we can get the likes of a Bynum…heck yes, let’s make the deal. He has been here too long and needs to cut the apron strings because he is too damn comfortable at home and we have to experience his late blooming.
I’ve also read some guys wanting to trade Al because he is not a true center and I agree with the latter, but just imagine him at his true position (PF) for an entire season with that beautiful mid-range jump shot… he would be an All-Star for the rest of his career.
PB3
May 25th, 2011
9:58 pm
Like many of you…we know that moving JJ will only happen by retaining a portion of his contract no matter who the player(s) is/are. I’ve read several very interesting trade ideas, but I live in the world of “keeping it real” and Josh HAS GOT TO GO!!
He is a cancer, un-coachable (by the coach, team mates, fans and NBA analysts), immature, and he does not have a keen court awareness and basketball at this level takes more than an ability to jump to block shots and dunk. Basketball at this level takes a commitment to working hard and showing maturity.
I’m a season ticket holder who loves this game and some of the things I’ve noticed about Josh is that he does not care. He doesn’t sit with the team during timeouts, he sits on the bench during half time shoot a-rounds and he takes the team out of its offense almost every time he launches one of those ILL-ADVISED shots.
PB3
May 25th, 2011
9:58 pm
Many guys think we are too hard on Josh, but remember it was he who said, “I’m going to show the eastern conference coaches something for not voting me into the All Star Game”. If that is not a sign of where his head is, I don’t know what else anyone needs to hear (IMMATURE). He also has a reputation around the league of being a whiner.
Maybe a change-of-venue is what Josh needs and if we can get the likes of a Bynum…heck yes, let’s make the deal. He has been here too long and needs to cut the apron strings because he is too damn comfortable at home and we have to experience his late blooming.
I’ve also read some guys wanting to trade Al because he is not a true center and I agree with the latter, but just imagine him at his true position (PF) for an entire season with that beautiful mid-range jump shot… he would be an All-Star for the rest of his career.
PB3
May 25th, 2011
10:00 pm
Many guys think we are too hard on Josh, but remember it was he who said, “I’m going to show the eastern conference coaches something for not voting me into the All Star Game”. If that is not a sign of where his head is, I don’t know what else anyone needs to hear (IMMATURE). He also has a reputation around the league of being a whiner.
Maybe a change-of-venue is what Josh needs and if we can get the likes of a Bynum…heck yes, let’s make the deal. He has been here too long and needs to cut the apron strings because he is too damn comfortable at home and we have to experience his late blooming.
D-Man
May 25th, 2011
10:01 pm
How in the world is Marvin Williams not a hot topic of debate in trade talks?
Oh, that’s right…nobody wants him.
Stu
May 25th, 2011
10:04 pm
Anyone see who the baby killer is?
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&q=Akbar+Cojoe&cp=6&qe=YWtiYXIg&qesig=MBZx6WCh0LDE6Hf0jdF7Lw&pkc=AFgZ2tlLbUawdvgWTZ9HBMOrSjeCIosiSG3iDSqeAw_fLPl_xhI5B59UJOk7GcOU2wjQT8NtC7ukT6fbnsyGsD50C6aQ_y_66A&pf=p&sclient=psy&site=&source=hp&aq=0p&aqi=&aql=&oq=akbar+&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=ee454a80ac119a9c&biw=1345&bih=528
Dennis G. Berdanis
May 25th, 2011
10:14 pm
Bringing those two here would repeat the one of the most stupid moves in Hawks history (2nd only to trading Pete Maravich). This would resemble breaking up a good team for Isiah Rider. Why would we want those two trouble childs?
Daniel
May 25th, 2011
10:20 pm
What does everyone think about this trade?
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine
Then sign Pietrus and McRoberts over the summer
That’s how we should rebuild, then have a lineup of:
Paul
Ellis
Pietrus
Horford
Josh McRoberts
Bench:
Teague
Hinrich
Marvin
Collins
Zaza
I don’t know if we have the money to pull that off, but that would be really interesting. Imagine the highlights with Chris, Monta, and McRoberts
Jody
May 25th, 2011
10:32 pm
Either way, changes need to be made. If not, this team will encounter the same result it always does…out in the first or second round.
Jason
May 25th, 2011
10:36 pm
Enough already on the Jsmoove hating! I see why nobody takes ATL serious, you idiots give more respect to a flash in the pan kid,” faTeague,” versus a proven should be AllStar, Josh has more athleticism is his pinky finger than the rest of the team..yes he makes some ill advised shots, but at times, he is the only one out there attempting to make a shot! Lose Josh, and I’m out for good..to wherever he goes…..have been watching this kid since middle school, he never really has had a real coach in the pros either, make that move if you want to see improvement!
Alejandro
May 25th, 2011
10:42 pm
As an NBA fan and spectator, my view of this trade is a joke. Bynum is never healthy and is always drawn to injuries. Artest is a bad boy type that he always bring shame to the team especially the way he plays. Compare them to Josh Smith and Kirk Hindrich, Hindrich may be old but his defense is more solid and Josh Smith can spot plays and make them work. Sure both Josh’s and Kirk’s defense combined may be minuscule comparing to Bynum’s but what does Artest has to offer? If you’re looking for a trade, my suggestion would be using Marvin Williams as a potential trade to see who has good offers and replace both Etan Thomas and Jason Collins wages and increase the money potential to get Dwight Howard. Dwight at Center with Josh and Al at forward will make them unstoppable. Keep Wilkins and Armstrong as backups with Pape Sy and Magnum for summer league. For Crawford, you’ll have to find a way on how to settle that since someone’s stupid enough to offer Joe Johnson a deal like that.
djthescorpian
May 25th, 2011
10:48 pm
Just think where the Hawks would be at this time, if they let J.J. shop for other teams who were willing to offer $ to Joe, and just said “well, you can have him”. Look at all that money we would’ve saved.
mdubthewiz
May 25th, 2011
10:57 pm
I like it ok, but I would prefer to keep Hinrich. Who’s backing up Teague?
HawksFanForever
May 25th, 2011
11:06 pm
“PureEvil
May 25th, 2011
11:21 am
Smith = sometimes a game changing player always a great defender
Hinrick = expendable but are we sure Teague will be able to be the man
for
Bynum = often injured never a game changer
Artest = old punk with deteriorating game.
NO”
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
John Brown
May 25th, 2011
11:15 pm
NO. NO. NO. NO! Josh is as good, if not better than Bynum now, still has upside, and UNLIKE BYNUM, isn’t hurt all the time. I’ve never seen Josh Smith clothesline a 5′ 10″ guy either. Yea, do this, Josh is an All Star as Kobe’s Robin. Forget it. DO NOT DO THIS TRADE. Not to mention, JOE, JAMAL, AND AL were the one’s who disappeared in the playoffs. Josh was our most consistent player throughout the playoffs. DUMB DUMB MOVE. BAD TRADE. HEY SPIRIT GROUP IDIOTS? DO YOU HEAR ME? DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE WORDS COMING OUT OF MY MOUTH?
John Brown
May 25th, 2011
11:20 pm
Yea, what is it with all the Smoove hate? The Hawks could prove once and for all they are a hopeless franchise run by morons.. IF THEY MAKE THIS TRADE. Yea, you’d make Smoove haters happy…these are the people who clearly tune in during the playoffs and listen to the pundits crab about him. Watch a whole season. Or 5. Josh is the straw that stirs the drink. And, if you trade Josh, the true hard core Hawks fans would abandon this team in droves. Yea JJ and Bynum…that’s the path to a championship….LOL
Mystikal
May 25th, 2011
11:33 pm
Hey JS,
Do we even know what the interest for Smith is on the market right now?
Are teams willing to give up the likes of a Bynum?
Marvin will be a 20ppg scorer
May 25th, 2011
11:50 pm
If the Lakers are stupid enough to make that trade, i say do it right now!.
Limbo
May 25th, 2011
11:58 pm
John Brown – I guess you didnt watch the Orlando series . Josh was our most consistent player in the playoffs because he showed up for a couple of games against the Bulls after getting called out on national tv and by basically every media outlet ?
I would not want Artest at this stage but I would want Bynum for Josh.
At some point you gotta take a chance though so I would consider it . Anyone who wants to keep this bunch together is flat out delusional though
EmirS.
May 26th, 2011
12:47 am
I’d think the Lakers would keep Bynum to use as a trading piece to get Dwight next year. Or this year….or whenever.
Plus why would the Lakers give up Bynum and Artest for Smith and Hinrich. What would they be gaining with that? It’s defense for defense…but Lakers give up height.
Trade these Bozos
May 26th, 2011
12:48 am
Schultz and Bradley for a used washing machine. The used washing machine would at the same time be both more interesting and intelligent.
EmirS.
May 26th, 2011
12:49 am
And I also feel you lose any chance of getting Dwight here if Smith is gone.
(For us who like to daydream that is).