How the Atlanta Hawks just might stay together after all
Given that Rick Sund only went one-for-two on keeping last summer’s key free agents, the inclination is to think he might pull a Jeff Francoeur and bat .250 (or worse) this time around. But I’m thinking Sund will do better. I’m thinking the Hawks have a real chance to keep this team together, provided two things happen:
1. The economy stays bad.
2. Nobody gets mad.
“I like the core of this club,” Sund said this week. “I’d like to keep as much of it together as I can.” His endorsement is a major factor: It means he likes what he has and wants to add, not subtract.
Sund inherited last summer’s free agents, and it’s no secret he valued Josh Childress less than ownership did. The fractious Atlanta Spirit actually gave the new general manager permission to exceed the salary cap on Childress – you can do that to keep your own free agents – and Sund declined.
Sund has a clear idea as to what he feels guys are worth. He took a media hit, in this space and others, for letting Childress leave, but Sund stuck to his numbers. (Note also that Sund didn’t offer Mike Woodson, whom he says “did a good job this year,” a contract extension Thursday.) If it’s reasonable to assume this GM doesn’t see the 32-year-old Mike Bibby as worth $15 million, which is what he made last season, it’s reasonable others won’t, either.
A lot of real money has been lost these past nine months, and even the millionaires who own NBA teams aren’t worth what they were. If the economy doesn’t spike upward the next five weeks, Free Agency 2009 isn’t apt to be a flurry of free spending.
Is another club apt to see Bibby as its missing piece and hand him, say, $10 million a year? (At his age, there’s no way he gets $15 million from anybody.) Is any team apt to see Marvin Williams, who made $5.6 million last season, as worth $9 million? (Remember, Josh Smith got $58 million over five seasons last summer, and that was because the economy cratered. And Smith is clearly the better player.)
Loading ...A bad economy favors the Hawks, who have committed only $40 million for 2009-2010. (The salary cap was $59 million in 2008-2009.) A bad economy would allow Sund to say, “You can take a bit more cash to go lose games in Minneapolis, or you can stay where you know something good is happening. Your choice.”
Sometimes that pitch works. It didn’t with Childress because he saw playing in Greece as a life experience, not just a career move, and it didn’t because what GMs called “the spite factor” kicked in. Childress thought he was worth more and got mad when Sund disagreed. Bibby might do the same. So might Williams. More than money, spite will be the determinant of this offseason.
Two guesses: Flip Murray will re-sign with the Hawks – no GM likes Flip, who has played almost everywhere, more than Sund – and Zaza Pachulia will leave. The destinations of Bibby and Williams seem more a coin flip, but the Hawks do have this working for them:
The coin in question? It’s no longer a silver dollar. It’s one thin dime.
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
203 comments Add your comment
Mitch
May 24th, 2009
4:35 pm
Jhan, the question is: If Bibby goes, will the Hawks have enough scoring? As I said, he’s not perfect, but.. I’ve always been a believer, that the team could use a big third scoring option, behind Joe Johnson and Josh Smith. Yes, I know teams win titles with only two, but to have a third option, would be good.
Sund has some difficult decisions to make. I wouldnt want to be him.
Mitch
Osama
May 24th, 2009
4:37 pm
A couple of bloggers made some nice suggestions that may have been overlooked. I’m a big supporter of the Hawks acquiring a center to shift the two low post players (Horford & Smith) to their natural positions–PF & SF. It would send Marvin to the bench and give us a truly two-deep team. The two names mentioned were Marcus Camby and Tyson Chandler. Either of whom would fit perfectly for the half-court set and Tyson is no stranger to running the floor in transition w/ CP3. Camby is an excellent shot blocker and rebounder and both clog the lane by their presence alone. I don’t know the contract status of either player but those would be two strong candidates to properly align the starting five.
E43
May 24th, 2009
4:40 pm
i dont see why people are thinking about letting marvin go i mean he plays both forward positions well and adds his length. i mean marv just included the 3ball to his game, injuries hurt his career. drafting a point guard is nonesense, after all the point guards in hawks draft history, i think the best bet is free agency. where you can pick your strenghts and not just flip a coin and hope. i also think that mr Sund should push to get childress back he was extremely/remarkably efficient just look at his stats over his career. jchill isnt very strong but he can add to the offense upfront despight being a guard. he could be the G/F to compliment Jsmiths SF/PF abilities. my last opinion is risky but trade speedy with a draft pick. nobody wants him but im sure sum1 wants the pick and we free up sum space on the cap and have sumone that will score at least 2points a game. .
E43
May 24th, 2009
4:55 pm
MEMO TO ATL FANS.
atl where less than 10 years ago the hawks were a 16 win team happens.
where josh smith with the jam/block/assist/oop/steal happens
where joe johnson for threeeeeee happens
where mike bibby for threeeee happens
where marve with those two clutch threes at the corners happens
where. flip murray with 3 straight threes in the forth quarter happens
where zaza in the face of garnet happens
where mario west D on Kobe happens.
point is we trully have a highlight factory if you dont beleive in your team then go watch those teams that didnt make the playoffs and youll see that you have 82 exciting fun games to watch
Texas Pol Killer
May 24th, 2009
5:11 pm
OT but still sports. Texas political hacks cause deaths of very endangered whooping cranes:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/6409645.html
STREETQ
May 24th, 2009
5:32 pm
THE HAWKS ANSWER TO GOING TO THAT NEXT LEVEL IS TRADING JOSH SMITH.HE IS NOT A PF, AND MARVIN WILLIAMS IS A NATURAL SF. JOSH DOESN’T COMMAND A DOUBLE TEAM IN THE POST,NO MID-RANGE SHOT AND WANTS TO SHOOT 3′S, NO BALLHANDLING SKILLS TO CREATE A SHOT FROM THE SF POSTION. HIS BLKS ARE DOWN BECAUSE HE CANT BANG WITH A TRUE PF IN THE LEAGUE.MARVIN IS FAR MORE SUPERIOR AT THE SF SPOT.CONSISTENT,GREAT ON BALL DEFENDER ( THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN GAURD LEBRON JAMES ON THIS TEAM).
TRADE SMITH FOR CHRIS BOSH AND MOVE HORFORD TO PF.DRAFT PG LAWSON AND IMPROVE BENCH AND WILL WOULD BE IN THE CONF.FINALS NEXT YEAR GAURANTEED.
C-CHRIS BOSH
PF-HORFORD
SF-WILLIAMS
SG-JOHNSON
PG-BIBBY-(1 YR CONTRACT)
BENCH.
FLIP MURRAY
ZAZA
EVANS
LAWSON-PG OUTTA UNC
CHILDRESS??
______<FILL IN ANOTHA BIG MAN
Hoops
May 24th, 2009
5:55 pm
Street Q,
I like your plan. You are going to need some money to make it happen. Would you consider letting Bibby go (he will not sign for a 1 yr. contract)? That will give you some money to go after another point guard like Sessions and be able to resign Zaza, Marvin, and Flip. I don’t think Lawson will be available @ #19 in the draft. Would you consider offering Acie and the #19 pick for the #2 or #3 pick? It might even cost you Speedy! Then you could draft Thabeet. Now you look like this:
PG-Sessions,Flip
SG-JJ, Evans
SF-Marvin, Childress
PF-Horford, Morris
C-Bosh, Zaza, Thabeet
ILL-logical
May 24th, 2009
7:11 pm
One of the bigger misconceptions about the Hawks interior players is that their length is their primary handicap, I believe it is their heft as well.
First, Al is listed at 245lbs; Josh Smith is listed at 240(which is to much for his frame IMO) and Solo is generously listed at 245 lbs.They are all giving up 20-40 lbs per man at the current postions.
ZaZa is the only player would qualify as having heft but his lack of over all athleticsm negates his heft.
Al will fill out to 255-260 lbs over the next few years so he might be able to compete better in the post but Josh must loose 10 lbs to keep his agility. for all of the folks who don’t believe his future is at 3, it is for not only the obvious reasons-more heft and increased interior defense but the need to run and gun to make into later rounds of the playoffs.
And for the record, Chris Bosh is not a center. If he is acquired, he will play the 4 and if I had my ‘druthers-he is a beter all around player than Al. But not to worry, the BAASP cannot afford Bosh.
Net-net, while the team is operating on the cheap-and that will be for the foreseeable future like most of the NBA, we need to see an emphasis on heft not height.
Mark Bradley
May 24th, 2009
7:41 pm
I keep hearing that the Hawks should try to get Tyson Chandler. Al Horford is a better center than Tyson Chandler. Averaged more points and rebounds each of the past two seasons. You could look it up.
Truth-serum
May 24th, 2009
8:39 pm
Mark Bradley
May 24th, 2009
7:41 pm
Its quite amazing how Mo Dumb Bradley can be entrusted to relay any meaniful commentary or insight when he clearly doesnt know the difference between a power forward and a center. Al Hordford was,is and will always be, a Power forward. All Power forwards spend minutes at the 5. Al plays best facing the basket or cutting to it. A true center plays with his back to the basket.
Im not big on T Chandler but Im certainly not going to try to get to the next level with Horford as a center. Surely you jest!
Ken Strickland
May 24th, 2009
10:27 pm
TRUTH SERUM-I am so pleased that I can bring some jocularity into your otherwise negative existence. It’s truely revealing how you criticize me for making HC MWoodson an issue while you single C ZPachulia out and made him your issue. I noticed you conveniently avoided referencing the lack of quickness, speed and penetrating ability of PG MBibby, which is an issue, especially considering his size.
Using your flawed attempt at logic one can criticize AHorford and JSmith for not being 7′ tall, or JJohnson for not being as quick, fast and athletic as KBryant or DWade. PEOPLE THAT PRACTICE HYPOCRISY ARE CALLED HYPROCRITES. THERE ARE THOSE WHO SEE THE FOREST AND THERE ARE THOSE WHO SEE THE TREES. GUESS WHICH CATEGORY YOU FALL INTO, HYPOCRITE.
ORLANDO LEDBETTER-MBibby did have a good OFF series against Miami, but his DEF, as always, was lacking. Bibby is smart, savy and an excellent 3pt shooter especially in the clutch. However, he doesn’t penetrate and breakdown DEF’s to help his teammates get easy scoring opportunities. and that’s important when you don’t have a lot of players with one on one ability.
JODY-few if any players that can match AHorfords speed, quickness and athleticiam can match his size and strength. Few if any that can match his size and strength can match his speed, quickness and athleticism. Therefore, against JOneal, if the team had forced the issue and Horford had been allowed to utilize his decidedly superior speed, quickness, strength and athleticism, there’s no way Oneal could have stayed on the floor with Horford. THAT’S WHERE THE ABSENCE OF THAT THING CALLED STRATEGY, AND TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE TALENTS OF YOUR PLAYERS, COME INTO PLAY.
AHorford’s 9.3RPG makes him the NBA’s 9th best rebounder and that’s better than starting BIGS like JPrzybilla, SDalembert, LAldridge, CVilanueva, who are BIGS that some of you have mentioned acquiring. That also beats BIGS like EDampier, SHawes, JThompson, AVarejo, JNoah, BLopez, DNowitzki, MGasol and SOneal, to name a few, and all of the aforementioned players are TALLER than AHorford. IN FACT, THE MAJORITY OF THESE PLAYERS ARE 7 FOOTERS, SO PLEASE STOP USING THAT “HE’S UNDERSIZED”, OR WE’RE UNDERSIZED, OR HE’S A NATURAL PF AS AN EXCUSE AND LOOK AT THE REAL REASONS WE GOT OUT REBOUNDED? DO ANY OF YOU THINK DHOWARD, THE NBA’S LEADING REBOUNDER, WOULD AVERAGE AS MANY REBOUNDS IF HE HAD TO SPEND AS MUCH TIME AS OUR BIG’s DO OUT ON THE FLOOR TRYING TO DEFEND THE OTHER TEAMS BEST PG’s AND SG’s?
dap01
May 25th, 2009
8:28 am
We need help at center, we need a shot blocker. That does not mean replace Hortford. The Center Defensive position is weak on the Hawks.
We need help at defense at the PG position. Bibby is the worst defensive PG in the NBA. You can not take a team but so far with a very one dimensinal PG. I like Bibby but if he is on the team Woody will only play him and again we will be severly flawed at crunch time of any game.
Truth-serum
May 25th, 2009
9:04 am
Ken Strickland
May 24th, 2009
10:27 pm
Woodson has done a superior job. 95% of knowledgeable basket-ballers will acknowledge that. TNT had, ESPN has and I do believe he was in the top nine for coach of the year award. Since everyone else acknowledges it that make your attacks personal.
Speaking of personal, I just reread my commentary of your irrational BLAH, BLAH, and BLAH and found no personal attack against you from me yet you have resorted to ill founded name calling…why am I not surprised? Usually when a person’s writings have no substance they resort to name calling. You are no different.
I analyzed ZaZa because he lost his starting job and now we have a power forward trying to man a position that Z was brought here to man. He hasn’t panned out like Koncak did not. My thoughts are to make the Hawks better and have nothing to do with you personally. You can’t get to the next level without a legit center. Period. You haven’t learned that. You regurgitate knowledge but are a glutton for hate.
You charge that I did not analyze Bibby for what he brings, that is not true and a borderline lie.
You obviously read with your overburdened heart and not with your mine (I’m assuming you have one) because I did mention that the way to take Bibby is in the low post where he, like Z is defenseless. In addition if you read my previous blogs I have mentioned that Bibby is a liability defensively.
Having said that, I must added that what Bibby lacks in D he more than offsets in offense. I can’t say the same for Za watch this turnover Za, A.k.A. the fast lane to the rack is now open please practice your show dunks while I watch.
Bibby was the # 3 three point shooter in the NBA and his shots are a significant reason the Hawks are in the hunt. Can we live without him? For sure! We’ve got Flip! Bibby is on his last legs….figuratively. I’d like to add that because of his high level of experience, his three point shot and his point guard wisdom Bibby is an asset for any team including the Hawks. If he stays it’s time to move flip to start and Bibby to come off the bench.
Pachulia gave it his best, “I ain’t mad at him” but lost his job, nothing personal, like your hate of Woodson. Perhaps if you can get past your hate you can begin to see clearly. You will recognize the Hawks need for a center, how important a position the center is in sports, appreciate Woody and learn the basics and beauty of basketball.
Until then have a nice day.
Did you read in my address to you something about 7 footers? I dont think so…like I said before you do have a imagination. Most SF and Pf arent 7 footers. Now that you mention it…it would be GREAT to have a athletic 7 foot presence in the low post…
Sam Wetherson
May 25th, 2009
9:08 am
I am just wondering if the ASG can afford to pay people. Another thing no one is paying to see Josh Smith. People are going to see the Hawks. Did you guys hear how bad he got booed when he would take long jumpers. Some tough decisions are going to have to be made for us to make it to the next level. We should build around JJ-Marv-Horf.
I respect everyone’s opinion but I question what games are some of you watching. Josh Smith is a horrible defensive player man on man. His blocks are down. He is trying to become the black Dirk Nowinski. He has to go or needs to come off of the bench. He shouldn’t complain because he will get paid the same.
Truth-serum
May 25th, 2009
9:19 am
Ken Strickland
May 24th, 2009
10:27 pm
Are you really this lost or is it just for show?
Dennis Rodman led the nba in rebounds for many years, but he is a PF not a center. How small minded to think that being a center is about getting rebounds. DUDE. I thought Mark Bradley was DUMB. You are MO DUMBER! Dumb, Mo Dumb, and Mo Dumber.
Being a force in the paint is not about rebounds dude. True Horford goes to the boards. That doesnt mean a power forward is a center. As a matter of fact if you man the postion correctly you will get non athletic rebound because youve box out. Most of Al’s rebounds are a result of his atleticism and tenacity like Rodmans. He is a good rebounder as are many powerforwards…Duh! That doesnt mean he is a center because he can rebound, Mo Dumber!
Ken Strickland
May 24th, 2009
10:27 pm
Truth-serum
May 25th, 2009
9:23 am
Sam Wetherson
May 25th, 2009
9:08 am
Why does it have to be the”black Dirk”? Why cant it be “Dirk”?
What has race to do with it?
jhan
May 25th, 2009
10:42 am
Truth – are you really saying you never noticed the switching defense we played all year? You never saw ZaZa, Al or Josh trying to guard the other teams PG at the top of the key? This defensive strategy is Woody’s signature on this team. Hard to believe you’ve even watched a Hawks game and this is not obvious to you. Strange from someone who wants to teach the fundamentals of basketball to the entire blog.
incredible
May 25th, 2009
11:37 am
Niremental said:The Smoove-vs-Marvin debate is long-running on Sekou’s blog. My impression is that the more consistently people watch Hawks games, the more highly they value Marvin. I just think it’s one of those cases where Smoove is pretty much exactly as good as his stats indicate, but Marvin is better than his stats indicate
This might be the biggest case of hypocrisy ever. Smith was the Hawks best player in the playoffs. Smith has had better stats than Marvin his whole career. They also are the same size and Marvin is about six months younger. Yet let you tell it people should value you Marvin more. Please tell us based on what? Why do people try to make Al Horford some great player. He was getting destroyed by Jermaine O’Neal before he got hurt against Miami. He got benched for Zaza. Horford does not even have a post game at all. His best shot is a mid-range jumper. He also doesn’t have the foot speed to play the four.
The Hawks biggest need is a leader pg who can run this team and play defense. Tell Smith to stop shooting jumpers and get his but in the post. Tell JJ to grow a pair and stop whining about being tired when the going gets tough.
Joe Johnson
May 25th, 2009
12:30 pm
Guys, cut me a break: I’m…tired.
truth-serum
May 25th, 2009
12:50 pm
jhan
May 25th, 2009
10:42 am
If I was a coach and I saw a slow ackward 6′11″ center who cant jump trying to guard My most athletic player like Kobe or Lebron, in the high post or at the top of the key or on a wing Id think the opposing coach has taking the day off. No. Ive not seen or will I ever see Z trying to guard Kobe or Lebron on the circle. Hes to slow and theyd blow right past him and dunk. Get real.
No. I dont want to teach fundamentals here. Id rather have an more serious level of conversation. I order to have any conversation on this sight I must wade through the blatant racism and basketball ignorance in search of some one with some sense. Sometimes its hard to discern which is racist
Sam Wetherson
May 25th, 2009
9:08 am
and which is ignorant
Mark Bradley
May 24th, 2009
7:41 pm
sometimes there is a combination of both
Ken Strickland
May 24th, 2009
12:00 pm
No Ive never saw Z trying to guard a point guard. If he did Maybe thats why he lost his starting job to a power forward!
truth-serum
May 25th, 2009
1:10 pm
jhan
May 25th, 2009
10:42 am
One other thing, if an opposing coach runs a screen pick or another play that forces a switch and a low post player is left out of position, understand that it happens all the time In Basketball. It’s a part of coaching. It doesn’t mean the coach’s philosophy is to put our slowest player with the least jumping ability to guard their fastest and most skill play which many times is a guard or small forward.
Coaches force these mismatches. Woody has done an excellent job despite being short handed with defensive liabilities like Za ” please dunk on me ” Za and “back me down” Bibby.
No, I don’t want to teach fundamentals but sometimes to have conversation you must reach people where they are at.
Speaking of reaching people where they are at, are you continuing the hate on Woody campaign, or, are you truly without understanding?
Ken Strickland
May 25th, 2009
4:15 pm
SERUM-ANYONE DUMB ENOUGHT TO PRETEND THEY KNOW THE EXACT PRECENTAGE OF KNOWLEDGEABLE BASKETBALL FANS THAT WOULD CLAIM MC MWOODSON HAS DONE A SUPERIOR JOB IS TRUELY DILLUSINOAL AND LOOKING TO JUSTIFY AN UNJUSTIFIABLE POSITION. BOTTOMLINE, YOU’RE A LOT OF NEGATIVE HOT AIR AND A COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME. GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND THE 95% OF YOUR IMAGINARY KNOWLEDGEABLE BASKETBALL FANS.
jk77
May 25th, 2009
4:28 pm
Forget about Chris Paul. Billy( I pick the raw post player over obvious need at 2 in 05, then the undersized Duke product over another future all-star-B.Roy- the next year) Knight shafted your franchise to the point where some of you are now renting on this blog about your teams future. Trading players who start and are under the age of 25 is never a good thing, especially ones as talented as Smith, Williams, and Horford.
dsouth
May 25th, 2009
6:00 pm
Why not Andre Miller, the guy would fit the bill for what we need in a point guard and not cost much more than Bibby. I like Bibby, but this guy has constantly gotten better and still doesn’t get the respect he should. Plus he is in the mold of AC which gives us a seamless transition to the reserve rotation, running a similar offense. Opinions? Another interesting guy would be Big Z from Cleveland. I think that Miller would be the man though running the fast break. Go get sick wit it!
See what I did there?
May 25th, 2009
10:33 pm
Chris “The Birdman” Anderson + Atlanta Hawks uniform = Destiny?
O'brien
May 26th, 2009
12:17 am
Mr. Bradley, as mentioned on the other blog, Mike Bibby is good offensively, but his weak defense has a trickle down effect.
1) JJ is forced to guard quick PG’s (more wear and tear on JJ)
2) Bibby’s man gets in the lane easily and forces our bigs to foul
3) Bibby’s man gets in the paint and finds shooters when our bigs have to switch
4) Bibby is already on the decline. Imagine how much slower he will be this coming season (and the season after that).
If Woody plays Bibby 24-28 minutes every game (unless he is hot), then his defensive weaknesses wont be as magnified. But even when he is getting lit up (or when his shot isnt falling), Woody still plays him. We need a PG who can defend his position, push the ball, and drive and dish. If we have a PG who gets other players involved more, I think Bibby’s offense can be replaced if Marvin gets more shots, and if our bigs get more shots.
Publix
May 26th, 2009
12:34 am
I would agree that we need a new PG. I would go risky here and let Law try it again. He definently has the potential, just seems a little too afraid and tries a little too hard.
I would draft a C and work on developing him to be ready in the next two years.
We should sign Sessions from Milwaukee and Powe from the Celtics.
I would trade Marvin to Memphis for Navarro and Warrick (both free agents).
PG- Law
SG- Joe
SF- Smith
PF- Horford
C – Powe
PG- Sessions
SG- Murry & Navarro
SF- Warrick
PF- Jones
C – Zaza & Draft Pick
dap01
May 26th, 2009
7:35 am
O’brienL: I agree.
truth-serum
May 26th, 2009
12:41 pm
Ken Strickland
May 25th, 2009
4:15 pm
For you this is not about growing the Hawks, It’s about your hate of Woody. It’s very difficult to argue with results, Ken.
Hate is blinding.
Don’t Hate…Congratulate!!!!…
Woodson on an excellent season, and for making the top 9 in the coach of the year polls (he did it without a superstar), and for the accolades’ offered by TNT and those offered by ESPN and for having the young and emotional Hawks up to the challenge of advancing in the playoffs…and the Great job he did with Josh’s attitude. Not to mention the negative press and the loud and vocal Bubba Crew.
Don’t hate congratulate!
The Hawks on a very good year!!
Smile God loves you too!!!
O’brien
May 26th, 2009
12:17 am
Good post!!!
The only issue I have is that nobody “forces our bigs to foul”. Z fouls because he’s not athletic enough to man the post. He can’t jump or run and he is a continuing turnover and is zero threat offensively. In the NBA many coaches will tell their guards to force their man to the center, having the expectation that the Center with get the job done without fouling out. I ask you to research Duncan in his youth, or Olajuwon, or Moses Malone or Mutombo for that matter. One of the advantages of having a true center is that if your man beats you he still has an uphill battle in the low post. Most teams with a real center will slant their man to the rack and dare him to try…
Here again is my take on Bibby:
The way to take Bibby is in the low post where he, like Z is defenseless. In addition if you read my previous blogs I have mentioned that Bibby is a liability defensively.
Having said that, I must added that what Bibby lacks in D he more than offsets in offense. I can’t say the same for Za watch this turnover Za, A.k.A. the fast lane to the rack is now open please practice your show dunks while I watch.
Bibby was the # 3 three point shooter in the NBA and his shots are a significant reason the Hawks are in the hunt. Can we live without him? For sure! We’ve got Flip! Bibby is on his last legs….figuratively. I’d like to add that because of his high level of experience, his three point shot and his point guard wisdom Bibby is an asset for any team including the Hawks. If he stays it’s time to move flip to start and Bibby to come off the bench.
dsouth
May 25th, 2009
6:00 pm
You’re on to something with this Miller thing. Miller is bigger and faster than Bibby but young enough to run with the Josh, Al, JJ, flip and Marv. He can distribute. Our guards will need speed to maximize the talent on this team. Question is what Miller has in terms of a three point shot. Never underestimate the power of three. When we are facing a team with a true center outside shooting will be necessary to create open lanes and higher percentage shots. With Bibby there were only two guys better at the three in the entire NBA!! That’s saying a lot!!
What is your opinion of getting Flip moved to the start? I do believe he can play the 1 spot as well as anyone. He can hit the three, make assists and run the offense. He won’t get back down to often and is fast on switch.
Z from Cleveland for Z from Atlanta…. Wed get the better in that trade. Zydrunas Ilgauskas seems to be much more athletic and is a true center (note he plays best with his back to the basket).
This is the one he removed.
Right now we don’t have a center and we have a power forward filling in and our center is relegated to the bench. We won’t get to the next level without a center.
I like your line of thought.
truth-serum
May 26th, 2009
12:43 pm
Ken Strickland
May 25th, 2009
4:15 pm
This is the one he removed
For you this is not about growing the Hawks, It’s about your hate of Woody. It’s very difficult to argue with results, Ken.
Hate is blinding.
Don’t Hate…Congratulate!!!!…
Woodson on an excellent season, and for making the top 9 in the coach of the year polls (he did it without a superstar), and for the accolades’ offered by TNT and those offered by ESPN and for having the young and emotional Hawks up to the challenge of advancing in the playoffs…and the Great job he did with Josh’s attitude. Not to mention the negative press and the loud and vocal Bubba Crew.
Don’t hate congratulate!
The Hawks on a very good year!!
Smile God loves you too!!!
O’brien
May 26th, 2009
12:17 am
Good post!!!
The only issue I have is that nobody “forces our bigs to foul”. Z fouls because he’s not athletic enough to man the post. He can’t jump or run and he is a continuing turnover and is zero threat offensively. In the NBA many coaches will tell their guards to force their man to the center, having the expectation that the Center with get the job done without fouling out. I ask you to research Duncan in his youth, or Olajuwon, or Moses Malone or Mutombo for that matter. One of the advantages of having a true center is that if your man beats you he still has an uphill battle in the low post. Most teams with a real center will slant their man to the rack and dare him to try…
Here again is my take on Bibby:
The way to take Bibby is in the low post where he, like Z is defenseless. In addition if you read my previous blogs I have mentioned that Bibby is a liability defensively.
Having said that, I must added that what Bibby lacks in D he more than offsets in offense. I can’t say the same for Za watch this turnover Za, A.k.A. the fast lane to the rack is now open please practice your show dunks while I watch.
Bibby was the # 3 three point shooter in the NBA and his shots are a significant reason the Hawks are in the hunt. Can we live without him? For sure! We’ve got Flip! Bibby is on his last legs….figuratively. I’d like to add that because of his high level of experience, his three point shot and his point guard wisdom Bibby is an asset for any team including the Hawks. If he stays it’s time to move flip to start and Bibby to come off the bench.
dsouth
May 25th, 2009
6:00 pm
You’re on to something with this Miller thing. Miller is bigger and faster than Bibby but young enough to run with the Josh, Al, JJ, flip and Marv. He can distribute. Our guards will need speed to maximize the talent on this team. Question is what Miller has in terms of a three point shot. Never underestimate the power of three. When we are facing a team with a true center outside shooting will be necessary to create open lanes and higher percentage shots. With Bibby there were only two guys better at the three in the entire NBA!! That’s saying a lot!!
What is your opinion of getting Flip moved to the start? I do believe he can play the 1 spot as well as anyone. He can hit the three, make assists and run the offense. He won’t get back down to often and is fast on switch.
Z from Cleveland for Z from Atlanta…. Wed get the better in that trade. Zydrunas Ilgauskas seems to be much more athletic and is a true center (note he plays best with his back to the basket).
Right now we don’t have a center and we have a power forward filling in and our center is relegated to the bench. We won’t get to the next level without a center.
I like your line of thought.
jhan
May 26th, 2009
1:29 pm
Truth – then I guess your boy Woody takes a lot of games off because he likes to switch defensively. Every time an opposing team needs a basket they run a pick & roll from the top of the key which forces our big man to guard their slasher. Check on Youtube for highlights if you think I’m joking. If our coach can’t figure out a way to stop that play then maybe he isn’t that great of a coach.
I don’t hate Woody but I do see several flaws (my opinion) in the way he coaches. Are you satisfied with his offense? Do you think he utilizes his players to their max? Do you think he develops his players to their full potential? If you don’t agree with all these questions do you now hate Woody? Do you hate everyone you disagree with? You can certainly disagree with someone without hating them.
I’m not sure about the racist comment – I hope that wasn’t directed my way because I’m certainly not a racist person.
truth-serum
May 26th, 2009
2:54 pm
jhan
May 26th, 2009
1:29 pm
I understand your comment “Every time an opposing team needs a basket they run a pick & roll from the top of the key which forces our big man to guard their slasher.”
This is why teams run the pick and roll. Its basketball. All coaches will run the pick and roll on all teams. Teams with superior personnel will run it more. It’s a rehearsed play that has proven result. No team is immune. It’s like a screen option in football. It forces d-backs to come up to the line. If Z were more athletic he would not get trapped as often. Never the less, I don’t fault him. Every coach looks at your limitations and run set plays to exploit your weakness. That why I’m pushing for a more athletic and imposing center.
Woody’s team won how many games? Of the games they lost how many were lost going into the fourth quarter? These kids under Woody almost won 50 games, they were winning, or in, 95% or more of their games going into the last quarter.
I don’t argue with results. How many coaches are in the NBA? Woody was number nine in the coach of the year poll and 4 of the coaches in front of him had legitimate superstars. If you don’t like his style of coaching that it’s fair to express your opinion. He’s winning! Like it or not he’s one of the better coaches in the NBA. His team is in almost every game and he’s coaching the 3rd youngest team in the NBA. I appreciate your analysis. TNT and ESPN disagree with your assessment of Woody’s Job performance. Me too. I think He’s a winner.
Here is an obvious racial comment:
Sam Wetherson
May 25th, 2009
9:08 am
He had written that Josh Smith was trying to be the Black Dirk Nowitski. It appears to have been removed, but the way this site is being managed it may appear again later. The implications were clear… to me anyway so I wrote and asked:
Truth-serum
May 25th, 2009
9:23 am
Sam Wetherson
May 25th, 2009
9:08 am
Why does it have to be the “black Dirk”? Why can’t it be “Dirk”?
What has race to do with it?
No, jhan I did not read you as racist just misguided in your view on Woody. We can agree to disagree.
jhan
May 26th, 2009
4:32 pm
Truth – I see where you’re coming from on ZaZa. I would like a better alternative coming off the bench as well. I just don’t know that one is available right now.
He’s not exactly a “winning” coach yet – his team has had “one” winning season. He is on the way. Before you go crazy – I do realize that he was dealt an awful hand to start so in my mind he get’s a pass for his first 3 seasons.
I said before the season started that if the Hawks had a winning record I would endorse bringing him back. I still stand by that & think that firing him right now would be unfair. I also feel that he has many shortcomings that need to be repaired.
His players are all in their 3rd – 6th seasons in his system so now is the time to shine. If I see no progression next season the blame has to fall on Woody. I hope this team wins the title next season & Woody gets a 10 year extension. Nothing would make me happier.
truth-serum
May 26th, 2009
8:31 pm
jhan
May 26th, 2009
4:32 pm
What you miss is that Za was brought here to start. He was a starter and he lost his job. Now by committee we have a power forward holding the post and doing better than our starter (formerly). That’s what you are missing. Now we are out of position and weaker at the post as a result.
As for as your disapproval or skepticism of Woody, you and a loud few others are willfully ignoring the man’s accomplishments and accolades. You are certainly the minority in this view. It’s hard for me to see how you can ignore his success. Finally your statement “3rd – 6th seasons in his system so now is the time to shine.” Well they are Shinning! So what’s the point!?! You also must consider that Josh did not get the refinement of college ball but came from high school. Marv has only one year of college before being drafted. These boys are just coming to manhood not just NBA maturity. The Hawks are the 3rd youngest team in the pro game and last year they were the youngest. So you again overlook the tremendous job Woody has done. Are you ignoring What TNT and ESPN said about him? Are you ignoring his top ten finish in the coach of the year poll?
I’m not trying to fix “what aint broke”!
What is broke is our center position. I like Al Horford and he needs to go back to the position he was drafted at and Z should be traded for a real center. That’s what he was brought here to do and if he can’t get the job done let’s give that position to someone who can and let’s give Woody the tools he needs to compete now that he has us on the playoff level. Nobody gets to the next level without a center.
Just for the record this is Woody’s fifth year, so no one has been in his program 6 years. Check the record. Here’s what the Hawks are saying about Woody?
College – Indiana
After four seasons of fielding one of the youngest teams in the NBA, you can understand the feeling of satisfaction as Hawks head coach Mike Woodson looks back on the 2007-08 campaign. To lead a franchise that was devoid of postseason competition for a then-league high eight years to the brink of one of the biggest upsets in postseason history, he has challenged his players to build on their accomplishment and make it back-to-back playoff appearances in 2008-09.
Woodson, who entered his Hawks coaching career as a rookie head coach, inherited a rebuilding situation that brought a lot of pain, heartache and long nights on the bench. While the wins were few and far between, he never stopped preaching and teaching his troops towards the ultimate goal – to become one of the 16 teams to make it to the playoffs and compete for the NBA championship.
Entering his fifth season, “Woody” is more determined than ever to make sure his team reaches that level again. At the end of the day he wants each of them to walk away knowing they have given their best each time they set foot on the court, and to become a better player for the experience
I must add that Woody got a championship ring with the Pistons.
To the Woody haters…hate on. Like I said earlier this year…he’ll be back next year.
Career Averages
REGULAR SEASON POST SEASON
YEAR TEAM WINS LOSSES PCT WINS LOSSES PCT
2004-05 Atlanta 13 69 .159 0 0 .000
2005-06 Atlanta 26 56 .317 0 0 .000
2006-07 Atlanta 30 52 .366 0 0 .000
2007-08 Atlanta 37 45 .451 3 4 .429
2008-09 Atlanta 47 35 .573 4 7 .364
Ken Strickland
May 26th, 2009
11:36 pm
JHAN-It’s rather obvious SERUM stands in front of a mirror and responds to his reflection when he claims certain individuals know nothing about basketball. He also claimed he understood what you were talking about, but clearly he doesn’t. Yes, every team runs pick and rolls, and every team has to defend pick and rolls. However, the Atlanta Hawks are the only team that switches on every pick and roll, refusing to fight over picks which would eliminate mismatches. If opposing teams consistently attempt to create a mismatch, would you consider a HC that continues to employ a DEF that consistently accomodates those efforts, to the detriment of his team, brillant? What advantage can we possibly gain having our biggest and best rebounders and shotblockers out on the perimeter trying to defend against the quickest, fastest and most athletic PG’s and SG’s, leaving our SG’s and PG’s to defend their BIGS.
I see why TRUTH SERUM is so enamored with Woodson. He’s just as shortsighted and clueless. By the way, I don’t know anything about Woodson personally, so from a personal prespective, there’s no logical reason for me to HATE him, which is SERUM’s uninformed assessment. However, as a HC, I do hate certain things he does or doesn’t do that hurts the team and some of its players.
ant banks
May 27th, 2009
9:23 am
Enter
cdog
May 27th, 2009
11:44 am
EVERYONE TRYING TO FIGUERE OUT KEEPING CERTAIN PLAYERS WITH THE HAWKS. WE SHOULD BE TALKING ABOUT ADDING PLAYERS.QUESTION TO RICK SUND AND THE HAWKS MANAGEMENT.WHY ARE THE MAJIC UP AT THIS TIME 3-1 AND THE HAWKS WERE SWEPT 4-0?BECAUSE THE MAJIC PLAYERS HAVE HEART AND THEY HAVE BIG MEN ON THE DEFENSIVE WHO WILL NOT ALLOW LEBRON JAMES TO COME INSIDE AND DO WHAT HE WANTS TO LIKE HE DID THE HAWKS.GET THE PICTURE SUND?YOU CAN’T WIN WTHOUT GOOD BIG MEN ESPECIALLY ON THE DEFENSIVE END. THAT’S WHAT TORE UP THE HAWKS LONG TIME AGO. THEY WERE A TREMENDOUS TEAM WITH TREE ROLLINS INSIDE REBOUNDING AND BLOCKING SHOTS.THEN THEY WENT AWAY THINKING THEY NEEDED OFFENSE FIRST. THEY BROUGHT IN MOSES MALONE WHO COULD SCORE BUT WAS PAST HIS PRIME ON DEFENSE. THE RESULT, THE TEAM WAS NEVER THE SAME ONE THAT WENT TO THE EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS.I’M SURE THE MAJIC HAS PLAYERS THAT ARE TIRED, HURT WRIST AND SORE ANKLES BUT THE DIFFERENCE WITH THEM AND THE HAWKS PLAYERS THEY ARE NOT SITTING OUT SCARED AND SHAMMING.THIS IS CRUNCH TIME NOW. THEY HAVE MORE HEART THAN THE CURRENT HAWK PLAYERS.SUND GET THE CELL OUT YOUR EAR AND FIX THE TEAM.WE WANT AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP. NOT JUST MAKE THE PLAYOFFS.REMEMBER HAWKS MANAGEMENT, YOU CAN’T TAKE A MULE TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY AND EXPECT TO WIN
truth-serum
May 27th, 2009
11:57 am
Ken Strickland
May 26th, 2009
11:36 pm
I hope you enjoyed the Hawks and their season.They arent having any problems selling tickets so be sure to get yours early!!!
Here’s what the Hawks are saying about Woody?
College – Indiana
After four seasons of fielding one of the youngest teams in the NBA, you can understand the feeling of satisfaction as Hawks head coach Mike Woodson looks back on the 2007-08 campaign. To lead a franchise that was devoid of postseason competition for a then-league high eight years to the brink of one of the biggest upsets in postseason history, he has challenged his players to build on their accomplishment and make it back-to-back playoff appearances in 2008-09.
Woodson, who entered his Hawks coaching career as a rookie head coach, inherited a rebuilding situation that brought a lot of pain, heartache and long nights on the bench. While the wins were few and far between, he never stopped preaching and teaching his troops towards the ultimate goal – to become one of the 16 teams to make it to the playoffs and compete for the NBA championship.
Entering his fifth season, “Woody” is more determined than ever to make sure his team reaches that level again. At the end of the day he wants each of them to walk away knowing they have given their best each time they set foot on the court, and to become a better player for the experience
I must add that Woody got a championship ring with the Pistons.
I hope you enjoyed the Hawks and their season.They arent having any problems selling tickets so be sure to get yours early!!!
Career Averages
REGULAR SEASON POST SEASON
YEAR TEAM WINS LOSSES PCT
2004-05 Atlanta 13 69 .159 0 0 .000
2005-06 Atlanta 26 56 .317 0 0 .000
2006-07 Atlanta 30 52 .366 0 0 .000
2007-08 Atlanta 37 45 .451 3 4 .429
truth-serum
May 27th, 2009
12:03 pm
cdog
May 27th, 2009
11:44 am
Good post!
I agree.
Its very clear that the Hawks next step is to get an established center, not a project or incomplete center or an unathletic post player who losses his starting job and is content with the bench. They need a center who can truely man the position in Defense and Offense.
Biker Dude
May 27th, 2009
12:45 pm
Mark Bradley,
We have to have a center to compete. We need a center…where are we getting him from? We need to do something with Bibby but I feel he should stay and we need to get a true point guard who is an assist machine and can score at will. These are the 2 pieces we are missing to compete for a championship. Joe Johnson needs to be much more consistent from the outside. I look at him with the likes of Wade & Lebron James and some other all stars. Joe Johnson can’t score at will like these guys can.. That’s the key component we are missing from Joe. What do you think?
Mark Bradley
May 27th, 2009
1:47 pm
OK, so the Hawks need a true center, a true point guard and a superstar. The same could be said for every other NBA club. Not one team has all of the above.
Truth-serum
May 27th, 2009
5:57 pm
There are 16 teams that make up the playoff run. Of those that get to the final 4 or the “serious” level they all have a center. The Hawks are knocking at the door. No one said they need a superstar. The concensus is that they must have a center! A point guard who can play defense and create his own shot would help. Thats all the hawks need to take it to the next level
cdog
May 27th, 2009
6:24 pm
WHAT DOES A SUPERSTAR HAS TO DO WITH ANYTHING?THEY HAVE POTENTIAL SUPERSTARS IN 3 OF THEIR CURRENT PLAYERS JOSH,JOE AND HORFORD.THEY NEED THE GOOD BIG MAN AND THE POINT GUARD ADDED. REMEMBER PAUL PIERCE?HE WAS A SUPERSTAR BUT THE CELTICS WERE LOSERS.THEN THE BIG MAN, GARNETT AND THE POINT CAME ALONG, RONDO.THEN THEY STARTED ADDING AND SUBTRACTING ROLE PLAYERS LAST.THE REST IS HISTORY, THE NBA CHAMPIONSHIP. HAD GARNETT NOT GONE DOWN THIS SEASON, THEY WOULD HAVE WON IT THIS SEASON. THATS WHY SUND SHOULD GET THE CELL OUT OF HIS EAR AND SERIOUS GO AFTER THE IMPORTANT BIG MAN AND POINT GUARD.WE ARE NOT WORRIED ABOUT WHAT OTHER TEAMS NEED,WE SHOULD ONLY BE WORRIED ABOUT THE HAWKS.
jhan
May 27th, 2009
6:42 pm
We can’t afford to resign all our players then add a dominant center & penetrating point guard. Also, those types of players aren’t just waiting around to be signed either. There just aren’t enough dominant big men to go around.
Truth – if we want a dominant center 2 of these 4 players will probably have to go (Marvin, Bibby, Josh, Al). Which would you keep & how would you fill out the rest of the roster.
If you inherit a 13 win team & don’t improve your record then you really are a poor coach.
I also heard ESPN/TNT guys talking about the Hawks total lack of offensive identity & their underdeveloped bench. They also said this team rotates poorly on defense. I suppose you didn’t hear any of that or chose to ignore that talk.
Antoine Walker, Boris Diaw, Al Harrington & many others were brought here to be starters as well. I’m not sure why you are so caught up with ZaZa. He is one of the better back-up centers in this league. Not everyone can start.
Jfreak
May 27th, 2009
6:50 pm
Smoove vs Marvin? MARVIN STAYS! First, Marvin can shoot free throws. Second, Marvin has a good Basketball IQ. Third, Marvin conintues to improve in the above mentioned areas and Smoove continues to decline. We need inside defense and rebounding more than we need Smoove, sorry Josh! Also, this debate Bibby vs Kidd come on! Kidd is way over done and Bibby has proven for a year and a half that he is still clutch and a great Vet to have on team. Sund has done a good job so far no reason to think he wont continue to that end?
Chico27
May 27th, 2009
6:51 pm
Check this… Keep all the players from this season except Zaza (i honestly don’t know why everyone is in love with the guy when the only thing he is good for is to agitate players on opposing teams. He can’t shoot worth a damn and he’s weak offensively under the paint) Bring in Rasheed Wallace under a one year contract to see how he fits with the Hawks (give him the 8mill he wants put the pressure on him and see how he performs.) Put him at Center which would move Horford to PF, have Marvin and Josh compete for the starting spot on the SF position (this would give us bench depth regardless of who gets the starting position) and keep Joe and Bibby as the SG and PG, respectively. I think this would be a great team that would keep or even exceed their 4th spot in the Eastern Conference. I guess where i’m getting is this… give this team a chance to see how they play together two years in a row and buy time until summer 2010 when the Hawks can make some big moves with the salary cap room they’ll have available. Remember, the list of free and restricted agents in 2010 is ridiculous!!!
Truth-serum
May 27th, 2009
9:16 pm
Season Champion center
2007-08 Boston Celtics- Kendrick Perkins
2006-07 San Antonio Spurs Tim Duncan
2005-06 Miami Heat Shaquille O’Neal
2004-05 San Antonio Spurs Tim Duncan
2003-04 Detroit Pistons Rasheed Wallace
2002-03 San Antonio Spurs Tim Duncan
2001-02 Los Angeles Lakers Shaquille O’Neal
2000-01 Los Angeles Lakers Shaquille O’Neal
1999-00 Los Angeles Lakers Shaquille O’Neal
1998-99 San Antonio Spurs Tim Duncan
1997-98 Chicago Bulls Luc Longley
1996-97 Chicago Bulls Luc Longley
1995-96 Chicago Bulls Luc Longley
1994-95 Houston Rockets Hakeem Olajuwon
1993-94 Houston Rockets Hakeem Olajuwon
1992-93 Chicago Bulls Bill Cartwright
1991-92 Chicago Bulls Bill Cartwright
1990-91 Chicago Bulls Bill Cartwright
1989-90 Detroit Pistons Bill Laimbeer
1988-89 Detroit Pistons Bill Laimbeer
1987-88 Los Angeles Lakers Kareem Jabbar
1986-87 Los Angeles Lakers Kareem Jabbar
1985-86 Boston Celtics Robert Parish
1984-85 Los Angeles Lakers Kareem Jabbar
1983-84 Boston Celtics Robert Parish
1982-83 Philadelphia 76ers Moses Malone
1981-82 Los Angeles Lakers Kareem Jabbar
Truth-serum
May 27th, 2009
9:57 pm
jhan
May 27th, 2009
6:42 pm
I cant tell whether I talking to you or Ken after he passed your instructions
Ken Strickland
May 26th, 2009
11:36 pm
Either way I wont waste the time to speak to you because you are apart of the Ken Strickland Bubba posse.
Just to enlighten you, have you looked at the hawks salary cap this up coming season? Did you look at who was undercontract and for how much? Why do I think you are just making blanket statement with no knowledge of facts? The Hawks are very capable of adding the two missing pieces and would have money left over. Im not going to waste my time dealing with your non issues while you try to fix what aint broke. You totally disregard the fact that you dont build a team around a back up center….Duh, what are you thinking? He wasnt brought here to be a back up and we dont need a slow ackward turnover machine picking his nose when we are trying to win a championship.
I Hope you enjoy this side bar:
NBA’s Top 10 Centers
By Terrell James
NBA Jun 18, 2007
Remember when big men ran the NBA? In the ’90s, superstars like Hakeem, Ewing, Robinson, Young Shaq and Young ‘Zo had a huge impact on the League’s balance of power, and even second-tier guys like Rik Smits, Brad Daugherty, Vlade and Elden Campbell put in work.
Those days are ancient history. Now it’s the era of Jerome James and Adonal Foyle, where all 7-footers have to do is look like they can play and they’re almost guaranteed a fat contract. That’s why Greg Oden has been so hyped since early in his high school career; if he doesn’t usher in a new era of dominant centers, he’ll at least destroy most of the fives in the League on his way to multiple championships. Who will be Oden’s top comp? We ranked the League’s 10 best centers…
10. Zydrunas Ilgauskas — He’s slow and methodical, but Big Z gets the job done, as he showed throughout the Cavs’ run to the Finals. When he gets involved in the offense, he’s a decent scorer (11.9 ppg) who can draw the opposing big man away from the basket. Z is a great offensive rebounder (7.7 rpg) — you saw all the tip-ins — and a decent shot-blocker (1.3 bpg). Of course there’s that nonexistent quickness and lateral movement, which exposes him against bigs with any kind of speed, but Z has a niche and fills it well.
9. Mehmet Okur — Definitely not the prototypical center; he spends all game on the perimeter, but then again, he’s one of the best shooters in the League, so why not? Memo hit on 38 percent of his threes this year and put up 17.6 points a night while making his first All-Star team. His problems are: one, he’s a shameless gunner, and two, he gets destroyed on defense sometimes. While he was good against Yao at times in the Houston series, Tim Duncan took Memo to daycare.
8. Ben Wallace — He got off to a rough start in Chicago (stats-wise and the whole headband thing), but eventually got back to that blue-collar style fans and teammates know and love. As always, he was amongst the League leaders in boards (10.7 rpg) and blocks (2.0 bpg), and as always, the offensive game was somewhere between minimal and comical (6.4 ppg, 40 percent at the stripe).
7. Eddy Curry — The Knicks haven’t had a decent center since Marcus Camby, so Curry’s breakthrough ‘06-07 season was like winning the Lottery for Knicks fans. E-City came into training camp in the best shape of his career (all jokes aside) and it showed; he went for 19.5 points a night and was a borderline All-Star. Curry commands a double-team, but still turns the ball over too much trying to pass out of it, and his rebounding (7.0 rpg) could stand to improve.
6. Tyson Chandler — A prime example of how a change of scenery and system can change someone’s career. After five lackluster years in Chicago, Chandler made an impact right away with the Hornets, and was one of the NBA’s best rebounders (12.4 rpg). He also put up 9.5 points and 1.8 blocks and shot 62 percent from the field — which makes sense seeing as a lot of his buckets come on alley oop finishes and putbacks. He was in the discussion for Most Improved and Defensive Player of the Year.
5. Marcus Camby — See what he can do when he’s healthy? Playing an iron-man-ish (by his standards) 70 games this year, Camby copped Defensive Player of the Year after averaging 11.7 boards and a League-high 3.3 blocks a night to go along with 11.2 points. He’s the only reason Denver’s D doesn’t give up 120 a game. He scored an invite to Team USA’s training camp, but the Nuggets understandably wanted Camby to stay home — and healthy — this summer.
4. Dwight Howard — Getting better every year. 2007 saw Dwight’s first All-Star appearance and his first playoff experience. After getting a lesson from the Pistons in a first-round sweep, Howard should be that much smarter and better next year. Physically, Howard is an animal who blocks shots (1.9 bpg), dunks on everyone in sight (17.6 ppg), and dominates the glass (12.3 rpg). If you were starting a team from scratch and were looking long-term, Dwight would be one of the Top 5 players you’d have to consider.
3. Shaquille O’Neal — Don’t get it twisted; Shaq is still one of the best in the game. When D-Wade went down with his shoulder injury this year, Shaq showed he’s still capable of being the most dominant player on the floor, helping carry the Heat from what looked like a Lottery season into fourth-place in the East. He put up 17.3 points, 7.4 boards and 1.4 blocks in an injury-shortened regular season, and upped his numbers to 18-8-1.5 in Miami’s first-round loss to Chicago. Yeah, he’s getting up there in age and misses more and more time on the bench in a suit, but there’s still few players who are harder to stop 1-on-1.
2. Amare Stoudemire — Not only did STAT come all the way back from the knee injury (playing all 82 games), he was better than the last time we saw him at his peak. Amare dropped 20.4 points and 9.6 boards on his way to getting All-NBA first team, went for 25 and 12 in the postseason, and added a 15-footer to his repertoire that makes him a certified problem for any defense.
1. Yao Ming — Instead of dominating for a few minutes here and there, Yao took over entire games this year, averaging 25 points, 9.4 boards and 2 blocks a night and entering the MVP discussion before a leg injury limited him to just 48 games. Yao’s conditioning has improved since he first came into the League, allowing him to stay on the court and avoid senseless fouls. Houston is still T-Mac’s team, but no way they even challenge Utah in seven games without the best center in the League.
Honorable mention: Emeka Okafor, Chris Kaman, Andrew Bogut, Nenad Krstic, Brad Miller
I DID NOT SEE ZA “THE CONTINUING TURNOVER” ZA NAME MENTIONED, EVEN AMONGST THE HONORABLE MENTIONED AND THIS ARTICLE WAS FROM THE LAST YEAR WHEN HE WAS STILL A STARTER. WE HAVE BACK UPS WHO NEED DEVELOPEMENT SINCE YOUR VISION IS TO DEVELOP BENCH PLAYERS. WE HAVE TWO YOUNG AND INEXPERIENCED CENTERS TO HANDLE THE SCRUBB MINUTES,…FOR LESS!!
You Woody haters dont have a clue,nor facts or knowledge. All you do is hate. Instead of learning and researching you try to blame Woody because a player doesnt step up or doesnt take advantage of his opportunities. Nobody can play for you!
Its not Woodys fault Paschulia is a slow non athletic turnover factory. What? You expect Woody to make him into Tim Duncan? Get real. The NBA is litter with players on every team that have the physical ability and will not step up to the task. Paschulia is equal to Koncak!
Real players step up and make good.
The rest of them go home to mommy. Speaking of which…inst it about time for you to called Ken?
jhan
May 27th, 2009
10:29 pm
Truth – why do you continue to compare our “back-up” center to starter? Our starting center is Al Horford.
Have you read any of the salary cap breakdown on Sekou’s blog? We don’t have enough money to sign all our guys plus this dominating center you seem to think is just sitting around waiting for us.
Check out the posts from “niremetal” & “MannyT” – these guys know the salary cap as well as anybody.
truth-serum
May 28th, 2009
6:24 am
jhan
May 27th, 2009
10:29 pm
You are willfully ignorant and take pleasure in stupidity.
What you miss is that Za was brought here to start. He was a starter and he lost his job. Now by committee we have a power forward holding the post and doing better than our starter (formerly). That’s what you are missing. Now we are out of position and weaker at the post as a result.
As to your unlearned, and lazy charge that the hawks don’t have money to put the final pieces together…The Hawks have only committed 40mil, and the 2009-2010 salary cap may be 60 mil or better. That’s at least 20 Mil to shop with and keep the current salaries intact.
Quit begging for knowledge and stop spewing hate.
Sund may keep ‘core’ of Hawks together
By Mark Bradley
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Saturday, May 23, 2009
“I like the core of this club,” Sund said this week. “I’d like to keep as much of it together as I can.” His endorsement is a major factor: It means he likes what he has and wants to add, not subtract.
Sund inherited last summer’s free agents, and it’s no secret he valued Josh Childress less than ownership did. The fractious Atlanta Spirit actually gave the new general manager permission to exceed the salary cap on Childress —- you can do that to keep your own free agents —- and Sund declined.
Sund has a clear idea as to what he feels guys are worth. If it’s reasonable to assume this GM doesn’t see the 32-year-old Mike Bibby as worth $15 million, which is what he made last season, it’s reasonable others won’t, either.
Is another club apt to see Bibby as its missing piece and hand him, say, $10 million a year? (At his age, there’s no way he gets $15 million from anybody.) Is any team apt to see Marvin Williams, who made $5.6 million last season, as worth $9 million? (Remember, Josh Smith got $58 million over five seasons last summer, and that was because the economy cratered. And Smith is clearly the better player.)
A bad economy favors the Hawks, who have committed only $40 million for 2009-2010. (The salary cap was $59 million in 2008-2009.) A bad economy would allow Sund to say, “You can take a bit more cash to go lose games in Minneapolis, or you can stay where you know something good is happening. Your choice.”
Two guesses: Flip Murray will re-sign with the Hawks —- no GM likes Flip, more than Sund —- and Zaza Pachulia will leave. The destinations of Bibby and Williams seem more a coin flip…..
Sund and I agree on this much. Flip is a beast!!! I sure hope we can keep Marv. 3 years from now he will be one of the best play makers in the NBA, but I do agree that Josh is better right now.
What you miss is that Za was brought here to start. He was a starter and he lost his job. Now by committee we have a power forward holding the post and doing better than our starter (formerly). That’s what you are missing. Now we are out of position and weaker at the post as a result. Say Good bye to Z. The Hawks will probably take your advice and let Randolph Morris be the backup center (since you whine about development and he s cheaper) and go after the starter they thought ZaZa the human meltdown would be. Al Horford is going back to his natural position of PF.
Now you and Ken call a meeting of the Southern Chapter of The Grand Knights of the BUBBA CREW, and discuss your last efforts of hate!