A special Bradley’s Buzz: Updated all-NBA draft edition!
LATE-BREAKING NEWS!
Those darned folks at NBAdraft.net are killing me. When I went to bed last night, they had the Hawks taking Wayne Ellington, the elegant North Carolina shooter, with the 19th pick in Thursday’s draft. At 3:02 a.m., they updated their mock, and now they have the Hawks choosing Jrue Holiday, a point guard from UCLA. And I’m doing some rewriting because …
I like Ellington a lot.
I don’t like Holiday at all.
He averaged 8.5 points and 3.7 assists in his one season at UCLA. True, he was playing alongside/behind Darren Collison, a more seasoned point guard, but the consensus across college basketball was that Holiday had underwhelmed. (He actually seemed a better defender than an offensive player.)
Holiday has been projected to go in the upper half of Round 1 but could be sliding. Me, I think there’s good reason. Me, I think he’s way too raw. Me, I’d much rather see the Hawks take Eric Maynor of VCU or Ty Lawson of North Carolina, both of whom NBAdraft.net projects as being available at No. 19. But maybe that’s just me.
More projections: Chad Ford of ESPN.com has the Hawks taking Jeff Teague, the Wake Forest point guard, in his mock. (Link requires registration.) DraftExpress also tabs Teague as a Hawk. But Ian Thomsen of SI.com has Teague going 14th to Phoenix and has the Hawks taking Earl Clark, a 6-foot-10 forward from Louisville.
True confessions: I don’t much like Teague much. I like Clark’s talent but not his disinclination to dominate. (I’ve seen enough of that with Marvin Williams.) But I’m seeing Hawks GM Rick Sund this afternoon, and I’m sure he’ll tell me exactly who the Hawks plan on drafting.
Ty Lawson tops statistical draft board
The Atlantan John Hollinger, who does love his numbers, has Lawson, who’s 6-foot, ranked No. 1 among prospects (requires registration) on ESPN.com. He has Blake Griffin, who’ll be the No. 1 pick, No. 2. He has Nick Calathes of Florida, who might or might not go in Round 1, No. 6. He has Danny Green, who might have been the sixth-best player on North Carolina’s roster, rated No. 8 in this draft.
And Hollinger has Toney Douglas of Florida State (and Jonesboro High), who was voted the ACC’s best defender and who led the league in scoring, ranked 62nd. (Note: Only 60 players get drafted.)
This is one of those statistical rundowns I don’t fully buy, especially when measuring potential. But Hollinger claims his Draft Tracker, whatever its methodology, sniffed out Carlos Boozer, Josh Howard and Danny Granger. So there.
Running down the NBA Southeast
The hard-working folks at NBAdraft.net have compiled a divisional rundown, complete with salary numbers and expiring contracts and suchlike, and they have a particularly keen take on what the Hawks must do not just with the draft but with the summer.
To wit: “ Re-signing both [Mike] Bibby and [Marvin] Williams may be tough for the Hawks this summer. They may have to decide between Bibby’s leadership and Williams’ potential. Bibby has proven his worth in Atlanta and will not cost the Hawks as much as signing the younger Williams. Williams has proven only that he wasn’t worth the No. 2 overall pick in 2005.
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“The Hawks will be better served signing Bibby to a reasonable 3 year contract and drafting a wing player with the 19th pick for insurance in case Williams gets a large contract offer from an outside team like expected. The Hawks already have at least 20 million coming off the books for the big 2010 free agent class, and if they let Williams go elsewhere then they could be even bigger players in the summer of 2010.”
Given that I wrote a little something last week about the need to part with Williams, I’d like to applaud the sagacity of this appraisal. And while I’m applauding, here’s what NBAdraft.net sees as the Hawks’ draft options:
“They could get a quality guy to replace Williams’ role. Wake Forest’s James Johnson would be a steal at No. 19. North Carolina’s Wayne Ellington should be able to come in right away and score points. Louisville’s Terrence Williams or Xavier’s Derrick Brown could also be good fits.”
I’ve already said I like Ellington. I don’t like Johnson at all. Brown I like some. As for T-Will of the ‘Ville: Loved him as a collegian, but how many pro teams need a point forward?
And in Round 2 …
NBAdraft.net has the Hawks spending the 49th overall pick on DeMarre Carroll, a forward from Missouri. DraftExpress has them taking Dionte Christmas, a swingman from Temple.
And you know who NBAdraft.net has going 55th? Jodie Meeks of Norcross High.
Tell me again. Why’d he decide to leave Kentucky with a year’s eligibility remaining? Had he not heard about the Wildcats firing Billy Gillispie? Who leaves school to go 55th (of 60)?
For further reading: Here’s a later post containing the fruits, such as they were, of my Monday interview with Hawks GM Rick Sund.
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83 comments Add your comment
Mark Bradley
June 22nd, 2009
12:13 pm
OK, let’s name all the good big men available in this draft. Here’s one: Blake Griffin. Here’s another: Hasheem Thabeet (who can’t score). Here’s a third: DaJuan Blair (who has bad knees and is undersized). Now let’s name one who’s apt to be there at No. 19.
Still waiting.
austin emmet
June 22nd, 2009
12:19 pm
i still think that we should trade marvin and speedy claxton for caron, he can help out joe in the scoring department and help free up shooters byt the way he creates off the dribble. and then to free up cap space i say to sign bibby and then trade him for rafer alston? he’s quick as hell and can obviously lead a team cause he led orlando to the finals…… what do you think mark?
Kraehefish
June 22nd, 2009
12:23 pm
We have zero outside shooting, poor defense, and shoddy glass work. If Kaman is available, he is the big body we can use, and we still need to keep ZaZa. If Lawson or Teague is available, get ‘em. Otherwise, get a point in round 2…I love Danny Green. His obscurity reminds me of Boozers before he got in the NBA. He can go with your small line up or your bigs.
Kraehefish
June 22nd, 2009
12:26 pm
By the way…the first thing we do is see if we can get Ray Felton. If we do that, Bibby can go away, and every one else just becomes better scorers. We still need that shooter, though, and Wayne may be it. He showed something in that Final Four. Maybe he can play some defense. And, his wingspan measures 6′7″
Steve
June 22nd, 2009
12:39 pm
You got the big man thing correct Mark. None to be had in the draft for Atlanta this year unless the OSU center falls, and he is too ’shy’ for my liking. He reminds me of Koncak.
I just read your article on the Butler trade and I really like that idea. One of the best scenarios I have seen blogged so far. I also like the scenario of Marvin and Speedy for Butler that Austin mentioned a few posts earlier.
I never really thought about the draft timing versus free agency. It doesn’t make any sense at all given players are thrust into the lineup more quickly in this sport than any other (football being a close second). They need to push the draft to August, though I am guessing they would want the draft prior to the camps.
mark
June 22nd, 2009
12:54 pm
one poster said something about developing players that’s a joke, with mw the head coach. i’ll just think the worst and hope for the best.
Rick Sund's Neighbor
June 22nd, 2009
1:11 pm
Mark,
When you meet Rick today, tell him that his neighbor in unit 904 said, “Hello”
Tell him I’m playing on getting my first season tickets after the Draft & free agency ends. I appreciate his hard work and approachableness, but I’m not going to be a sucker for the Hawks like I was before. He can thank Billy Knight for that.
Mr 904.
Ben
June 22nd, 2009
1:13 pm
Mark, BJ Mullens should be there at 19 and he is a big man at 7′1″ 275lbs.
O'Brien
June 22nd, 2009
1:47 pm
Mark
We’ve been discussing this on Sekou’s blog. The Hawks dont run enough screens for JJ and Bibby, so I dont see us maximizing Ellington’s shooting skills. Salim was horrible defensively, but if we knew how to use him, he could have been used to provide an offensive spark.
But we have a head coach who does not design a system to fit his players. Instead, he forces his players to fit into his system.
And How does Ellington compare to our very own Thomas Gardner. Didnt Gardner light it up in the D’ league? And everytime he gets some PT, he puts up points. In the playoffs against Cleveland’s bench, he put up 12 points in 16 minutes. Gardner is 6′5″ 225 lbs, Ellington is 6′4″ 200 lbs. Gardner knows the players, knows the system. Why would Ellington be any better than Gardner
Greg Scott
June 22nd, 2009
2:01 pm
Jodie Meeks will not be around when the 55th pick becomes available. I wish he would have returned to UK but he will be picked higher. Great athlete with a tremendous upside.
G-Sale
June 22nd, 2009
2:05 pm
Drop M. Harrison and J. Johnson or J. Smith. Go get Shaq. Make a one time run at it.
G-Sale
June 22nd, 2009
2:08 pm
M. Harrison = M. Williams.
BobWeiss
June 22nd, 2009
2:10 pm
The Hawks should use their resources on getting Anderson and/or Childress back from overseas instead of messing with this horrible draft-class. They should trade #19 for either a future first-round pick or an established veteran they can bring off the bench. They should use the second-rounder to draft a player overseas that is several years away from playing in the NBA. I just don’t believe throwing a couple of rookies on this team is a good idea. This team finally has a roster than can compete. Lets use our resources on only adding known assets.
Larry 904
June 22nd, 2009
2:16 pm
I whole heartly agree with Bob Weiss. The Hawks have to seize the moment, no player available at pick 19 will help the Hawks next year get over the hump. Our team is built for right now and the only difference will be made in Free Agency. This draft is terrible when every player besides the number one overall could be out of the league in 4 years. Unlike the failure of Billy Knight, Rick’s Sunds career as the Hawks GM will be defined in Free Agency in 09 & 10.
Baptist Convention
June 22nd, 2009
2:23 pm
Mark, what do you not like about James Johnson? His skill set seems NBA ready. (His occasional lapses of focus in college should be a thing of the past real soon in the League, me thinks, but I’m no pundit like you.)
Scoots
June 22nd, 2009
2:35 pm
Point guard has become the most important position in the NBA. I think the Hawks should focus on that position in the draft, maybe even take something like Lawson 1st round, Patty Mills 2nd round if available, resign Marvin and drop Bibby
UmBrook
June 22nd, 2009
2:49 pm
Go get Shaq. Make a one time run at it.
_____________________________________________________
Why would Shaq come to a team that has as many ?’s as the Hawks? The Hawks are 2, maybe 3 players and a coach away from bringing a championship to Atlanta
Ted Striker
June 22nd, 2009
3:31 pm
Forget the draft.
Any truth to the rumor that the Hawks are looking at re-signing Chris Washburn? I hear he can tie his shoes now.
Big Ray
June 22nd, 2009
3:44 pm
Mark,
I think drafting Jrue Holliday is not unlike drafting Marvin Williams. Why would you want to pick up a guy who not only didn’t stay long enough to prove that he even COULD be better than the guy who started at the same position ahead of him, but didn’t explode with production when he WAS in the game? Oh yeah, I forgot. It’s called potential. We see how THAT worked out with Marvin.
Besides where they play on the floor, the difference between the two, in my mind, is basically 17 draft slots….
Looking forward to what you come up with after speaking with the wiley ol’ Sund…
Astro Joe,
Acie’s hangnail isn’t half as bad as Speedy’s, and he gets paid a heck of a lot less. So he needs 10 to 15 seconds to get something done, huh? As you correctly noted, the great Joe Johnson gets the ball for that long…because he also needs it that long (even as awesomely great as he majestically is). Ever wonder why? Might be that fabulous offensive system we have, authored by your favorite coach in the world.
It’s called “strike a pose”, and I hear Madonna is suing Mike Woodson for copyright infringement….
Big Ray
June 22nd, 2009
3:46 pm
O’brien,
Preach it brotha! Meeks won’t be around when we pick in the second round. But if he was….I’d pull that trigger REAL quick. If not, take a look at the mammoth Garrett Siler. Patty Mills won’t fall that far either, nor will any other pg with any real potential/ability, I think.
JSS
June 22nd, 2009
4:12 pm
Mr. Bradley, Any news on Garret Siler, the 6-11 305 kid who was so impressive in last year’s D-II Elite 8? Could the Hawks take a flier on him in Rd 2… I know he went to the Portsmouth Camp…
Glenn
June 22nd, 2009
4:21 pm
Either Ty Lawson or Eric Maynor will be available . If we go pg we will get one of those two . Sekou says the brass love Tyler Hansbrough . If we draft that guy we could go many directions . Who ever we get at 19 will dictate the following moves . I’m starting to get highly infatuated with psycho-T . He seems like a guy who could elevate everyone around him .
teheran
June 22nd, 2009
4:33 pm
The 19th pick isn’t a pick you should be determining who to pick right now in the draft because of your needs. The better positioned players will be gone by the time the hawks pick. You have to go with the best player on the board. if you are talking about Ellington is a shooter and not athletic, this may be what the hawks need. The hawks need more shooters on the team. players that can play in a half court situation. When Bibby or Joe had off nights, there wasn’t anyone else who could step up and knock down shots. I think the hawks did a pretty good job with the point guards they have now and there isn’t any worthy center that will be available to take. There isn’t many centers in this draft so the guy from ohio state will be gone. if you can remember, Turk and Lewis aren’t all that athletic but they got the magic to the NBA Finals by lights out shooting.
gp295
June 22nd, 2009
5:06 pm
get mills in the first round, and meeks in the second and run the floor. Should benfits josh and horford, sign gortat for your center.
Big Ray
June 22nd, 2009
5:25 pm
“The 19th pick isn’t a pick you should be determining who to pick right now in the draft because of your needs.”
All too true. And this statement lends even greater sting to the question of why it’s even being discussed 5 years and 5 lottery picks later….
Your pick as to whom to blame, and how much each blame each party gets. Hell, you could probably make a pie graph out of it.
Blast
June 22nd, 2009
5:29 pm
Mark,
Where the Sund interview at? It’s 5:30 PM.
Mark Bradley
June 22nd, 2009
5:33 pm
It’s right here, Blast. Thanks for asking.
marcus
June 22nd, 2009
7:38 pm
teague is not the answer. if the hawks learn from their past mistakes, they will draft either hansborough, lawson or johnson. its time they gave up on williams, he’s a nice player (when healthy) but the world now knows that the biggest waste of a number 2 pick was on him. personally, i don’t think hansborough will be there at 19, the bobcats (even though their history of drafting unc players, has been a bust) are in love with this guy. he’s just what they need in the queen city. he goes all out, more athletic than the media gives him credit for being and if he works on not hanging around in the paint, will be a “boozer” clone. the guy can shoot. his passing is suspect, but a stint at a “big man’s camp” will correct those flaws. not to play the “race card” but he will draw crowds, which is what the bobcats need before they go the way of the hornets. if the hawks are smart, they’ll try and trade up. i think the “lack of pro potential” knock on hansborough, has been the biggest bunch of media crap this side of who the “next jordan” will be.
Hawks fans, don't expect the moon and stars at No. 19 | Mark Bradley
June 22nd, 2009
9:07 pm
[...] further reading: Here was the Monday morning all-NBA draft edition of Bradley’s Buzz. You should know NBAdraft.net has since updated its mock again and has Jeff Teague of Wake Forest [...]
teheran
June 22nd, 2009
9:20 pm
The hawks just may as well keep ZaZa instead of getting hansborough. I think their game is very similar but if hansborough plays consistently like ZaZa play during the playoffs then i would say go get him but right now who ever is the best player available take him. Also the hawks picked Marvin based on potential in 5yrs from his draft day. You may as well keep him to see what you get. you can’t just let him walk away. Marvin is a really good player when healthy and he is also like the 4th option on the team so you can’t expect much more than what he continue to bring. How many teams in the NBA would like to have the 4th man scoring 15pts and 7 rbs per game. Its not his fault that he got picked #2 overall. He is who he is and he is a pretty solid starter who is improving each year, he just have to stay healthy and sometime you can help those situations. Thats just part of the game.
Brad
June 23rd, 2009
6:03 pm
Mark–let me help with thhis NBA stuff. There is NO comparison tween Lawson and Holliday. Tere’s a handful of players NBA ready and Lawson may be the only player taklen after 15 who pushes for serious minutes. There’s 3 things about thhe human body you can’t coach–height, speed and cajone size. Think Meatloaf–Two Outta Three Ain’t Bad.
P.S. Who’s payin big bucks for Williams? There’s a handful of teams with money–I don’t think they’re aiming itat Williams.
jarvis
June 24th, 2009
10:12 am
Did I hear correctly that Bibby’s agent is asking for a 4-year deal? If that’s the case, he’s as good as gone.
blue hawk
June 29th, 2009
10:30 pm
lose marvin and bring childress back.