The Hawks’ free agents: Hope for three, settle for two
Mike Woodson is a coach, and every coach wants more and better players. On Monday, as the Hawks welcomed Jamal Crawford to Atlanta, Woodson spoke of the Hawks’ four key free agents and said this was how many he wanted to see back here.
“All of ‘em,” he said.
This is how ambitious Woodson is: He wants to keep the four free agents — Mike Bibby, Flip Murray, Zaza Pachulia and Marvin Williams — plus add “another veteran big, and there are some out there.” But that’s a coach talking, not a general manager. And Rick Sund might have a more pragmatic take.
Me, I can’t see any way the Hawks keep all four. Nor should they. With Crawford and Jeff Teague in a mix that already included Joe Johnson, there wouldn’t be enough minutes for both Bibby and Flip. And if Bibby returns to start, then Crawford becomes Flip and Flip becomes Acie Law, who barely played, and Teague becomes Thomas Gardner, of whom some of you haven’t even heard.
A reasonable scenario is for the Hawks to keep three of the four. There’s a chance Williams will sign a one-year qualifying offer, which would keep him here for next season but enable him to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, and one of the two guards should be amenable to sticking around.
Loading ...Zaza is a tougher call. The rumor is that San Antonio is interested, and that’s a great organization. But the Hawks might even have a fallback there. If Zaza leaves, then the Australian power forward David Andersen, who played last season for Barcelona and whose NBA rights the Hawks hold, could well become a person of interest.
Keeping three of the four would be good. Two of four would be acceptable. One of four would be a net loss, but the belief here is that the Hawks will do better than that.
Woodson: “It’s going to come down to money. You know that. You just hope it’s not a case of a guy [determined to take the highest offer]. Because we’ve built something here.”
And they have, as hard as it might be for some of us long-suffering Hawk watchers to admit. This is a good team, and it has a chance to be better still next season. On Monday the newcomer Crawford spoke with unbridled enthusiasm about joining “an up-and-coming team,” and when last could any new Hawk say that and mean it?
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149 comments Add your comment
Mac
June 30th, 2009
7:45 am
Jack – yes they should.
larry coon
June 30th, 2009
7:55 am
niremetal is my biggest fan groupie. he comes over for smores and other things on the weekend. but you can bet it not about talking b-ball. no he comes to my house to have a little bondage fun.
bamadad
June 30th, 2009
8:44 am
BREATH OF FRESH AIR. I heard an interview with Jamal Crawford yesterday and very impressed. He didn’t have a negative thing to say about anyone. He seems to be a positive addition. 20 PPG and 5 Assist. Looks like we got us a winner!
D.Carter
June 30th, 2009
8:55 am
I hope Woody has since enough to change to a more pick and roll oriented offense this year as opposed to the 900 dribble and stand around offense from years past.. Crawford and Teague are much better penetrators than bibby so there should be no excuses…. Woody needs to understand that the league has evolved since his Piston coaching days and that penetration has to be thru screen rolls as opposed to iso’s… Crawford simply cannot be guard 1 on 1… Check some of his youtube videos!!! he is sick with the ball
ILL-logical
June 30th, 2009
9:00 am
Given the economy and the financial health of the BASG, a better solution to the question of how to field the best team they can afford is to resign ZaZa and promise him the starting job. This would allow the team a starter with both the height and heft to compete with the newly hefty eastern conference centers.
Of course this move means that bibby and his defensive liabilities would have to be re considered. ZaZa would only play 25-30 minutes with Josh and Calypso Al providing some cover for his defense but this move would allow Marvin to provide some much needed front court firepower of the bench and allow him to bedeveloped as a possible replacement for Joe if he decides to leave.Last, McDyess could be signed as a back up at a fairly inexpensive rate to provide both on and off court leadership for the front line guys.
D.Carter
June 30th, 2009
9:04 am
Would love to see the Hawks make a play for Chris Kaman from the clippers who would provide much need size and rebounding, also has a solid post game
BigTimeTECHFan
June 30th, 2009
9:13 am
Let them all go and sign Lebron James:
PG – Lebron James
SG – Joe Johnson
C – Hortford
PF – Josh Smith
SF – Evans
Bench – S Jones, Crawford (6th man – James to forward), Teague, sign 1 good backup forward
That’s championship team for 3 years
Jay-O
June 30th, 2009
10:07 am
What about us going after Channing Frye in the free agency, since he won’t be back in Portland? If we lose ZaZa or even period.
MBZ
June 30th, 2009
10:19 am
Marvin Williams and Zaza have to be the focus. I don’t think we can or should underestimate the importance of a ‘6”9, 240 pound player that can shoot and play good defense on the perimeter. Both are wings, (Williams and Johnson) are really big and both over 240 lbs and can move and defend. The truth is, we need Marvin to consistently beat Orlando. Without him, we cannot cover all of their tall, athletic forwards. I also think that Bibby is a keeper, at least in the short term, because he is a known and although he does not play defense, we know what we are going to get every night. I don’t really know what Zaza is going to command. But he might be the most important signing because we have no big man insurance off the bench if Horford or Smith go down. I also think Sund might target Chris Wilcox or Brandon Bass for the backup pf spot. Woody also has to be persuaded to play his bench. I think that he can do it, if he has confidence in his players. Remember, the team that this team is being molded from is the 2004 pistons. As I recall, they had Corliss Williamson, Darvin Ham, Lindsey Hunter, and Elden Campbell coming off the bench regularly. Teague, Crawford, Zaza, and Wilcox/Bass, off the bench isn’t too shabby. And if Teague and Josh Smith commit themselves to playing defense, we just might be able to crack the top three in the east.
crash001
June 30th, 2009
10:29 am
Why are hawks fans so high on ZaZa? He is not a legimate center, they would come out better working with Morris over the summer to improve his game, it make sense and he is a lot cheaper.
Why would the Hawks have any interest in Amare huge contract? He is 6 10 with great offense but do we need his offense, can he defend Howard, Shaq or any large bodies in the East? We have Al Harford at 6 10, plays better defense and is under contract with a better attitude.
TLAw
June 30th, 2009
10:43 am
Wha tis taking so long for Anderson to come, he has better post moves than ANYONE currently on our roster..DAMN!!..This guy has some nice footwork. In my opinion he would be the perfect complement to Horfy in the paint
HawkKingBibby
June 30th, 2009
10:46 am
Mark, Its 12:01 am Weed July 1st. There is a ring on Marvin Williams doorbell. Who is at the door?
Jay-O
June 30th, 2009
10:49 am
I’m telling you. Channing Frye doesn’t come with a big contract, and he’s said to be a great locker room personality. As well as a great asset to the community. He would fit in nice off the bench at the four spot. 6′10″ and has a finesse game, which will complement Al Horford. Woody doesn’t play through the post anyway so having a jump shooting PF would be very valuable. Instead of a PF just standing on the perimeter who poses no threat. Al can bang on the block, and even ZaZa if we keep him. (Yes I said ZaZa…we’re trying to accomplish the most for the least amount of money here). We don’t need any “star” players with huge contracts, who think they’re “Superstars” coming in here from free agency and ruining the chemistry of our team. Move Smoove to the 3 spot. Bring Marvin off the bench (6th man of the year!) And, if we can’t find a big man who’s a banger on the block defensively, bring Solo off the bench at the 5 spot and let him go for every shot block opportunity he has. That alone will effect any offenses rhythm.
HawkKingBibby
June 30th, 2009
10:51 am
LOL thats supposed to be WED
Hawk n the Ham
June 30th, 2009
11:05 am
We need a BIG!! Do we have an answer for Dwight Howard and Shaq?
What would the Hawks need to do to trade for a lottery pick next year? I say this because Atlanta boy Derrick Favors will be 1 and done with Tech this year.
J.J.M.
June 30th, 2009
11:18 am
josh smith and marvin williams for amare please dont do it hawks
A Tribe Called Quest
June 30th, 2009
11:28 am
Zaza is the most important player we need to retain. We have absolutely no big man depth. Tweener scoring guards dont win championships. we already need to trade josh for amare but we need zaza and bigs. i dont care if that means losing bib AND flip. can we please get some bigs on this roster?
THIS TEAM IS NOT GOING TO WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP WITH THE CURRENT ROSTER EVEN IF WE RESIGN EVERYONE
Big D
June 30th, 2009
11:42 am
Hawks need to go after Deondre Jordan from the Clips. The Clips are loaded at C, with Kaman, Camby and Jordan and cannot play all three. Kaman is the starter. Camby or Jordan bring defense, rebounds and can score and would come cheap as well as address a need for a C
Sterling Platinum
June 30th, 2009
1:00 pm
The other big the Hawks can get is Brandon Bass. This guy can fit in perfectly and he won’t cost that much. He can be a starter in the league and can play the 4 and the 5. If they sign him, they would have a enough room to sign all 4 free agents if the needed to. No one is really talking about this guy. I did hear though that they can get Charlie V for the same price, but he can’t play the 5, but is a better scorer. They have options, but I like Bass better.
snaddermen
June 30th, 2009
1:46 pm
Will the Hawks try to re-sign Jason Terry? Are Shariff and Dikembe still available? I think Dion Glover would be nice fit in tat small forward poistion. The Hawks could stay well under the cap and bring back Ed Gray.
RA
June 30th, 2009
1:54 pm
Weighting in a little late… I have no problem whatsoever with what Woody says. He wants a team that runs eight to ten men deep on the bench. I have no problem with that provided he’s willing to use eight to ten men every night. I could see Bibby and Johnson comming out and Murray and Crawford comming in with Teague playing some in the third quarter and late in games until he gets his bearings. What I don’t want to see is three or four quality players/prospects not getting any floor time because the head coach can’t balance the math of having several talented players.
RA
June 30th, 2009
1:58 pm
And I can’t help but wonder what all these Josh for Amare people are drinking. Listen, last time I checked, Josh Smith had two good knees. If you look at Amare Staudemire the wrong way he’ll pull up lame!
cdog
June 30th, 2009
2:05 pm
MARK, DO YOU THINK THE AMARE FOR JOSH TRADE WILL HAPPEN? JOSH SMITH WAS O0NE OF THE FEW HAWKS WHO WAS NOT IN TIMIDATED BY THE CAVS IN THE PLAYOFFS. I BELIEVE THE TRADE WILL HURT IN THE LONG RUN.
cdog
June 30th, 2009
2:05 pm
WE NEED TO TRADE SOMEONE ELSE BESIDE JOSH SMITH
Mark Bradley
June 30th, 2009
2:12 pm
I don’t the Hawks will trade Josh for Amare. But I’m occasionally mistaken, as you know.
RA
June 30th, 2009
2:19 pm
Well, Mr. Bradley, I hope this is one of those rare occaision where you are NOT mistaken.
ILL-logical
June 30th, 2009
2:36 pm
Michael Curry just got the axe in Detroit.
Mark Bradley
June 30th, 2009
2:39 pm
That could be very interesting, Ill-Logical. I’d watch that very closely if I were a Hawks fan.
Jerome
June 30th, 2009
3:32 pm
Seek a trade for Marvin Williams. Marvin will never live up to a #2 draft pick, plus Marvin is injury prone and each year will derail a team with a bag of injuries. (a back injury everytime he drive to the basket).
BrittishAnger
June 30th, 2009
3:34 pm
Hey Bradley, I know we own the rights to David Andersen, but what exactly makes you think he’s looking to come over to the NBA anytime soon?
BrittishAnger
June 30th, 2009
3:36 pm
I mean, sure we get first pick at him if he ever comes around, but Euro isn’t like The Minor League to the NBA’s Major League…we don’t just send talent over and then pull them up when we need them…At least I don’t know anybody in the NBA who is….
BrittishAnger
June 30th, 2009
3:38 pm
…and if that were the case, Memphis would have called up Mike Batiste mid season and begged for some relief….
clantons corner
June 30th, 2009
3:58 pm
guys enough already with the villanueva talk! We need a center. If you get another forward in all you do is put your 3 4 5 guys in foul trouble every game. With the east getting more and more slashers who are taking the ball to the rim we gotta have a shot blocker in the middle with a jump shot to help out on offense. The hawks lost gtames due to no pure shooters on the team! We need a pure point and a big man period. You think teague is the answer? HA!! atlanta hasnt made a good draft choice on a guard for years. Just think my fello hawk fans our starting line up coulda been point guard – chris paul
shooting guard – joe johnson
small forward – josh smith
power forward – al horford
center – chris bosh
toronto wanted marvin and a package deal coulda been made with marvin,ace law,this years and next draft picks.
Jay-O
June 30th, 2009
4:11 pm
people need to stop being hung up on what could’ve been…that’s not getting the Hawks anywhere. I’m sure plenty of you “coulda been” doctors and lawyers. and some of you “coulda been skinny instead of fat”. there’s all types of “coulda been’s” out there…but don’t forget…New Orleans has CP3 and they were home watching us play in the second round this year!!!…don’t get me wrong, he’s an all-star and Olympian and all…but that just sounds like a bunch of personal accomplishment, when basketball is a team sport!!!
clantons corner
June 30th, 2009
4:25 pm
yea jay o your right no argument on that, however with this team in its current state it is NOT a championship contender! So what can we do to make our team better? Not filling spots with equal or lesser talent and putting guys past their prime or even guys outta position. Its the same ol same ol with this orginazation. Yet they want us as fans to buy in and pay crazy prices for our tickets. ( Just got message saying my season tickets going up 14%) So as a fan I cant help but wonder what woulda been untill something better happens and makes us forget. Hawks fans have suffered long enough! Hey how about do whatever makes our team better? Last year was good but not good enough, other teams have already gotten better catch up to the plate and take a swing already
niremetal
June 30th, 2009
4:25 pm
Also, if we draft Chris Paul instead of Marvin, we don’t get Horford and we obviously don’t get to make the fantasy trade of Marvin for Bosh. Oops.
clantons corner
June 30th, 2009
4:33 pm
niremetal thats where your wrong, we took sheldon instead of paul, so we still had our picks for horford and marvin!
cdog
June 30th, 2009
4:45 pm
SB IAGREE WITH WHAT YOU SAY. BUT THE TYPE OF CENTER THE HAWKS NEED DON’T NEED TOUCHES ON THE OFFENSIVE ENDS THAT MUCH. WE NEED A CENTER WHO WILL INTIMIDATE THE LEBRON JAMES AND KOBE BRYANT TO THINK TWICE ABOUT COMING INTO THE PAINT. THAT WAS THE DIFFERENCE IN OUR SERIES AGAINST THE CAVALIERS AND THE CAVS SERIES WITH THE MAJIC. LEBRON WENT THROUGH THE HAWKS LIKE A KNIFE WENT THROUGH BUTTER. HE HAD NO FEAR OF ANYONE WHEN HE DROVE BUT THAT CHANGED WHEN HE PLAYED THE MAJIC. THERE WERE BIG MEN WHO MADE HIM CHANGE HIS SHOT OR BLOCKED HIS. THIS THE KIND OF CENTER(s)WE NEED. PACHALIA AND HORTFORD STRUCK ABOUT ENOUGH FEAR IN JAMES WHEN HE WENT INSIDE AS A MOUSE DID WITH A CAT.WE NEED A CENTER WITH A WILT CHAMBERLAIN MENTALITY. WITH BIG LIKE GARNETT, SHAQ, AND HOWARD, WE NEED TO MAKE A MOVE TO GET A CENTER TO HANDLE THOSE TYPES.
cdog
June 30th, 2009
4:52 pm
WHAT ARE OUR CHANCES OF RESIGNING JOSH CHILDRESS? WE NEED THE CENTER, CHILDRESS, BIBBY, AND MARVIN IN THE FOLD FOR NEXT YEAR. I LIKE FIP BUT HE WOULD BE THE ODD MAN OUT WITH PACHALIA. I WOULD KEEP FLIP ONLY IF CHILDRESS IS NOT SIGNED.
clantons corner
June 30th, 2009
4:52 pm
niremetal my bad you are right on the marvin not being there, I made a mistake
Mike B.
June 30th, 2009
6:02 pm
clantons corner, what niremental is saying is if we had drafted Chris Paul, there’s no way we would have had a record bad enough to be drafting #3 overall, therefore eliminating our chances of getting Horford. Question: The Bucks aren’t going anywhere soon and have 3 point guards. They gave up on Charlie V so they could use another wing player. How would working a sign and trade of Chils (who doesn’t seem to want to work with us)to the Bucks for Sessions sound? We take care of the PG hole, resign Marvin and should have enough left to resign Zaza or another free agent big. I think folks are underestimating the economy this year (and the fact teams are trying to acquire free space for the free agent class of next season). A LOT of players are not going to get market value. (P.S. For Marvin to not negotiate a long term deal with ANYONE this offseason, take his chances of playing under the qualifying offer and be a UFA next season is not wise. Has he seen the list of FA’s next year? He would be near the bottom of that list).
Chris Camp
June 30th, 2009
7:04 pm
drop bibby trade marvin keep flip and zaza. and DO NOT TRADE JOSH OR JOE!!!!!
DHD
June 30th, 2009
9:47 pm
cdog…drop the CAPS.
DHD
June 30th, 2009
10:15 pm
If we draft Chris Paul instead of Marvin, we have an all star point guard and not an undersized non allstar center. Didn’t think of it that way did you dumbass?
The Truth
June 30th, 2009
10:27 pm
niremetal
You’re Right. The combined amount of the Mid-Level, and Bi-Annual exceptions should also be factors in the Hawks cap hold even when they are under the salary cap. The way you have factored those in with the current roster salaries is a preview of what the Hawks budget will look prior to FA signings. It is not surprising that the Hawks will be over the cap after all the signings are completed. They were last year as well. As you know, most NBA teams operate over the cap so it not really a bad thing. The goal is to avoid the luxury tax area which I’m sure they will. Among other things, these exceptions are like place holders to weigh to prevent loopholes in the rules. However, once the exceptions are used up then the players actual salaries are applied to determine the cap condition. So the cap situation can be assess, as you’ve projected it; take all current roster salaries including Teague scale and add the exceptions of all future player acquisitions or take the actual salaries of the final roster which is TBD, but not both. An analogy would be if I had a determined budget to be $100 and I actually spent $50. I wouldn’t assess that I spent $100+$50 or $150. I actually spent $50 of my $100 budget.
HawkKingBibby
July 1st, 2009
12:06 am
Mark are you awake,lol. Its already 5 after midnight. Have the Hawks signed anybody yet? What is taking so long, lol.
Hawk n the Ham
July 1st, 2009
3:21 am
BREAKING NEWS:
Pistons fire Curry…Hire Woodson.
Hawks to name Dominique head coach. Will wear #21 on sideline.
jj97
July 1st, 2009
9:02 pm
id let the spurs get zaza and we get CV from the bucks
Report: Marvin to stay as a Hawk, and that's more good news | Mark Bradley
July 29th, 2009
6:42 pm
[...] belief here was that the Hawks would consider this summer a success if they re-upped two of the four free agents and a windfall if they could keep three. They’re close to doing that now, and this city is [...]