hawkster411

I took time off from architectural studio exams, and attended my second Hawks game (It's been nearly 15 years). Just for your own information, there are a handful of Hawks fans residing in California which includes me. During pregame, the person that stood out was Joe Johnson. He had the prettiest stroke. Game Time: Josh Smith: On the defensive end, he alters the game so much with his freakish athleticism. It doesn't show in the boxscore, but he does a good job on D. Also, I noticed what everyone says about his ballhandling skills not being up to par. A little insight, during pregame, Joe Johnson guarded J. Smith and he couldn't get past Joe. Josh Smith literally needs to spend a summer in some distant island and practice dribbling until next season starts. Also, why isn't Josh Smith more aggressive inside the paint? I swear he and Salim camp out on the 3 point line like their the next upcoming Reggie Miller? Josh Smith can do so much more damage on the Offensive end if he stays inside the paint (I really think his dribbling liabilies holds him back). Marvin Williams: Once this kid gets into "game" shape, he's easily going to be the #2 option. He's so aggressive and fierce on both ends of the court. His body frame looks freakish from 3 stories up in the Staple Center. Joe Johnson: I think he disappeared in the 2nd and 3rd quarter. He should demand the ball! Point Guard: I'm highly disappointed in Speedy! I get frustrated everytime he walks the ball up court. For a team that's so athletic and long, he should realize that we need to be "running and gunning" (just like Phoenix). I know it's only one game, but he stagnates the game. For sure, Lue was much better in the PG spot. PG needs to be addressed next year. Speedy is not the answer! We need a bonified PG "playmaker"! Well, just my take guys. Again, it was great to see a Hawks game.

I'm glad to hear that Lo Wright and Sheldon Williams are getting into a mean streak. We need that type of fire for such a young squad. Relentless and unforgiving defense. That's what I like to hear. The Hawks so desperately need a bad a55 attitude. I can't wait for the next preseason game.

Used to live in Marietta, GA as a military brat in the late 80's. Last year, I attended college in Tallahassee, FL. Now attending Graduate school at USC Los Angeles, CA. I'm hoping the Hawks play either the Clippers or Lakers at the Staples Center. It's been 10 years since I've seen the Hawks play.

Couldn't this thread wait until December? Seriously, Marvin Williams is about to break out of his shell this year. We can make a better argument and have a more meaningful debate once we see Marvin William's performance this upcoming year. A little patience guys.

Thanks Exodus! By the way, who's the Mullah?

...If we receive Indy's 1st (2007), will it be unprotected? What are the details of Indy's 1st Round Pick? Is it coming from another team? If anything, can someone predict where this pick will land in 2007 NBA draft?

This is embarrassing for the Hawks Organization. I know Stern has to be upset with Belkin. The hawks are on a rise, and here's Belkin's ego wanting to win back his pride (ala BK not shaking his hand in the national public). Seriously, offer Belkin a franchise of his own. Let the Spirit's handle the Hawks. What bothers the hell out of me is how Belkin is going to fire all the people that are loyal to the Spirit. If I'm not mistaken, the Spirit group has made great strides in making this organization better, recognizing Nique into the organization (front office), trusting the basketball genius's (BK) in making personnel decisions, and most importantly, giving hope to the Hawks. If Spirit can make great strides in making this organization respectable, Hawks personnel can't help but stay loyal to this group. It's a crying shame if Belkin fires the Hawks Personnel. I will be more upset if he fires Nique. In that case, that shows how selfish Belkin is.

I saw Bynum handle his own against Shaq. Bynum even taunted Shaq. In turn, Shaq almost slugged Bynum. There's a game clip proving this statement. Bynum has great upside for his age and size. Obviously, he has the aggressiveness and hunger to compete against the best ala Shaq. I would gamble on this kid. He jumped straight from the preps last year. He's young, but this kid is still learning. Also, please remember that he's learning under Phil Jackson. If we can get Bynum and a 1st, that would be a trade worth investing. If not a 1st, atleast try to pry Mihm away.

I would love Bynum. If not Bynum, trade for S.Livingston (tall, ballhandling pg)

Jezmund, I would love to have Andre Miller running the point. A pass first point guard who can handle his own on D. My question is would Denver be willing to trade Andre Miller for Harrington. What kind of package could the Hawks get if we can somehow get Miller/Nene? Another possibility is Jay Williams. What is his status? In a perfect world, I would trade Harrington for Clippers PG S. Livingston. Would that even be possible?

It'll be interesting to see what BK does for the draft. He's been tight lip this summer. More importantly, BK's fate will be riding on this draft and free agency. I wonder if he can get Andrew Bynum?

If the New York Knicks buys out Larry Brown's contract, do you see the Atlanta Hawks capitalizing on this opportunity? Larry Brown Coach of the Atlanta Hawks? ***Marcus Williams (PG Draft) Josh Childress Josh Smith Marvin Williams Al Harrington

I noticed that Kenyon Martin didn't play against the Golden State Warriors. I don't believe he's hurt, and he's getting paid way too much to sit on the bench. Could it be that Denver Nuggets are protecting KMart from getting hurt? Could we see Kmart, Artest, and Harrington in a 3 way deal? It's funny how Kmart started the past 5 games, and not listed on the roster against Golden State. Also, it's funny how Larry Bird went public with how "betrayed" he felt with Artest. Somewhere Al Harrington fits in this picture. He has strong connections with his former team the Indiana Pacers. Also, Kmart came to the Hawks when he was a free agent(he was offered money). He has connections with the Hawks; however, where does Artest fit in with the Nuggets?

Someone please update me on Al Harrington. I've been out of the loop because of school. I heard Al Harrington (from previous posts) was almost traded in a 3 team deal with the Pacers, Nuggets, and Hawks. Since we are winning more and team chemistry is gelling, is it wise to trade Al Harrington? There's a risk in losing that team chemistry because we'll lose Harrington's leadering, scoring, etc; however, his stock is at an all time high. If a trade were to happen, I think Harrington will be traded along with one of our guards (Childress or Stoudamire). I think bK is aiming at getting an established big man. As for the draft, I think Rondo would be our man for the PG position. Also, I'm curious as to whether or not we can get Darko from the Pistons? You think he's ready for Starter minutes? He's not playing, and he's wanting minutes. Could we give him a chance? Could we get Evans and Darko? Draft Rondo at the draft? Merry Christmas everyone

I'm looking at the box score and noticed that Marvin Williams started against Los Angeles Clippers. MW played 35 minutes. Also, I'm noticing that Josh Smith played 26 minutes. Whoever saw the game, please give us a game summary on our #2 overall pick? Did Marvin play mediocre defense, rebounded well, scored well...etc? What was Marvin's weakness during the game? Someone please explain to me why Josh Childress (our starting shooting guard) shot less than Josh Smith? Josh Childress was 2-5 with 7pts while Josh Smith was 4-13 with 8 pts. I'm curious...

Al Harrington will have 20/8/5 Josh Childress will be close with 18/6/6 ................................ I'm excited about tomorrow

A shot at Chandler would be a solid choice. The Bulls can't pay the maximum for both Chandler and Curry; however, I believe BK has been bluffing about Curry's heart condition. He did not offer Curry a contract because BK knew d@mn well that Belkin was going to hold out on the JJ trade (nobody knew except for BK and ownership); BK did not know how long the hold out would be; therefore, BK bought himself time. First, he scared off other NBA suitors because of Curry's heart condition. Second, since the end of the JJ debacle, BK can play chess with the Chicago Bulls. BK could easily offer the Max to Chandler; therefore, the Bulls will call BK's bluff and sign Chander. In return, BK makes the next move. He offers Curry a contract that the Bulls cannot match. Conspiracy Theory. That's what I like about BK. He's a silent GM assassin. Great at playing poker.

Nicholasp27 I've been slaving away building this architecture model. I love being a Hawks fan

has anyone seen ESPN's picture of Belking attempting the shake Billy Knight's hand? Billy Knight is the man. To stand up and refuse to shake the man whose holding this franchise back from getting better, says a lot about a man. I respect that a lot about Billy Knight. He's bold about his decision (ala Johnson trade and a better future of the Atlanta Hawks). Of course, the face of this franchise is in disarray and all we need is another man holding us down; however, with Billy Knight as GM, I have confidence in the Hawks future.

Give Billy some time. Of course, BK knew damn well that Kenyon Martin wasn't going to sign with the Hawks; however, BK made an offer. That in itself shows that BK targets big name free agents at fair market value. BK knows what he's doing. He's planning for the future. He doesn't want to be tied up to one player that may cripple this franchise for years (ala Alan Henderson). Also, with the release of Ekezie, I predict the Hawks will make an offer to a rFA CENTER within the week. Curry or Brown.

Remember when Marbury played for the Nets? Remember how the Nets never made the playoffs until the trade for Marbury for Jason Kidd (not sure what team). The Nets were in the playoffs the next year when Kidd was running point. The point is that Marbury cannot make his team better. He's a shoot first point guard. An upgrade from Jason Terry. I say no to Marbury.

The anticipation is killin me. I really like BK. He has this uncanny abilitiy to put on a poker face. He definately surprised me last year when he drafted Childress and that definately caught me by surprise. I have to admit, BK's drafting is more exciting than Babcock's drafting. I'm excited and only a few more hours until the Hawks select their #2 pick.

Did the Atlanta Hawks invite Roko Ukic (sp?) for an evaluation?

Do you have insight on whether or not Jay Williams will be invited to the Hawks basketball summer league?

Speaking of Scouting, who are the scouts for the Atlanta Hawks? Anybody have background of each scout? I've always been curious how the Atlanta Hawks scout for players? I read about the Atlanta Falcons scouting team, and they give a thorough analysis of their job description. I want to know the process of how our scouting team works. Do they work in regions, how much time do they spend on each player, how many scouts travel overseas, do they check for background (family, school, parents, friends, coaches), do they have a criteria on what they are looking for, and how far in advance do they scout for a particular player?