hawkster411

Can someone please be more specific about Kwame Brown's problems? Diesel makes a valid point that Kwame Brown did not have a mentor. Don't get me wrong, Michael Jordan being one of the best/if not the best player in the game as a mentor. But Michael Jordan has a different mentality as a player than as a GM. I believe Michael Jordan did not bring in Kwame Brown slowly in his first year. Jordan does not have the player development mentality. Whereas the Atlanta Hawks brought up Josh Childress slowly. At the start of the season, Josh Childress was in the starting line up, then was benched for a few months because Woodson didn't believe he was ready. After Josh Childress's setback, I believe Childress worked his butt off to win back his starting role. A mental game that really helped him elevate himself to the next level. His learning curve accelerated after the benching. I give credit to Woodson and BK for bringing up the rookies slowly. I believe Kwame Brown needs a change of scenery. A new start where he can work with people that understands his weakness and help alleviate the problem. I believe the Atlanta Hawks can help him find his game and bring the most out of him. Comments are welcomed...

After watching last nights Game 1 Suns Vs. Mavericks, the tempo of the game is dramatically different. For example, Jason Terry running the PG position seems slow and lost. The Mavericks have an aresenal of shooters and JT did NOT deliver or make any plays happen. I watched Dirk, Finley, and Stackhouse wait for JT to make something happen. I was really disappointed in his PG playmaking abilities. Whereas, Steve Nash running the PG position is a whole different ball game. Steve Nash's ability to find players on the fast break, his intangibels of his playmaking ability, knowing when to pass the ball, and most importantly, making those around him better. Furthermore, he was not afraid to shoot the ball. Last night proved that he deserved the MVP award. The question on my mind? Do the Hawks draft a Point Guard or a Center? Comments?

What is the cap situation with the Sixers? I know they have AI, Webber, and Korver. I'm sure Korver is due for a raise. The question is whether or not the Sixers are willing to match Dalemberts's salary? If the Hawks offer enough money to Dalembert and the Sixers match our offer, will the Sixers be over the cap? Can anyone please provide the salary situation for the Sixers?

If I'm not mistaken, I believe the Bulls bought out JW's rookie contract after his motorcyle accident. After his accident, the Bulls drafted Hinrich for his replacement. The year after Hinrich, the Bulls drafted Ben Gordon and Chris Duhon. The Bulls heavily invested in JW but backfired; therefore, the Bulls rebuilding process was hindered causing the Bulls to create a new rebuilding blueprint; however, JW gave his word that he would give the Bulls first priority if he decides to play again. I would like to see any recent articles of JW's health status. Is he working out? If so, how far along is he with his progession (full sprints, full blown work outs, leg condition, etc)?

Any word on Jay Williams trying out for the Bulls this summer? I understand that he will give Chicago first priority if he decides to come back to the NBA; however, with the emergence of the Chicago Bulls, the team is stacked at the PG position with Hinrich, (interchangeable pg/sg) Ben Gordon, and the leadership in Chris Duhon. If the Bulls turn down Jay Williams, will JW consider playing for the Hawks? I wouldn't mind giving JW a chance to shine again. Imagine the opportunity of having the 1st pick in the draft (Bogut) and signing Jay Williams (pg). We would solve both positions that we sorely need. Again, the PG position is a big IF. I hope JW has healed 100%. Comments?

In ESPN's Page 2, Bill Simmons writes an interesting column on Antoine Walker. Welcome back, Employee No. 88

Felton is all over the court. I noticed that he moves well without the ball, and most of all, loves to get his teammates involved. Felton is a playmaker. He brings defense, leadership, hustle, and most of all, makes those around him better. IMO, Felton of Jack!

Not only was I impressed by Josh Smith scoring 26 points. But his ATTITUDE...on Hawks.com Josh Smith said, "...I had to show my athleticism and give the league a little notice." That quote in itself tells me that Josh Smith is out for blood. Jay Bilas will be the first to eat crow. I'm excited to watch this kid for the next 3 years. I think we have a diamond in the rough.

I say sign Kmart close to the max... The Hawks will be in the lottery next year; however, the catch is that Hendu and C.Crawford will be off the books. If we sign KMart, NBA players will know that the Hawks are serious about building an NBA contender. By next year, we're looking at... 1. Lottery pick (Top 5) 2. KMart 3. Caproom to sign a franchise player 4. The Unknown factor...Childress or either Smith's will emerge into an all-star(s). If BK did is homework and let's say our rookies develop into all-star caliber players. We're looking at having 3 or maybe 4 all-stars in Childress, K-Mart, J.Smith, and Ray Allen. Let's not forget that BK has the flexibility to trade a combination of Philly's 1st round pick and/or current players.

JT/Child/Diaw/Swift/Thomas I see a run and gun team. The Hawks will have 3 playmakers in JT/Child/Diaw. JT being a deadly shooter while Childress(Reggie Miller) spreading the floor for JT. Childress moves fluidly without the ball, and from some video clips, he likes to drive to the hole. Diaw having tenacious defense. Also, for his position, I remember Diaw being an above average rebounder. Hopefully, I would like to see one of the Smith's to emerge by late next season.

DocHawk, J.Smiths' dad looked pretty scary. Most of the time, he was looking at the ground. I guess he was holding his frustration back on national television after Jay Bilas' comments.

Diaw Childress Jackson KMart Swift or Okur Not only are the Hawks a tall team, but they're a fast and uptempo type team. The only knock I see from that line up is rebounding. The Hawks will get banged around offensively and defensively. They need someone bigger than Swift. Swift weighs 225. With this line up, the Hawks need a big bruiser to counter the lack of body mass. Shaq weighs about 340.

Dolfan, Chris Crawford was the 52nd pick. He was helpful in warming the bench

Lascar, Nice take on the following.. "Diaw the passer, Childress the shooter, and Smith the freakish dunker." I like a PF called the rebounding machine and a center called the bruiser, but who could that be??? As long as we don't have softies on this team, I would be fine by that. At the looks of things, Diaw (6'8) Childress(6'8) and J.Smith(6'9) is a pretty tall front line. Wish all of them could have a little more body mass.

At 17 yoa, a kid who says "play hard ever second on the court, and do what I have to do to improve" says a lot to me. For a kid coming out of high school, it's great for him to play near home. He has the supporting cast in friends and family. I don't believe distractions living near home will effect him. More than anything, I would hope Josh Smith will be a gym rat like Ron Artest. Living in Ga, I think Josh Smith wants Hawks fans to embrace him. He wants to represent Atlanta, and in doing so, he has to work on every aspect of his game.

Yes the Hawks received more money. I know it's not milllions were talking about, but I do not think BK wanted 5 rookies when we already have 4 vets under contract. Yes Vik has upside. Apparently BK wasn't going in that direction. I think BK is going to use SA's cash on acquiring an average big men in FA. IMO, any kind of cash helps. If possible, he'll lure a marquee player this year (K-mart).

Inviting Jay Williams to camp would be great. I'm more concerned about his injury. I'm not sure if I would want another Henderson on the team (injury wise). Although the possibilites of Jay Williams breaking out would definately entice a trade of JT.

Great take on the draft Jay. I like your insight on Knight's draft strategy. BK drafted the best player available. Although the players drafted are in the same pool, the POTENTIAL of either Donta or J.Smith to break out would be great trade bait. BK is really thinking about the future and the flexibility the Hawks will have down the road. It's interesting how all the critics down play the Hawks, but I believe this is a positive step in the right direction. During the Babcock Era, I was sick and tired of the Hawks drafting philosophy. The Hawks did miss out on James Posey instead drafted Cal Bowlder. Yet, there's new blood in the Hawks organization, and BK is doing a great job. I know the names do not stand out, but BK is really looking at the bigger picture. BK is slowly building the Hawks up. I'm sure he would have wanted more ala Howard or Livingston; however, with the Hawks current draft positions, I believe BK did his best. Jay pointed out that the Hawks could get a big man in free agency. The Hawks have plenty of money, and I don't expect them to spend it all this year. In time, I see the Hawks picking up one or two marquee players. By then, the emergence of Donta or J.Smith will add to the mix. If by chance both break out, BK can lure in another impact player. Although no big names were selected in the draft, right now it's great to be a Hawk. "Best player available vs. positional needs". BK proved to me that he isn't afraid to stockpile athletic talent. Again, BK is slowly building up the team. He's assembling athletic talent, money, draft picks, and in time, the attraction to play in Atlanta will soon become a hot spot (it already is, we just need a marquee player to start it off).

I bet Jay spent all night writing about the Hawks draft. Can't wait for his take on draft night.

Hotlanta, Attitude and commitment...that's J.Smith's big question marks. However, watching ESPN, I saw fire in J.Smiths eyes. He wanted to prove his critics wrong. I knew he was angry when one of the announcers (sorry didn't remember his name) said he would be the biggest "bust" in the draft. As an athlete, someone who criticizes you on national television would want to prove people wrong. I bet this kid is going to be a gym rat. I really believe in this kid. He's going to be something special in the NBA.

Well, the Hawks get more money and another 2nd rounder. I knew some kind of trade was bound to happen. The Hawks drafted 4 SF's (Childress more of a 2 guard). I wanted J.Smith all along. I believe his work ethic, attitude, and commitment will make him into a bonified all-star down the road; however, if J.Smith doesn't pan out, I think BK drafted Donta Smith as the back up plan. I think BK went with best talent available in the draft. Childress a SG J-Smith a SF Donta Smith SF

Sorry to have missed Jay on 680, but I was wondering if anyone remembered his comments about the Hawks draft? I'm curious if Jay wanted the Hawks to draft J. Nelson instead of J. Smith. I heard Chad Ford graded the Hawks a "C". Anxious to see Jay's report card on the Hawks.

In my humble opinion, I think Diaw should be the Hawks future PG. I've seen Diaw play a few, and I think he's a great floor general. What I like about Diaw is his defense. I'm sure he's working on his shooting; however, the way Diaw controls the tempo of the game, and his defense are what I like about him. As for JT, I think he needs to move on. The Hawks have tried countless possibilities to pair him up with another taller player. As much as JT is great for Atlanta and the fans, I just think it would be better for him to move on ala trade. I do not see the Hawks in the playoffs next year. The Hawks are in a rebuilding process that may take 3-5 years until they are a bonified contender. The Hawks may well be in the lottery next year; however, if Josh Smith pans out into the next Nique. The Hawks will have the SF position solidified for the next 10 years. I would like next year's line up of: Diaw Childress Stephan Jackson (J.Smith apprentice) K-Mart Okur Coach: Fratello

Man..Billy Knight is tall. Looks as if Livingston has the potential to make his body frame bigger and stronger. I rather take Livingston out of this group of guys, respectively. Back to Billy Knight, he looks like a dad teaching a group of high school kids basketball 101.

All I have to say is that Billy Knight better make the Hawks proud come draft day. I like how BK thinks, and he's a real poker man; however, he better have the better hand when/if we pick at #6 and #17.