AtlHomer

Sothron, great insight as always! Protect your sources! Your comment is why I believe one or both picks may be traded for veteran help. Expectations are high and not making the playoffs this year will be unacceptable. I cannot see us going into the regular season with 2 rookies from this draft and expecting to make the playoffs. That said, this looks like a 'fair' proposal that provides benefits, both from a competitive and marketing standpoint, for both teams. Hopefully, ORL is still considering it. I'm considering going to the draft in NY this year (will already be there on business). I went 2 years ago with my Dad at one of the ballrooms in Madison Square Garden and had a great time. If your sources have any insight on how to connect with the ATL representatives, let me know.

Sothron, good insight and information again! Keep it up and protect your sources. I'm in the camp that would be OK with the 3rd pick being used with a package to acquire a veteran player like Gasol. I don't like any deal that would include both picks. Hopefully, they can find another player outside of the main 'core' to include in a deal for Gasol. Memphis having 2 consecutive picks along with 1-2 good young established players would put them in the playoff hunt right away. It would also give them the ability to trade the 4 pick for other veteran players if they desire.

Surely he wouldn't have to give up that much to acquire Gasol. After all, we gave up a #3 pick and two players (LoWright and Brevin Knight) to acquire Shareef. Hopefully, that was more a 'hypothetical' than anything else.

DrReality, before it's all said and done, i believe many on this board will come to realize that will need to be done in order for us to make the playoffs next year. Getting younger will not help the team to achieve those goals, regardless of quality of the players at #3 & #11. Like several are saying, I believe one pick should be used to help secure a big man and the other used to select a PG. Someone who was drafted in the past 3 years will probably be traded to help get that big man.

Sothron: I appreciate the insight you've shared thus far. Protect your sources. If the opportunity presents itself, could you inquire about the medical status along with front office perceptions of Speedy. I believe this may be a key into how we plan for the draft.

does anyone know the status of Jay Williams? We know he attempted a comeback last year. Did he still workout in attempts to get back to the league?

I like A however don't believe anyone would accept Speedy in a trade unless he announced he plans to retire. That said, if we can find the right package without compromising our core to get Gasol, I'm for it. Does anyone know the latest on his rehab status? IMO, that will go a LONG ways in determining his future with the Hawks and NBA.

GrayMule, well said!!!

Portland can offer that all they want, if this is true. The only way ATL should consider this is if there was another team involved in the deal, like WASH or MEM, that would take Randolf for another player that could help the Hawks.

Hi all. I'm a long time lurker and participated in the days when most of the current posters were on AJC and the previous site. Like many, I was ecstatic when it became obvious we would have two draft picks this year. That said, this has to be the year that we turn all the 'assets' we've drafted over the past few years into a team capable on making the playoffs, perhaps even go a few rounds. Anything less will be unacceptable. I would love to give the Suns a pick in the late teens or twenties next year. I'd like to see the Hawks come out of this draft with a current player via trade at a minimum. I like the idea of using the #3 pick and a package that would return either Gasol (Memphis), Jack/Aldridge (Port), or Jefferson (Bos). If Portland insisted on Randolf being in the package, I'd look for a 3 way opportunity with a team like Washington for a package that would include Haywood at a minimum. I think the change of scenery would do him well. Based on what we got back, I'd use the #11 pick on the BPA. If we only got a big man back, I'd probably choose Law over Crittendon with this pick, assuming both are available. My untouchables now would be JJ, JSmith, and Marvin, in that order. It would have to be a major return package to consider trading one of these players. Bottom line, drafting two young players won't help the Hawks for next season. We need the right kind of veteran help integrated with the team to help us get to the next level. It will be interesting to hear all the speculation/rumors before actual Draft Day.

TJ Ford looked like an All Star point guard tonight. I thought we might go into overtime given the way he was shooting tonight however when he fouled out, I felt we might have a chance to win in regulation. Great defensive effort on Bosh tonite. I liked seeing Zaza taking it to the hole whenever he got a chance. I was really surprised by his final line. Collectively, we've got to do better with free throws. I believe we can all agree, 75-80% should be expected from a professional team at a minimum. It could have made the difference in tonight's game. It was electric in Phillips tonight. Thanks again to Bruce for providing the deal with the seats. My boys are already asking when they can go to another game.

Looong time lurker, back from the AJC days. I also wanted to thank Bruce for the generous offer. I took advantage of the special last year with my sons and sat behind the guy that won the dance contest. He passed out his winnings (cokes) to everyone in the section. I'll never forget how much fun my kids had. I hope my children develop the passion for Atlanta sports that I have! I plan to bring them again this year and look forward to a good time.