ATLSmith

I totally agree. Furthermore, Bud values defense because when you get a stop and beat the other team back in transition it's basically a free bucket. This team is going to absolutely punish teams who turn the ball over. Remember that 60 win team? Of corse you do. They ranked 5th in steals and 14th in fast break points that year. This years team might not get a ton of steals bit I wouldnt be surprised if they were top 10 in fast break points. Their improved speed, especialy at the 4 and 5 spot, will allow the Hawks to improve the pace of their pick and roll and pick and pop. It will be very difficult to defend. Shooting does worry me a bit though. Bud values shooters because when the ball swings to the open man they have to be able to make the uncontested shot. Right now their shooting looks like it will be average at best but maybe they will surprise us all. Defense, quick transitions, a solid pick and roll game, and very good shooting all made the 60 win team possible. The Hawks are trying to get back to that. This is year one of a rebuild so it won't be perfect but they have a solid foundation to work with.

This needs a tie breaker... Like, how many times will @Diesel complain about Shredder, or how many times will @NBASupes complain that Collins isnt starting. All jokes aside, a prediction on the number of times Collins starts might be a good one.

I'm willing to give Delaney another shot at backup. I think we should still try to get a vet PG on the roster because both our PGs are young.

Stone needs a lot of work. Pretty sure he will have a few stints in the Sports Drink League next year.

To be fair, thats like 6 am here, so maybe he's just getting up.

Yea, I dont know, that might be a stretch. What I do know is that we should totally do a prediction thread again when the roster is set.

So, I totally get what you are saying but he's a good young center at a reasonable price... Let's see what he brings to the team.

I think our plan is to flip the script on NBA small ball and start 5 bigs. I'm joking. Or maybe we are trying to corner the big man market so their value increases and we trade them for picks. I'm only half joking.

Thanks. I was wondering when the tournament starts. Our last game against the Pels was close. Should be a good one.

Wow. He runs the floor very well for a big man. Hawks are going to be blazing fast in transition next season.

I bet the Hawks end up with the 5th or so pick and people complain that they should have "tanked harder."

In the immortal words of Dwight Howard, "It starts and ends with the D." Too soon?

All summer league games are on WatchESPN if you have ESPN via your TV service. You have to go to the Summer League section and then to replays. It can be tricky to find but they are there.

Jebus! There's another game today? I haven't even finished watching the last 2. I know what I'm doing this evening.

Well, I sort of stole it from @hazer.

I wonder if some trades and offers are being held up by Washington matching the Porter offer, which can only be done tomorrow.

You dont have to be over the salary floor until way later in the season. Budenschlenkenholzer could be trying to absorb contracts in return for pics arround the trade deadline.

I know what you are saying but the key here is to get a little something out of each trade. A pick here, a pick there. It adds up.

I'm really not sure why Bud keeps getting the blame. Wilcox was the GM. Anyway, 13 pages of debate and the Hawks did what most believe is right.

He was acrually quite a bit stronger last year than the year before. Focus might be on improving his skill instead of strengh.

When does the clock expire for the Hawks to match? Has to be pretty soon, right?

I'll say it again... wtf were the Nets thinking.... Anyway, it's going to be a learning year fo a lot of these guys but I suspect there will be games where they put it all together and surprise some good teams. Looking forward to seeing the finsl roster as it should have some solid vets.

Check the espn app again today. Replays normally show up the day after.

Actually, this FO seems more open in general.

You forgot to.... Ooohhh.... Still the kid can play. Not sure if I'm qualified to say he's worth the match on the Knicks offer but if the Hawks do sign him it's not all bad.