leftwich

I started watching the Hawks right before the all star break, and I was in no way a fan at that time. The first thing that I noticed (and vocalized) was something along the lines of Joe Johnson being the most underrated star in the league. He has good ball handling skills for his position, amazing body control, can drive through traffic when it looks like there's no seam, can score from anywhere, and is surprisingly humble and unselfish given the team he was stuck playing on last season. I think there are players that do get overrated by Hawks fans. For instance, JS is a great young player and makes great plays, but he still hurts the Hawks in certain areas like match-up defense and his attitude issues. He's really not on the same level as JJ, who has one of the best all around games in the eastern conference.

Quote: There is no one outside of Oden that will help the Hawks, they have post defense issues, LaMarcus is a role player, Zach is stat guy but effect the win column isn't going up with him. Jack is a PG who isn't any good in Atlanta, AJ is better and it hard for him in Atlanta lack of movement and a system. I disagree. Lamarcus provides post defense, and Jack is a good-sized PG that will help out a lot in matching up defensively. I almost thought about not responding to this post, because it's absolutely ridiculous to say Greg Oden's the only person that can help out the Hawks.

Quote: Quote: Quote: do you think boston would trade al jefferson if we added in a pg? No, but if we added in Josh Smith they would. Al Jefferson's arguably their best young player. I think Portland's a much better trading partner, as the Celtics face too many of the same problems as the Hawks to fill in each other's gaps. And that would obviously be too much. Why do some people seem to think Josh Smith is so expendable? I don't think Josh Smith's expendable. That's why I said Portland is a better team to trade with. I think it's time to put away your "jump to conclusions" mat.

General Yi apparently couldn't guard Wang Zhi Zhi. If he can't match up against a center who couldn't cut it in the NBA, how will he match up against a below average starting eastern conference center? trade the pick!

Quote: But why would Portland do that? To keep Oden and Conley together.

Here's a third negative, Zach Randolph is neither a center nor a point guard. Which of the undersized PF's will play center? I see Zach Randolph creating as many problems as he solves, and throw in his huge contract, attitude problem, defensive issues... I hope he stays in Portland.

I think getting Zach Randolph would be a mistake, Marion's iffy, but J. O'neil/Pierce would be a welcome addition. I don't see how Atlanta can trade for anyone not in their rookie contract, however.

Quote: Aldrige is not a Center!! He looked good last year because the Blazers can play uptempo. That doesn't mean he will do well here. Aldrige still needs to put on some muscle. He was also the 4th pick last year so why would they give up the 4thpick of 2006 & a late first rounder for the #3pick? With Jack, JJ, MW, Smoove, and Aldridge the Hawks SHOULD play uptempo. If we land Noah at 11 to play 4/5 as well as having Zaza providing good situational minutes, things would be looking up. Aldridge does need to put on muscle, but Yi would have to put on muscle, develop a low post game, and not turn out to be the next Darko. Aldridge is the best solution, and I think a front court rotation of Aldridge, Smoove, Noah, Zaza, and possibly even Shelden would be solid.

There's no reason a trade with Portland wouldn't work. It makes both teams better. It's just about filling out each team's lineup, and Chill or Shelden could be throw in as well. Whatever is lost could be drafted at the 11 spot without affecting the Hawks starting rotation.

I will cry tears of joy if Atlanta comes away with Lamarcus Aldridge, Jarret Jack, and Noah. There's no way Noah will ever be league MVP, but there's no way he will be a bust either. Noah is a pretty sure thing without a very high ceiling, but that's exactly what the Hawks need at 11. Can you imagine how much more dynamic a guy like Noah would make the Hawks on offense and defense? Joe Johnson and Josh Smith are the stars. MW, hopefully, is headed that way. The rest is filling in good role players (ala Jack, Aldridge, Chill, Noah, and Zaza). The Hawks don't need to go hit or miss in this draft (aka Yi), we're in great shape as long as we're not looking to draft an eastern conference all star team. I think BK will get this one right.

Quote: do you think boston would trade al jefferson if we added in a pg? No, but if we added in Josh Smith they would. Al Jefferson's arguably their best young player. I think Portland's a much better trading partner, as the Celtics face too many of the same problems as the Hawks to fill in each other's gaps.

Quote: How is LaMarcus Aldridge more fit for a big man than Yi Jianlian? LaMarcus Aldridge is 6'10 237. Yi is 7'0 245. People say Yi plays like a SF but guess what? LaMarcus Aldridge is a guy who was called out for playing like he was 6'7 as well. Also aren't there questions about this guy's durability? And he only played one year in school. I'll take the highly decorated 7 footer who has been playing against grown men since 2003. I think it's ridiculous to suggest that there are more questions surrounding Aldridge at center than Yi at center. Is that really what you're trying to say?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Plrxg2AvXvs this guy looks awesome

I don't think MW will ever be an all star, and I definitely don't think MW will ever be an integral player on a successful team. The guy's team had a losing record in high school! (high school!) MW looks like he'd be a great NBA player physically, but he has no energy offensively or defensively. That's the difference between Marvin and Smoove, and that's how you can tell Smoove has potential. Smoove and MW both show flashes of the player they're going to become down the road. Smoove wants the ball down the stretch and makes a few spectacular plays a game. Marvin sits 18-20 feet out and fires midrange jumpers at about 40%. Essentially you're asking a player who's shown nothing to completely revamp his game. Do you honestly see this kind of transformation coming from a guy who appears not to care? I hope I'm wrong. I hope MW becomes a great NBA player, but I would be absolutely shocked if he's ever named to an all-star team. As much as people don't want BK to take Noah since he has no definite fit on this team (and I have to agree), it would certainly be refreshing to have an energetic, hard working player around. Maybe it'll rub off on Sheldon and Marvin who sleep walk through games.

It is highly, highly unlikely that the Hawks will not get either pick.

Quote: We're getting Oden at number 1! But, hypothetically, I wonder if BK would like this team: PG: Javaris Crittenton SG: Joe Johnson SF: Corey Brewer PF: Marvin Williams CR: Josh Smith I think this year's hawks team is better than that team. Smith is already undersized at the 4, and Crittenton will not be an immediate impact player.