SFHawk

I know he announced his intention to return, but has he officially pulled his name out(notifying the NBA)? Is he looking for a top 3 promise?

I read the other day that Deke said he would like to play at least one more year. And he wasn't sure but he hoped Houston would want him back. But his wife had mentioned to him that perhaps he could come home [i wasn't aware he lived in Atlanta] to play in Atlanta. I'm sorry I don't have the link. I think I read it on cbs.sportsline within the last two weeks, but I got tired of looking for it. The article was talking about how well he has been filling in for Yao. Note, per Hoopshype, he is only making $2,210,000. I'd easily give him a one year deal of 2.5M-3M for next year. I think he would be a great tutor for Solomon, and not to mention a great veteran presence in the lockerroom.

I know traveling occurs on almost every play in the NBA, but did anyone notice after Marvin hit the 2 free throws to go up 71-69 (I think) late in the third, Jasikevicius took the inbound pass and took 3 large very casual steps before putting the ball on the floor? Unbelievable that no one made a big deal about it. Although, League Pass had the pacer announcers. I wonder if Smitty/Rathbun? or Holman/Scott made a big deal about it.

Okay, maybe I was trashing him but without any animosity. I just don't see his talent to fit in at the 4 or 3. That's not to say he won't develop more. But Smoove you can definitely say he has the athletic ability to play the 3 (with a better outside shot that can be learned) or the 4 (with more strength and bulk with can be added). I ask (honestly without sarcasm)what starting role do people see him fulfilling and what talent of his will allow him to do this? Also, I don't think I was one of the people calling for Al to be traded. But I would for the right deal.

Okay, I'll give you that Al is more athletic than most pf's. However, even though his footwork was good last night down low, he just didn't have the ability to elevate with body control to finish the shot last night. He would completely miss the rim with a shot that resemble more of a soccer throw-in. After he worked so hard to make the move, he didn't have anything left to finish the shot. I don't know, is this because he is shorter than most pf's? Jamison is a tweener that likes to play down low, while he isn't as strong as Al, he has the quickness and athletic ability to make the move and get the shot off with body control.

I went to the Hawks/Warriors game last night and just don't see what anyone sees in Harrington. He reminds me of SAR with less offensive skills but slightly better defensive skills. He had trouble getting his shot or establishing position down low against the Warriors who have very little strength down low. I'm sure he is a nice guy and works hard, but he just doesn't seem to have the athletice ability to be a 6-9 pf and too slow to be a sf. He is a tweener. I don't mean to bash him, but I hope the hawks don't have plans for him to be the first or second option or what I saw was just an aberation.

I may have missed something, but I didn't see in either of those articles where a Peja for Harrington deal was discussed. However, I don't think the Peja deal you propose is too off the mark. As the first article said, Peja is dead set on leaving. Atleast he was last August. I wonder how he feels now. If the deal isn't sweet enough for them, the pick could be a lottery protected 1st in 2006 and change to an unprotected 1st in 2007.

Does anyone have any thoughts on Childress for Dunleavy straight up? Not sure if I would do it and not sure if either team would do it. Also, I know Childress is only a rookie and has played less than half a season so I think he still has a lot of time to prove himself. However, I wasn't all that keen on him, like a lot of people, before the draft anyway. But, as he is a Hawk, I hope my pre-draft assessment of him is wrong, as I have been many times.

But they were both under the table deals with the intent (at least on Cleveland's side) to work outside of the CBA rules.

I just read through some of Larry Coon's section regarding the CBA on realgm.com. Assuming it's correct, extending or renegotiating the option year (had they exercised the option) is not allowed. I guess it is the intent of the CBA for a player to become a RFA at the end of the initial contract and options. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. Thus, Gund's claim that he was trying to get him his money sooner and lock Boozer up long term sounds plausible yet obviously risky. However, isn't this an attempt at a similar Joe Smith deal? Joe Smith and the T-wolves reduced it to writing. Doesn't Gund's letter/article show an intent to circumvent the CBA and league rules with an under-the-table-deal?

It comes down to a he said she said thing. Why didn't they just pick up his option and re-do or extend his contract while he is still under contract? Why the need for this "respect us and we'll respect you" risk? I think his option year contract is only $700. So what's the big deal if that is on the books for a couple of weeks?