Highpozt2

Tiago  of course has missed the last few games. With him in the lineup you don't expect him to have any gaudy offensive numbers however, here's the hope --- that Splitter could really give you help on the glass and help in the post on defense.  He has shown flashes of potential.   But for him to be the effective big man in the rotation that the Hawks acquired him for, he will have to be much more consistent.   Can Tiago  in the last three quarters of this season, be effective similar to what Tristan Thompson is to the Cavaliers???  There is a relationship. What we saw the Cavaliers do to us in the Eastern conference final last year is that relationship. 

I am hoping that the scouts from the Hawks saw some special in Tavares. If he can rebound and block shots effectively, the Hawks are significantly better particularly in the front court

IMO paying DMC 15 Mil would have been nuts. With Thabo and Tim H Jr., the Hawks should be okay. Tiago Splitter was not the replacement for DMC but more for Pero Antić which, I think is an upgrade, particularly on defense and rebounds. Against the bigger frontlines having Horford, Milsap and Splitter will pay dividends. There are still some deals that can be made, I hope the Hawks stay active.

Lowkey, I think this draft is very important. Most teams that make it to a conference final aren't able to pick at 15. They have to take advantage. Acquiring talent should be the goal in the offseason and the draft is a place to do it.

Security Guard, I agree picking 15th after an appearance in the Eastern conference finals is a opportunity to really improve this team. Fortunately there is enough talent in this draft to get a positional need, that is also talented enough to be worthy of a number 15 pick.

With the draft looming, Hawks have an opportunity to add a player that would really get them at least back to where they were this year and hopefully over the hump into the finals. Either the Hawks need a bona fide scorer or a seven footer that can rim protect and rebound. The playoffs magnified the size of this team is an issue, they were out rebounded in every series. The series also indicated clearly that we need an aggressive inside outside scorer that can take over when the offense get stagnant. The Hawks had an excellent season. I hope they will not regress but improve on what we had this year.

With the draft looming, Hawks have an opportunity to add a player that would really get them at least back to where they were this year and hopefully over the hump into the finals. Either the Hawks need a bona fide scorer or a seven footer that can rim protect and rebound. The playoffs magnified the size of this team is an issue, they were out rebounded in every series. The series also indicated clearly that we need an aggressive inside outside scorer that can take over when the offense get stagnant. The Hawks had an excellent season. I hope they will not regress but improve on what we had this year.

As we enter the free-agent frenzy aren't the Hawks lite at the two guard? Kyle Korver, Cartier or Martin and John Jenkins. With $20 million in cap space would it be a good idea to pick up Stuckey (Slasher) or Thabo Sefolosha (defender) for the mid-level along with Small Forward Loul Deng for between 7 to 8 million? That would still leave the Hawks with 5 million on the boards. Starters -- Horford, Milsap, Deng, Korver & Teague. Bench -- Dennis, Stuckey or Thabo, DeMarre, Scott, Antić --- Reserves A. Payne Muscala, Shelvin, Jenkins, Tavares in order of need - of course two of the reserves will be D Leaguers or released.

Is it possible for the Hawks to land Greg Monroe. That would be tremendous to get a real Center so that Horford can finally play power forward

I was thinking the same thing they are being exposed now - when Pero Antić gets back that will help - I still think Hawks need to explore trades. Particularly for a low post scorer. It will likely cost Hawks at least one of point guards and a 1st rnd draft pickSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hawks needed Teague and Horford to provide the core --- with expectations that Jenkins and Scott will be significantly better. Hawks may have some potential ballers in Schröder and Noguiera. Getting a 25 year old Teague provides Hawks with a solid PG. Lets hope Bud can get Teague to do something special

It would not be a complete shock if Dennis ended up starting at some point this season. Rubio was 20 and started for the Timber Wolves. John Wall was 20 when he started for the Wizards. Since most freshman entering the draft are 20, that is the common age for young point guards/players. But Tony Parker was a international player and he was just 19 his rookie season when he made 72 starts for the Spurs.

Both Schröder and Noguiera need to get some playing time this year, we obviously are not going to get any big name free agents. Even the second-tier top free agents Monta Ellis, Andrew Bynum have passed us by Or the Hawks passed them by. We still have a shot at Brandon Jennings and Mo Williams however getting the rookie some playing time will pay dividends for the long run. Hawks may have a gem this year in Schröder and Noguiera and not even know it

You answered your own question about Mike.

Was hoping someone knew something about Muscala other than he is a Center --- Because with ZaZa gone, Bynum signing elsewhere, Pekovic and Asik being low odds to acquire --- we may be entering the year with Muscala

Would've been nice to snag a name, but in all likelihood, we dodged a bullet here. Dude has chronic knee issues; look what happened to Roy, and Bynum is twice his size. I'd be surprised if he sees any real court time next season or beyond.

Ditto -- I was thinking the same thing. I got a little excited about having Bynum here, but then ultimately if he goes down with a knee injury we've invested all that money and have no production. I had to face he was high risk from an injury standpoint. Peko is worth exploring, but how much will he cost us. Is there any chance the second round Center (Muscala) is any good? I guess we will see and Summer League

Jenkins = Dell Curry, Mike Scott = Udonis Haslem and they will be used similarly off of the bench.

Good to see Mike Scott has 3 point range, particularly if he wants to see time at the 3 position. He will improve his roster chances, if he can rotate at the 3 and the 4 --- Jenkins we know can shoot, if Coach Bud can develop him to be a floor spacer like Korver then he could be a very efficient offensive weapon.

The Spurs may be one of the best teams at player development. (i.e, previously Manu and lately Danny Green and Gary Neal). I dont know how much can be attributed to Budenholzer as an assistant coach, but he has a least been a part of that player development. With that said, are Jenkins and Scott going to come in much improved after a training camp and summer league under Budenholzer. Can Jenkins be a spot on shooter who can stretch the floor opposite Korver, like Danny Green and Gary Neal and - Can Scott come of the bench and average 12 points and 7 rebounds. Player development could have the Hawks a lot better this year than anticipated. We dont yet know what we have in Budenholzer, Jenkins are Scott????

yeah, I think he is fine. Assuming atl resigns teague, I am interested in seeing who the last piece will be and how the team lands the player.

Recognize from watching Millsap over the years, he is going to be a consistent high percentage shooter, averaging in the mid teens in scoring, that works hard. We will have to to keep surrounding he and Horford with athletic guards that can push the action and nail the outside shot.

You know... I got to looking at the PF's in the east and Millsap might have an all star run this year.

I am not dissapointed in the selection of Milsap he is a solid Forward - what I would like to see is us land Pekovic that would be a true blue collar frontcourt. Of course Timberwolves have the final say so on Peko.

Why does being a "real fan" have to equate to embracing sunshine, leprechauns, and rainbows? Diesel is right: and even the FAs who have been shown a pot of gold have been few and far between. I hope Ferry can change the perception. But until he does, the empirical data suggests that the Hawks simply haven't been able to reel many in.

Agree --- Well now that the Dwight Howard deal is done and the top free agents are quickly disappearing for 2013 - Ferry's (General) managerial skills will be tested. At this point we don't have a full roster. If they do a sign and trade with Josh, then will this team be just good enough to stay out of the lottery, which means building through the draft is not a great direction. It is tough to get out of this chasm (to good for the lottery but can't advance). We will see what Ferry has for the Hawks --- hope he knows things we don't - maybe Coach Bud is a player developer that gets this years roster to do some magnificent things -- Hawks 2013/14

I'm quite sure if we wanted Al Jeff that we could have gotten him. But I never once heard Ferry mention him as someone he'd be interested in signing. CP3 wasn't about Atlanta, it was about wanting to finish what he started in LAC. I don't disagree that we've had a tough time attracting top flight free agents, but I see that culture has changed quite a bit with Ferry in charge. It wasn't that long ago that Kenyon Martin wouldn't even talk to the Hawks and here we are as one of the teams that got to sit down and talk with Dwight and he had nothing but good things to say about Ferry and Bud.

I agree Dwight is not the measuring stick for free agency success or failure --- however top flight free agency has eluded the Hawks in recent years -- I was more focused on team rebuilding, without a total strip down. It looks like Horford will obviously need some pieces while he is still a prime asset and with Joe and now Josh likely moving on, the quick fix is/was free agency. Because we currently have so few players under contract, if this free agency class does not return the Hawks any gems, then it would appear the only direction for Ferry/Hawks is the draft. However without a really bad season, there is no lottery. Free agency becomes paramount. I hope the Hawks and Ferry can continue to change the culture, Hawks will need to attract top tier free agents.

Right - players love the city however, the Hawks basketball team stands alone. Of course earlier the CP3, Howard combo fell through --- although I did not think it was the best fit, I never heard Al Jefferson mention the Hawks, but he went to the Bobcats, really. The Hawks have always had a tough time attracting top flight free agents. Now of course we wait for the Howard's decision

If we dont get Dwight -- no matter how much cap space the Hawks have the free agents are not responding to any Hawks offers. Hawks will have to trade for draft picks and build through the draft. However, if the fans here the term rebuild again, I feel some really apathetic fans will absolutely be gone. I'm not certain what Ferry's gameplans is hope he can do some magic with this franchise. So far I think we the fans are clueless after this first wave of free agency

Dwight and Josh likely had conversations ---Hawks front court with Horford, Dwight and Josh, but the culture of Hawks basketball may be a deterrent -- versus-- a Dwight, Smith, Harden Trio In a city and arena that got hyped during the Yao years. Then you have to consider the up-and-coming Golden State Warriors with their deadly outside shooting and great coaching.

The championship in the East likely goes through Miami or Indiana so if the HawksReally get hot and land Howard and Tyreke assuming JSmoove walks - how would we look. Howard, Horford, Evans, Jenkins and Teague with Lou Williams as your 6th man. Would that team compete with Pacers and Heat??

I'd rather have Evans for the ages of 24 - 28 then Iggy from 29 - 33. I'd rather have Evans for the ages of 24 - 28 then Iggy from 29 - 33.

Horford and Dwight are a rebounding, shot blocking, potent offensive tandem -- The problem is if there is another max worthy player, JSmoove, Monta nor Iggy fit the bill. And are any of them them willing to take a pay cut to play with Dwight Horford together. If we could get Teague signed and add two solid mid level players we might stay in the upper tier of eastern conference teams. But to match the Heat we would need one more major piece, or a super supporting cast/bench