ATL_BALLER

Seriously, I see no problem - and in fact, tremendous value, in letting BeBe and Menace hit the ground running - starting their NBA development now. Yes, there's the risk of them losing confidence, but we have proven player development staff now to guide their growth. As a team, I don't think losing for one year (after six straight playoff seasons) will be demoralizing - we haven't been mired in a hapless, desolate culture like the Charlotte's. Despite the proven track record against 'tanking' - I see all upside to developing talent this year, while also putting ourselves in position for at least a shot at Wiggins/Parker. It sickens me to think that the Lakers and Celts could be in the mix - they always seem to time their down years just right. Why can't we? I know free agency looms, and we may end up with a competitive product this year, but as noted many times, outside of Dwight, there's nothing exciting or game-changing. I say develop, get in the lottery, and then use your cap space next year to bring in the right veteran talent.

ATLANTA HAWKS | GRADE: CRound 1: Lucas Nogueira (16), Dennis Schröder (17) Round 2: Mike Muscala (44), Raul Neto (47) Analysis: The Hawks probably are losing a chunk of their rotation this offseason and didn't get much help in the draft for next season. It may be several years before we can accurately gauge how well they did. Nogueira and Schröder have upside. Nogueira can develop into an effective rim protector, and Schröder is quick, athletic and tenacious on both ends. But both players appear to be several years from being serious contributors at the NBA level. Muscala is the opposite of Nogueira and Schröder. He's a polished college veteran who, of the Hawks' draft picks, might be the most ready to play now. Neto is a good player as well, but he's unlikely to come over to the NBA this year.

I'm all-board the Franklin train. In addition to talent, we need cultural changes.

In that case, definitely shouldn't be an '14 pick. And I understand the value of Marion at the deadline, but wouldn't his contract damper our FA pursuit now?

Yeah, but wouldn't we have to package both 17 and 18 to get to 13? I don't see Jenkins or Lou as enticing assets in lieu of the pick.

Dolf - who would you hope to nab at 13?

In the absence of a deal, guaranteed: [*]Olynyk (ugh) [*]Franklin (cool)

^This with a capital T. None of the second-tier FAs excite me in the slightest. Draft well, accumulate assets and maintain flexibility while poised to pounce on the right opportunity (ala Houston with Harden).

Stating the obvious, but the second this deal goes through, Dolfan - you can take down the beautifully crafted but ill-fated big 3 graphic. As I said before, we're going to have to draft savvy like the Spurs and cultivate our own homegrown talent. As painful and potentially prolonged that is, I pray that's the route vs. burning cap space on any of those second tier FAs. Not a single one excites me.

Doc was a big part of the equation, though.

Sorry, I thought it was relevant to the Hawks; my point being that CP3 is still (however weakly) in play.

Link That no doubt would have been the nail in the coffin on an already improbable CP3-to-the-Hawks scenario. For now, a glimmer remains...

If (and sadly, when) we don't land the big fish, there's no one else out there that excites me in the slightest (even a healthy Bynum doesn't satisfy the culture shift we need and that Bud spoke of). So, it's probably going to be a painful and prolonged process, but at least there is direction, leadership and draft savvy at the top now, so alas we must be patient with some homegrown and developed talent.

Notice how DF always refers to building a 'program', and one that's 'sustainable'. That means no quick strike with big ticket free agents this off-season ('twas a pipedream anyway). It means relying on the draft over the next couple of seasons (hopefully hitting pay dirt as the Spurs have done), and developing those moldable players into a clearly defined system. Despite Cal Bowdler's proclamations, I see a process that takes two-three years, at least. All while preserving cap space - not just for FAs but to facilitate trades for more young, system assets. I hate to be the buzz kill, but all signs point that way, to me - esp in light of the Snyder and Ham hires.

Sadly, pride doesn't pay the bills.

How 'bout Bledsoe? Forgive me if it's been broached before (likely), but he's exactly the kind of ferocious, all-upside talent we need to score in lue of the unrealistic free agents. As I've said before, if we're serious about changing the culture, I'm absolutely fine moving Teague in a S'N'T. While he certainly has abilty, his inconsistent makeup and failure to bring the fire every game (despite having his own swag coach) are best left with the ol' regime. Meanwhile, the Clips currently have little-to-no-flexibility, and, assuming they keep Chris, know that Bledsoe's their best chip (and really can no longer be contained in BU role). Perhaps we could give them some cap relief somehow, plus we could leverage our picks in a weak draft. Worth it to me.

From the day Danny was hired, we haven't heard a peep from Gearon (even during the introductory press conference, he was conveniently out of the country). Not only has that been an obvious PR tactic, but I'm willing to bet it was the first provision DF laid out before accepting the gig. Right about now we'd be hearing the delusional spin - "We're one of only three teams in NBA history to make the playoffs with over half a roster of expiring deals!" Instead, just the quiet rustle of the winds of change.

For me, the reverse logic actually makes more sense. The players and coach are fighting for their jobs (here or elsewhere); it's when people have security that the performances suffer.

What would you have qualified as 'good business'? Ferry taking that gag-worthy package from Milwaukee? (I know, I know, we should have traded him this past off-season. But today, what would have been good business?)

I'm happy Danny didn't cave to the low-balls or do anything to harm our long-term flexibility. Plus, options still abound in the off-season.

A hometown kid with the pac-man logo tattooed on his arm didn't realize his (nor the team's) full potential - and now, barring a last-minute miracle, we're selling him off at .50 on the dollar. When you're a Hawks fan, we have to grab onto anything positive. Toss this one on the ever-growing pile of bitterness and disappointment. I will say that I have faith in Danny F; let's hope this day proves to be a turning point for this moribund franchise.

I hear you, but I haven't wavered on Jeff, and it has nothing to do with one off game. Again, we need a complete cultural change - one where effort is not brought into question (and by Drew specifically, ad nauseam, though I'd like to see him go, too). How many playoff caliber teams are there that regularly lose the way we do?

Side note: he didn't/couldn't even bring it at the skills challenge. Come on, Jeff!

While he's certainly capable talent-wise, he epitomizes the inconsistent effort that has characterized this team over the last few seasons. I mean, we had to import his own swag coach - though I would argue that if it's not in you, it's not in you. Yes, you need premium talent to win. But If we're serious about not just changing the team, but the culture, I want tough-minded, high-energy, heart 'n' hustle, brings-it-every-night talent. Winners, plain and simple. Too bad we missed out on MKG last draft.

Could also be symbolic that Josh has all the potential in the world, but alas, will always come up a tad short.