Jody23

Smh. Just smh

If the Hawks don't get serious and this happens, it's going to be a problem. That said, nothing is set in stone yet. However, the statement was made that the Hawks knew signing JJ was not enough to make themselves legitimate title contenders and that's true. So, I wonder if this possibility could change the Hawks plans somewhat.

I admit this whole free agency thing has been way over the top, but if he does indeed choose Miami (starting to look that way), the Hawks and the rest of the South East division have got problems. I wonder if the Hawks anticipated this type scenario in their planning (or lack there of) for this offseason.

Which Dream Team? The one with the A list stars or the ones with the B list stars? Also, what do you think the Hawks would have to do, roster wise, to even compete with a team that features Bosh, Wade and LeBron? Because, this current Hawk team won't cut it.

If he goes to Miami, it's a wrap for the Hawks and every other team in the South East division. Just keeping it real.

I sincerly hope they make a SIGNIFICANT move to put themselves in title contention. If they don't, there's no way they can justify giving JJ that contract.

The Hawks may finish top 4 in the regular season again as they are currently constructed, but will be beaten again in the playoffs in round 1 or 2 if they don't address their defense and rebounding issues inside.

Well said sir.

Absolutely. Folks who've never played basketball and had to guard bigger players just don't understand this. I think Al knows that if he continues to play center primarily, his career and talent will continue to be marginalized and that's why he's speaking out about it.

+1

+1 Mark Bradley also said that Horford wouldn't be an all-star at the 4 which is totally absurd and selling Al's talent and skill way short. That aside, if the Hawks plan on having the same main 4-5 rotation as last year of Horford, Smith and Za Za, they'd have learned very little from the Orlando debacle and are setting themselves up for another beatdown this year.

Good points guys, but I don't think the problems were all on Woody. Hopefully, LD's approach and system will help, but we're kidding ourselves if we think it's going to solve all the problems. This team has some flaws and issues that need to be addressed.

It would be a HUGE mistake to lose Al Horford.

Finding a starting center I think has more to do with finding someone who allows Al to become more effective in the low post by playing his natural position than it has to do with finding a better player at that position. It would be difficult to find a better "player" at center than Al, but it is defenitely possible to find a guy who is a better "fit" at that position than Al and it seems that's what Al wants. Also, in all the rumors about the Hawks looking for a center, I've not seen any indication of it being a player to replace Za Za.

It's becoming pretty evident why the words "starting caliber" have been attached to the Hawks search for a center this offseason. Al apparently has made or is making his views clear to management and manangement may be listening. Al knows, as a two time national champion, that the Hawks need a true 5 to be contenders. He also knows that if he's an all-star at center, he can be even better at his natural position at the 4. This situation may be similar to what Joe Johnson and LeBron went through. Both guys had been placed at the point guard position because of their talent. However, they were both eventually moved to their natural positions where they clearly became more comfortable and more effective. I'm not comparing Al to these guys talent wise, but the situation is similar.

+1 I don't care about all the other stuff, if he gets the Hawks to title contention, bring him on.

A lot of times, it comes down to players you'd like to have versus players you actually need. With that said, many want Chillz back, but Horford is a guy the Hawks NEED. I see them letting Chillz go, but I don't think Horf's going anywhere.

Something about this whole thing doesn't smell quite right. Does Joe want to be in the ATL or not? It shouldn't take this long to fish or cut bait. So, what's REALLY going on here?

It also makes me wonder about the YI deal recently. Even though the Hawks have the right to match, they've got to know that Childress doesn't want to play in the ATL. Also, if they did match, where would he play? Also, I remember Mr. Cunningham over at the AJC saying that Childress had been talking to the Hawks. This stuff really is getting crazy. LOL.

Makes me wonder if there has been a discussion of a deal already between the Wizards and Hawks. Afterall, the Hawks did extend the qualifying offer.

Sekou says two different sources have confirmed it. www.twitter.com/SekouSmithNBA

I don't think it's all about money. If I'm not mistaken, Joe went to management on several occasions asking for better help. If the Hawks are going to "get the deal done" as they've reportedly said, what happens if Joe wants assurances that they'll improve the team to his liking? He's done it before, why wouldn't he do it know? Money is defenitely a big factor, but I don't think it's the only factor in play.

+1

Nice idea, but don't know if that would happen. As a side note, looking for a center who's a better player than Horford is pointless. The Hawks need a center who has the size and ability to defend and rebound at that position with little help. Essentially, someone who's a better fit at center and not necessarily a better player. I think your trade idea is the right type of thinking though.

No offense, but what have the Suns won? And when push came to shove, they were not big enought to contend with the Lakers. Sure, the coach will decide who plays where, but Al will have his say when he becomes a free agent. Al is a natural 4 and he knows he would be more effective there. Josh, as much as I love him, is a converted 4 (came into the league playing the 3). When his athletic ability starts to fade, how effective of a 4 will he be then?