LamarHampton

I hope both are back; both were cheap and effective and I think they both could turn out to be solid players deserving of much more minutes. But I didn't think Mack had a contract. You sure about that?

That's interesting ... Smith for David Lee ... I like Lee a lot, but he's a couple years older, doesn't play as good defense as Smith, but has much better BBIQ. Not sure entirely, but I could go for this. Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

With all the talk about D12 and SVG mending fences or whatnot, I got the impression that they'd become personally friendly, but I never read or saw anything that led me to believe that Dwight liked SVG as a coach. Hope I'm wrong - I like SVG and if for some reason that can draw in D12 (and then CP3 somehow, all for reasonable contracts), I'm game. Just a little surprised. Even if D12 doesn't happen, I think SVG would be a great addition and upgrade to our staff.

And what was with that mess towards the end of the season with some of the games being on 98.9 The Walk? I understand the Braves started playing and 680 wanted to cover that instead, but who's ever heard of 98.9 The Walk???

Well, they may not mean anything to you, but they mean something to the team that's going to offer him millions of dollars for the next several seasons as the #3 most sought after FA this offseason. Look, I recognize that he has low BBIQ, makes stupid plays, has questionable ball handling skills, and frustrating shot selection. But let's be real; he's put up decent numbers and someone's going to pay him a lot of money this offseason.

My bad bro, never saw you post before. Just joined recently and "MrBonkers" is my SN on a bunch of other stuff so I just used it here, too. Great minds ...? Not soft on Josh, btw. He's the most frustrating Hawk I've ever known. I was at all 3 home playoff games and every time he started lifting the ball up for a long 2 or a 3, I was the first one in the audience screaming "NOOOOO!!!!" I just don't think it's accurate to say he hasn't accomplished anything in 9 yrs.

Thank heavens. I know some on here hate 929, but I drive around so much, I really enjoy the static-free signal (even outside of 285!) along with the majority of the programming. Plus, they actually talk about basketball for more than 2 minutes out of every day like 680. I'm completely behind the decision to have the games on 929 because now I can actually listen to them. What a novel idea - Hallelujah!!!!!!

I don't know that it's fair to totally bash Josh. He won the Slam Dunk Contest, was the youngest player to reach the 500-blocks and 1000-blocks mark, and I think he's fairly highly ranked in the all-time Hawks franchise points, blocks, and rebounds categories. I'll give you that the guy is frustrating as hell with the long jumpers and botched plays, etc., but to say that he hasn't accomplished anything in the last 9 years is not exactly accurate. That's why he's considered the #3 FA this summer after all. I don't care if the dude comes back or not - I guess it would be nice if it were for a low salary - but I can't get on the "bash Josh just to bash Josh" bandwagon. He's pretty good, but not great. Meh.

This dude might just work out. He's got a sort of televangelist demeanor. I could see him slamming Smoove on the forehead after a 3-ball attempt "HEAL my sick friend!" And then Josh would miraculously stay in and around the paint. And then Snyder would pass around the collection plate, which would make the A$G veeeeery happy. Like it or not, I think this has legs, folks.

Dang, seems like everybody's forgotten about Petro!?!?! LOL But seriously, I'd love to get a true 5 but there just aren't a ton of great options that are realistic. I'm okay with having Al stick it out at the 5 spot most of the time and then having big guy (Zaza or Petro, etc) come in and bang for the few teams we have to face that have centers that cause us problems (Hibbert, Chandler, et al). Not that this approach is necessarily the best option, but Al didn't average a double-double for nothing. He can hang with most any center in the NBA right now, and is actually much faster than most. Dude can run the floor better than 9/10 centers out there. And that he can make his shots drop outside the paint lures other centers outside of their comfort zones, opening up opportunities for the rest of our guys to score. Although slightly undersized, you've gotta respect a guy who can put up those numbers and be that quick at a spot that he's had to adapt to. And it's a balance of liabilities and strengths with every player, and the scale for me says that he's doing just fine. We make a change if a good opportunity presents itself, but I ain't gonna cry if we have to leave Mr. Al "Double-Double" Horford at the 5.

Yeah, still sounds far-fetched. I have more faith that we'll land CP3 & Dwight, and even that ain't much. And I had to scratch my head a second or two about the Horf & Lou for Rose thing, but after much consideration I think I'd rather stick it out with Horf & Lou.

I really hope we keep the guy. Seems to work hard, grabs boards, and knows to stay in the paint but can shoot when he has to. (Yes, I still remember that pre-season game where he drilled a clutch 3 to send it into overtime!!!) But I just don't know what will happen. We've got 4 draft picks and LD sure didn't give the guy meaningful minutes - neither he nor Woody cared much about giving rookies a real chance to show their stuff. But I'd really like to see the guy get another contract.

I also wish there was another option on the Josh question - I would say yes, but only for the right price. He can put up some good numbers, but really is a headache. (BTW - I was at the last two playoff games and every time he was about to jack up a long 2 or a 3 the entire arena shouted "NO!" But he still kept at it - and actually made a much-needed 3ball in the 4th Q to everyone's surprise.) The money I would offer Smith would probably be too insulting to him and he'd just walk. Can't make free throws, insists on jacking up long 2's/3's, becomes a black hole for the ball sometimes, ... maybe I could tolerate that for the right price, but I'm also ready to move on. I would like to see Zaza, Teague, and even Petro back. Petro isn't great but he handles other big men ok and is good for situations like this with Indiana where he can go out and snag a few rebounds. Not sure why, but he never really seemed like he got a fair shake for whatever reason. I think the dude puts out a lot of good effort; yes, I realize he's no Horford, or even Zaza for that matter, but he's alright in my book. I'd take him over Collins any day - Collins couldn't jump over a napkin, and Petro is pretty solid on jump balls and rebounds. I could go either way with D12. Meh. I'd like to see Ivan back. I remember thinking "Who's this guy???" watching the pre-season last year. He's not afraid to take on anyone and has been able to keep his temper under control. Consistent source of energy off the bench. Another matter that wasn't a poll question: I'd also like to see Harris back. He seems like he's got that killer instinct that Teague just can't quite get to show up all the time. Fast as hell. Just a little concerned because he seems to get injured a fair amount.

I was at the game - the place felt on the verge of a riot twice: 1st when Horford got the flagrant on West and the 2nd time when they called a travel on the Hawks and then let the Pacers immediately get away with one at the other end. (and subsequently thereafter when they seemed to get away with several *questionable* calls) I've been in the Factory on nights when they were chanting for Lebron or Melo, but tonight it was all Hawks. Great turnout. Never seen The Wave like that in Philips, nor have I ever heard repeated chants of "REFS YOU SUCK" and thought people were about to start chucking their $8 beers onto the court. Great night and great win by our Hawks.

Taking my son: Sec 116, Row S seat 17 & 18 - come say hi. I'm new to the group (but been reading awhile) It's the playoffs man, gotta sit close enough to heckle