Weez

Darko will actually help their defense quite a bit, despite a lot of what you're saying being true. They had NO ONE there last year, filling the position by platoon (and this is once Pau was back). The biggest X-Factors in Memphis are: 1) Ivaroni's affect on the style of play (more suited towards younger players...and those not named STromile) and the ability of teams to adapt (there's a reason they're so young) 2) the Lowry vs. Conley debate. Most may think that Jr. is going to be handed the keys...but honestly, it's much murkier here in the midsouth. Lowry was LOVED by the fans last year (in the 10 games he played before he went down) and they've got a new coach who has no preferences or allegiances...

agree in most regards with your sentiments...and to further the 'big f'n deal'...with the exception of merchandise sold at a team's home arena (aka, during the games), all profits from jersey sales and the like are pooled from ALL teams and redistributed... thus, it helps if players sell jerseys...it helps ALL the teams (their own...well, not so much).

um, hate to burst your bubble here (as well as many others who don't seem to be quite 'up on the Grizzles)... they're in year two of rebuilding. Remember those 3-4 straight playoff appearences with Pau as their anchor? Rebuilding started last year (by West), when he traded Battier to Houston, getting the pick that was Gay in return (and boy did the team and community miss Battier this year, seriously, you have no idea). Living in Memphis and having gone to quite a few games last year...it's obvious that most Hawks fans know not of the demeanor or status of the Memphis team or its fanbase...

yep, especially if they move Magloire (or he leaves, can't recall his FA status and too lazy to look it up right now). Regardless...you need depth, Channing's used to coming off the bench, can play the 4 or the 5 in times of need...and is still on his rookie contract. Yeah, they'll keep him.

if he learns to dribble or create his own shot...then yes, you are correct. Until then...I think that the Wallace deal is about right, especially given if it's for three years (see Wade, Bron, etc.). Only caveat to that is that, in doing so, he's going to want to remain the face of the franchise...thus, he can't lose his starting spot...can he?

Was reading the review of Oden's first SL game last night, of course coming across the part where Diop blocked his first shot attempt...and then it struck me... how is Diop allowed to play in SL? He's a six year vet! Are they still eligible? Is it simply up to them? I thought you could only play if you were a FA (which he may be and I missed it) or you were still on your rookie contract?

touche! nice knowledge!

well that, and the two continually try to beat the hell out of each other. I'm sure they'd trade both if the right deals came along...but given the nature of their 'relationship', I think that the team is most likely simply trying to move which ever one of them they find a suitor fot. Massive case of too many roosters in the henhouse (or low-block).

acutally, it's neither here nor there. Though I could have easily missed it, I suspect that Yi has yet to sign his contract with the Bucks, hoping to force a trade. By refusing to do this, he's not 'officially' on their roster, nor is he covered by their medical staff, etc. He CAN'T play in their summer league until he signs a contract with them. [ Interesting sidenote, I believe that the Chinese National Team, which he is a part of, is playing in a summer league (see their warmup in Houston earlier this week). So he could indeed play in Summer League...just not for the Bucks.

If anyone knows the answer to this I'd be greatly appreciative. I can't seem to find the information...as the 'new & revamped' Hawks site is as cumbersome as the old one was. Very frustrating. I notice that they're nto listed on the Vegas page (off of NBA.com), but did see mention of the Hawks' beginning SL play next week (in the basketblog). anyone?

anyone know of a good draft-pick site ~ i.e. one that lists the picks owned by teams in future years? simply adding to my inability to sleep.

due to his relationshop with McHale, and the dignity with which KG has represented the franchise, KMc has said that he will only send KG to a team that he would approve leaving for. It's not a binding no-trade (ala Kobe), but rather a bit of friendship/ respect that KMc is operating under (see KG refusing Boston).

I'd do the JJ/Smoove/ + 3 for Kobe. we're in the East folks... Let Marvin play second fiddle. Do what we need to with the 11...and strut those guys out. I'm in for that.

previous posts are accurate. the CBA and players' union won't allow 'restructing' ...and Shaq (as well as KG, who did it to an even greater degree) did take paycuts to assist their current teams...

Indeed we ARE!!! GREAT to see JayWalker back on the board (and I'm not even sure what to make of the second post, rearding an inadequacy of words?!), and I can't even begin to express how thrilled I was to see Sothron carrying on in his place, posting news from a snuggled vantage point. Soth...a mission from God? what (seriously) ever do you mean?!!! As for those curious or less informed, yes, it states 'Weez '03', but as TheWalker states, many name changes were mandated due to technical errors in '03...rest assured, I've been here long prior, and (mudderfudder07), yes, I was the one posting continuous 'insiders' until ESPN exploded with multiple (and many irrelevant) columnists to the point that I couldn't absorb so much fodder, much less post it (though again offer to post any request that is sent to me personally, especially if I can get it via email, not only via PM). I HATED OB...for those 'highjacking' the thread (no worries, no offense taken, not in the least...truth be told I was thrilled to see the old gang, or anybody, responding to my post).... I'm a pathologist (great hours, great lifestyle, missing the patient interaction, a 'loss to medicine' as my wife likes to say as I'm quite (humbly stated) personable with good bedside manner).... & God Bless those who do do OB~it's mostly for women now, with the 'dual-hat' responsibilities so aptly stated by MF77), that is, unless you get 'old-school women' who would prefer to see a male physician...I won't say more on this subject...unless asked. Yes, the ancient ones are returning to the Squawk, hopefully in a more active and consistent manner...Jay, you still in Orlando? Others? Memphis is home now...but despite the 'allure' of the home team (and partial season tickets last year), the ATL, and more poignantly the HAWKS, remain my tried and true home team...over all others. Thus, to conclude, but also in opinionation...say no to Yi, say yes to Horford and Law (despite Hollinger's most recent analysis)...and favor trading one, or both, picks in a package deal to raise glory to the newly clothed franchise!!!

but my thoughts on this draft...and yes, I know it's been long time = no posts. life's crazy with residency, marriage, a one year old, plus 'general homeownership' items...I'll take my flogging along with a semi-flyer... Package a pick/ or even both (depending on what we're getting back) with Smoove and filler for an established guy (even if in SNT). why? Smoove's been needing to take that next step...and hasn't as of yet. Yes, as indicated by our new uni promos, he's the 'face' of the franchise (though by no means our best player), he's going to be seeking a BIG contract after this year (see Rashard Lewis from a few years ago~ and let the debates begin on who's truly more valuable on the court) and has yet to show that he truly 'gets it'...package him with whatever it takes (and hopefully S. Williams) to get something of proven quality in return. depending on what we trade, I'd take Horford or Law IV with the retained pick... - can we come up with Hawks friendly package for Gasol? are we entering into the 'cap room' trade talks of moving KG and Bynum around? if we keep ALL the picks... no to Yi. Do we really need another swing project (he's projected as a 4, but plays like a 3, lacking in physical toughness and an inside game, ala Dirk but without the substantial odds of his fulfilling the Hubie Brown upside potential'...hmmm. we have many of those already don't we...some of which are proven to a degree!!! 3) Take Horford (who has no fit here, at all, as we're currently constructed, but has the UTMOST trade value)~and look to send several players packing, post draft, during the FA period... 11) again, take Law...and retain him. Barring Conley slipping this far, he's the best 'fit' for the BK system ~ and provides more offense, size, and dependability (liked his interviews) than 'projects' and 'wishes' such as Critterion (sp) or Conley. ~ I'll refrain from stating my wishes, as such an effort is wasted type given the HUGE trade scenarios swirling around this draft (due to it's depth and the 'stars' seeking trades~ regardless, this is truly a 'time capsule moment' in Hawks history...one that will likely determine how this team is both comprised and achieves in the next half-decade. I can only hope that, unlike the uni's, we're moving closer to the 'Nique days of Eastern Conference Championships'* than those that resulted in the team being available to move from St. Louis to the vaunted ATL** *yes, I'm still bitter about the logo not being that of the pacman...VERY BITTER. Sidenote, my wife likes the new duds, despite the only Hawks logo items in the house being those of the pacman ~ I'm not so sure she gets it. **this statement is made under openly-admitted ignorance, as I know not, nor have I taken the time to research, the motives and circumstances that culminated in the team being moved from STL to the ATL...any historical insight into these matters woulb be greatly appreciated, even if in the form of a PM. for the first time... Finally, and yes I know it's a rather long post...anyone who wants insider articles, feel free to pm or email me (if it's provided) and I'll gladly respond. Thanks to all of those who still recall my 'place' on this board ~ for the old timers, it's been far too long and an absence for which I greatly apologize. I miss the board and look forward to returnign on a somewhat mroe semi-regular basis in the near future. Sincerely~ the weez (formerly known as weaseldom~see site difficulties for the forced change of names!). Go Hawks

nice post. Silas would be at the top of the list imho given his credentials and the very valid criteria that you suggested.

if it's called a foul in game, as it currently is, there's no way that they can 'enforce' this game during actual play. The only solution, as I see it, is if they want to dispense penalties post-game (the refs review all tapes of their games anyway, as does the league in general) ~ I'm not sure how they'd go about it ~ perhaps a modified version of the technical total rule (your 'true' flops are tallied as the season progresses with a 'limit' to the times you can do it without penalty...of some sort?!).

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story...=simmons/061213 honestly, this alone makes me want Iverson, contrary to nearly everything that I have ever thought or continue to think about 'our' team...

what type of 'reasons' or 'particular injuries' of note are you referring to? while no orthopaedist, I 'consider' my knowledge of the medical field/ sports injuries slightly above that of the lay-person (yes, for any of those thinking that I'm a smart ass, I am an m.d.).

the number of fouls that DW 'draws' is absolutely ridiculous. plain and simple.

you underestimate his knowledge. He OFTEN says outlandish things, which (I agree) are often for 'shock' value...but there are times when he 'buckles down' and makes some VERY astute analysis and points ~ those who refuse to watch him, or too quickly catagorize him, miss these points...but in all honesty, when he performs in the latter mode, his opinion is one of the most accurate opinions that you'll find... how I miss david aldridge...

nice post...I wsa starting to think, "yeah, I like Big Baby, think he'll last that long"...till you start realizing that he's pretty much what Sheldon is in terms of position...but to a lesser degree: a pf who can possibly play some center (though BB probably can't even masquerade as such). Not sure what he would add to the team... and, honestly, I LAUGH at all 'projections' this early into the college/NBA season. Someone else on this board always state, "I'll start talking draft once the tourney is more or less finished...that's pretty much how it works.

but you continue to miss the point that in this particular instance, whether or not you are right in your assessment of the general 'trend'...we came out GREAT after the half, having a HUGE 3rd quarter...thus your argument makes little sense in the context applied.

hard to play zone against Milwaukee when Charlie's shooting like he was, plus Redd...uh, zone starts to seem like a really bad idea. Great post by Diesel, one of his best and most analytical in quite some time. The views on Lue are exactly what we've known ~ he's a good scorer and doesn't turn the ball over much, but he pounds the ball a LOT and typically doesn't really 'initiate' the offense. His D has been slightly improved of late (and something that I always find interesting, that is, discussion of his D, as that was how he 'made his name', playing against Iverson in the 2001 Finals). regardless, I hope taht Speedy comes back soon...but he needs to come back HEALTHY and ready to play for a stretch. inconsistency and uncertainty will hurt this team far more in my opinion...