skyhawk

It's just board talk so no problem and we all have opinions. There's a difference between having great talent and being a great player and it seems that the standard for greatness becomes lower and lower as time goes by - not just in basketball but in all things. I grew up in the 60's(maybe you're in my age bracket) and my standards for greatness are based upon players I grew up watching . No doubt that guys today are more talented but as a whole, the "old" guys were better players and because of that the game was much better. For me, Kobe is the one guy that stacks up to players from an era when the game was truly great - an era that ended with the Dream Team.

I actually agree with this list especially since JJ and Chris Bosh (the most overrated NBA player IMHO) are on it and I think you guys are proving his point as Rose , Jennings, and Durant ,as good as they are - aren't as great as the fans and media have made them out to be. Durant may become a great player in time but he's only great on one end of the court and in my book, a great NBA player must show it on both ends of the floor. I'd say the same for Rose and Jennings but unlike Durant, I don't see these guys as ever being in the elite class of the all-time great NBA players. With that said - I'd take all three of them with the hope that potential translates to greatness at some point. In my view, even though he may be losing it due to age, Kobe Bryant is the only great NBA player in the game today and the only player who lives up to the hype.

The kid is definitely raw but he's got the court vision and mindset of a PG - which is something that Jeff Teague lacks. The handles will come as he's a hard worker and will benefit from playing for a coach who understands the position. I have no idea what Pape can become but I'm intrigued - only because Larry Drew is very excited with the potential he sees. And ,unlike fans, LD has seen the guy in practices which is a much better forum for assessing a playe'rs skillset /potential than summer league play.

I'm the biggest homer on the board and I have big respect for JVG but I just don't see the Hawks finishing ahead of the Bulls - who are a shooter away from being a very, very good team. I woudn't overlook Milwaukee as they're better with having Salmons for the entire year and a more experienced Brandon Jennings. Also, Detroit, Charlotte and NY (didn't they sweep us last year?) have improved and all 3 are tough match-ups for us. The East as a whole is much better this year and I don't see the Hawks hitting the 50 win mark. I still think Boston is the class of the East with Miamii and Orlando not far behind. I'm not buying into the Heat hype as the team to beat mainly because of the hole at center and the fact that Bosh is one of the most overrated players in the league.

I was just as surpised. I like it that he plays with aggressiveness and confidence - to a point where his teammates defer to him from what I saw in the video. He can get to the rim with some nice moves..good first step and knows how to get by people. Moves well without the ball. I can definitely see him taking it to Robinson in the workouts - which he didn't think were that tough...

Perhaps it is a pipe dream but I personally think that Darryl Morey (sp) is the best GM in the league and Les Alexander is willing to spend $$$. The plan at this point is Luis Scola, Knicks 2012 1st (protected #1), Jordan Hill and/or filler for Bosh.....Kelvin Martin, Rockets 2011 or 2012 pick and filler for Joe Johnson. Where the signing of JJ is the carrot for Bosh....of course it all depends on Lebron James.

I've watched quite a few Mavericks games and in my opininon Avery Johnson is a terrible coach who people have overrated. He's a poor game coach and his style is much more suited to a younger squad as veternan players aren't going to respond to yelling and screaming as a means of motivation. The Maverick players lost respect for him and that's when Cuban stepped in and fired him. Coaches get let go all of the time but a guy who takes his team to the finals generally gets a free pass during down years. Although he doesn't have coaching experience, Mark Jackson is my choice. I''m impressed with his knowledge of the game and i just think that he's a good fit .

Zelmo Beaty Bill Bridges

The same thing would happen if Howard, Bynum, Bosh etc..get hurt for their respective teams...

I believe that there were rebounds the Magic should have gotten - just like there were shots they should have made. There are definitely some things that the Hawks need to improve upon but I was pleased with the effort and intensity level - which is all you should expect from a team on any given night We out rebounded them on both ends because we were more aggresive and athletic. Honestly, I'm not sure why this is even a discussion point.

Padded or not it's still an offensive rebound - which gives us another posession/scoring opportunity.

I don't think Okur is the big man that we need - he's not a rebounder and I do have questions about his toughness and defensive abilities. Just my opinion.

I believe he does want to play in the NBA and he's still young enough to improve his game. I'm impressed with the numbers from this game - which are much better than any game he played last year.

I think you guys are looking at this the wrong way as this is just adding another weapon to his game. Being a 3 point threat will open up his inside game more and spread the floor. No doubt he needs to be more aggressive but he can put the ball on the floor and get to the basket. He's need to get stronger and finish better - which he will.

I'm not saying that we should overpay Chillz but like many on this board you fail to recognize his value. You can't measure a player's contribution in stats alone. Funny, but other teams seem to value Childress much more than most on this board. Chillz is a much better defender than people give him credit for being, he's one of he most versatile players in the league, he plays without the ball - a value that stat watchers will never see, he brings it every night and he's a straight up team guy. The idea of replacing Chillz with JR Smith is laughable in itself. So what he put up 43 points. He's got major holes in his game and he won't bring the things that Chillz provides. Just one man's opinion.

Quote: He didn't want to play and it might cost him his job in the long run. I think summer league is overrated so I'm not too concerned that he's missing these games. My guess is that he's working with someone on specific parts of his game much like Smoove did with Hakeem. Solo proved last year that he's a hard worker but he still needs to step it up. I don't see the summer league helping out with that as you don't get the invidual focus needed to really improve certain aspects of your game.

We don't have any leverage at all if the offer's not matched. The only way a SNT happens is if the Clippers think that ASG will match the offer. Even if it does don't expect anything of value as more than likely the deal will involve picks and a low level player. Getting Kaman or Gordon is a pipe dream.

Quote: I'd package JS/ZaZa/future (2010) 1st for Kaman. You don't get 16/13/3 for nothing and it would even out our roster. Any chance LAC and Elgin Baylor make another mistake this offseason? W Get a grip they're not giving up Kaman or anything else of value. What did Phoenix get for JJ - Diaw and picks? We have absolutely no leverage if we don't match their offer - so there won't be anything coming back but a scrub and picks.

Quote: Here's my trade scenarios that will surely beat all the title contender who are just offering the mid-level. Trade 1: Marvin williams and Speedy Claxton for SnT Corey Maggette 4year/40mil Trade 2: SnT Josh Childress 3year/24mil for SnT Corey Maggette 4year/34mil Someone else may know this for sure but I don't think a SNT is possible as he became an unrestricted FA when he opted out and there's no incentive/ benefit for him to sign with the Clips.

Quote: A I think Smooves agent wont mention the other teams because he is plan B for both the Clips and Warriors. The only other possible team he could visit is Memphis. I don't think there are any other teams in the game yet - I'd say that Mr. Prowther is hoping to push Philly into making a move.

Quote: I've always thought, though not having been at the table maybe I presume too much, that GMs need to approach players like Smoove and Chilz with a master plan that shows forethought as to how the team's roster and salary structure is designed to get that team to a position where they can legitimately contend for a championshipfor the roster.I That might work for a veteran player but if I'm a young guy coming off of a rookie contract - I'm looking to get paid. I'd consider staying only if I were maxed out - which only happens for young players on the cusp of super stardom ala Chris Paul, Dwight Howard , etc..

[quote Here's the thing, Billy played a bad hand. I'm assuming he told ASG to stand pat with the 45 million offer and that no one would go above 50 million in the summer. He was wrong. I still don't understand why people blame the front office for not extending Smith. They made a fair offer and if I'm his agent no way would I let him sign without testing the market - regardless of how much was offered. No matter what, that 45 million (or whatever the $$s were) would still be on the table fom the Hawks.

Quote: I forgot about GS; so, yes they are probably the biggest threat right now. However, they need a PG in the worst way. The Arenas deal they are dangling might really help us out. That cap space is kept tied up once/if they make the official offer next week. I doubt that GS would be interested in Smoove as they've got Wright at the PF spot and I don't see Smoove as a SF. Their main focus should be a PG and don't think Bibby would be a the guy they'd want.

Quote: Oh and I can't believe that 2 teams are offering over $100M to a player who is coming off a season-ending injury. Obviously, they must know for certain that Gilbert hasn't lost any of his quickness from last season's injury. Yeah, I can't believe that either. I like Arenas but he's not a $100m player even when completely healthy and didn't have any injury concerns. Sure, losing Baron would hurt the Warriors especially since Ellis is not a true PG but $100m dollars for Agent Zero? No way.

Quote: Quote: Al Horford and Joe Johnson No doubt. Those who argue for Josh Smith are letting the flashiness of his weakside help cloud their memory of his on ball defense. Sure, JS racks up the blocks and steals, but he also is an average on ball defender and often leaves his man with an open lane to the basket or an easy rebound when he goes for the block/steal. Let's not confuse sound defender with flashy defender. Agreed, Smith is highly overated while Marvin doesn't get enough credit. Sure he gets lit up on some nights but who doesn't in the NBA. Are you from the Looie??