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As long as Gallo is kept for the year, I view the deal with Jalen Johnson as he plays mostly in the G-League for '21-22.

The next year, though? Perhaps he can be somewhat like a more athletic Boris Diaw off the bench.

If I was able to post on the Squawk on my tablet, I would have logged in to say "Logged in just to ask how the heck did Cooper fall that far into the 2nd round?" last night.

Steal of a pick. Travis did really well in this draft.

Once it registered on who Jalen Johnson was for me, I didn't hate it lol. He's likely the BPA, do have an issue with him leaving school though.

I'm so tired, I've only paid a little bit of attention, but there's definitely a lot of good talent left on board.

Was going to try to see the Hawks pick, but a new episode of a show I like is on, despite me having issues paying attention.

Duarte is very interesting, but unfortunately it sounds like it's very possible he won't be there.

Yeah I had kind of lost track in watching, but I heard recently that the coach froze out Josef, then about some of the things he's done (which are not great).

They really need to get this next hire right.

I think I like Bones the most if the Hawks are going backup PG because of his three point shot.

I'd still look to sign a backup PG though. 

Cam Thomas would be fine, but if you're going with a CG type, I'd go with Bones over him.

I don't really care if Young doesn't play for Team USA this time...

...but Keldon Johnson over him or Morant?

dafuq

I wouldn't mind trying to grab White.

And yes, I know based off the above, if it's realistic to get him via trade, figuring out the cap will be an issue.

I'd sit down with Lou and have a conversation when free agency starts. 

If he doesn't mind being the 11th-12th guy, maybe he comes back.

If he does, then it'd probably be best that he doesn't return.

Bogi should start unless Cam does amazingly in fall practice and he should come off after the first 6 minutes for Cam. If and when Cam improves, then you think about switching. But as of right now, the perfect role for him would be to come off the bench to provide a boost of defensive energy and the potential of variable scoring.

Haven't we learned though that who starts can be meaningless? 

Let me make it clear, given the circumstances of this year, unless an enticing trade comes along, the appropriate move would be to make a few tweaks and run it back, like I said in the Reddish thread.

We don't know for sure what we have, so we need to see before making any moves.

I'm still more focused on the wing/guard spot either way though. KAT would be a dream, but like I've said, I think you win with great wing/guard play (and that's why I'd like to see more of Hunter/Reddish first). 

So, hopefully Hunter/Reddish can continue to improve, but if we find it appropriate to look for a trade or perhaps a player to sign...any ideas with the above?

(this is NOT to say that big man play isn't important, but I feel like at least at the center spot, you can be fine with a guy that is more of a roller/defensive player)

At least for the time being, the development of Hunter/Reddish worries me more than the front court. Because to me, you win with talented wings in the NBA these days.

Unless there's an enticing trade, I'd be happy with making some small tweaks and running it back for now at least. Backup PG, perhaps a big oaf for a backup big, bring back Collins, drop the interim tag for Nate (which we know there's essentially a 99.9% chance of), etc.

I would still go Young/Bogdanovic/Hunter/Collins/Capela as the starting lineup if so. The idea of bringing Reddish off the bench first for Bogdanovic is a good one.

After you hopefully get a healthy year for all three of Reddish/Hunter/Huerter, that's where you'll have to make a hard choice.

I've already said that I'm giving him a mulligan given the circumstances.

But man...in the short look that we were given, it already looks as if Nate may have brought out a completely different side of him. He showed some flashes but never the side that he showed here.

Also, 'Killa Cam' is fine as his nickname, lmao. Not any of the nicknames suggested here.

Fun season.

Respect.

I think Trae only feels good enough to be a decoy today, and that is a huge blow.

Yeah, he did get inside a few times, but he's clearly not feeling good enough to do it in the half court.

On the other hand. Cam...

This is a wrap.

Too bad.

I'm guessing Trae plays. I'm not sure how effective he'll be, given where the bruise is on his foot I believe, but this is an elimination game. I'll be disappointed if he doesn't try.

If it were the regular season, he'd likely be out for another week.

1 minute ago, Hawkmoor said:

Milwaukee is NOT that good. Atlanta just pisses me off.

They actually match up very, very well with us...especially so when this team is injured.

And this is on the road, where role players don't play as well.

Wasn't Trae's foot too painful for him to even attempt to warm up the other day?

The problem in this case is that the bruise is not on the top of the foot.

Apparently he feels better though btw. Maybe he'll be able to give it a try on Saturday.

Too bad I wussied out of this game entirely until basically the end.

Hate that Giannis got hurt but love that they were locking up on defense. 

And Hunter will be back next year+maybe Reddish will be able to play a full year.

Yeah the way Trae shoots isn't that big of an issue, but if he can't move well, the Hawks are sunk without major contributions from other players.

Speaking of which, it looks like the best way to handle him is to try to take away the interior passing that he does, which limits his playmaking. As that hasn't been there really from game 1 here. Before he sprained his ankle, his scoring was fine in 2 of the 3 games, but it didn't feel as if he was able to pass well inside like he did against the Knicks or Sixers.

Just now, bleachkit said:

20 point 4th quarter for Middleton. How does that happen?

Needed Hunter. Needed Reddish to be used.

And needed Trae to not get hurt.

It is what it is.

At least this wasn't a team that was considered a possible title contender, like the Braves before the season or last year where a 3-1 lead was choked.

Even if there is some mystical land where going big with Gallo at the 3 would work against this team (it won't as last I checked you don't have a Simmons on this team), if Trae is too hurt to run the offense, it won't matter.

Great run, but the injuries finally caught this team.