Wretch

The best move for the Hawks is to get multiple 1st round picks. This is the perfect draft to have multiple 1st rounders. Guys with all kinds of potential (not neccessarily NBA ready game) will be falling left and right - thanks to the huge number of preps and Euros in this draft. So, whether that be the #6 and #17 or some miraculous way to end up with two lottery picks (specifically the two local boys), I think coming away with 2 1st rounders is the best option. Since we didn't get the #1 or #2, that may be out of the question. JT/#6 for Howard? I do this only if Howard shows the potential in the workouts. A dominant big man is the easiest to build around in the NBA. You get a big guy on the block that commands attention and makes high percentage shots and you'll open up the game for everyone else. If the Clippers send us a player back, like Kaman or Ely, then I do it without hesitation.

You get guys who click and play with energy and excitement. Think about the Clippers. If there has been one franchise that sucked harder than the Hawks, it would have to be the Clips. Then suddenly, and this wasn't too long ago, the Clippers had all this talent and they were the talk of the leauge (outside of the winning teams and whatnots). They busted out new uniforms...Q and Miles started that fist-head thing...and *poof* they've got expectations and appear to be on the verge of breaking away from the lottery pack. People even start figuring them into the free agent picture! Winning isn't so important over the next couple of years; it is the ultimate goal, true; though, before we start winning we need to start adding talent to win with. Equally as important to winning is filtering the talent we acquire in the next few years to find marketable players. Atlanta doesn't need another winning team that fails catch the attention of the fans or the league. The last thing that I want to see is this team making the playoffs for the first time in years...only to have our home court dominated by the opposing teams fans.

Do we know that Dwight Howard is that good...as we conjure up various combinations of draft picks, players, and gold for the rights to select 1 or 2? Seriously. I'm not saying that he'll be the next Kwame or the next KG. I'm only asking at this point in time do we know that he's worth it? Or could it be that we are just more dissapointed that we didn't "win" the lottery? ? If anything, I believe that our choices would have been limited if we had won a top selection. We would have likely been bitten by the consensus bug and popular opinion - like Chad Ford telling us that Howard was the guy we wanted; yeah, I'm sure that Tight Lips Billy Knight would let anyone know THIS far ahead of the game who he's targeting. If at all... I may not have complete confidence in Billy Knight's game plan (whatever that is because nobody knows), but I do believe in his ability to yank talent right out of the draft. If he goes ahead and pulls all these strings to land Howard, then I'll have no complaints - as long as it's BK making the moves and not our committe ownership forcing an issue. However... I have a strong feeling about this year's draft class. I know that the word on the street is that after Howard and Okafor the talent level drops off and yada, yada, etc...but this is the same crapage hurled by the same media monkeys seemingly every year (they said the same thing last year about Bron, Melo, and Darko for example). If drafting and evaluating talent were an exact science, then nobody would ever kick themself over passing up a KG, Jordan, or Malone. The truth is nobody knows, not even the guys who get paid to follow these prospects around and scrutinize every motion in their physicality. So what makes my opinion any different? Sitting behind a computer screen, scouring scouting reports and catching every prep showcase that I can... The difference is the number of prep-to-pros and Euros mixed in this draft and no one is paying attention to it. I think that there are so many "unknowns" this year that they will scatter the real talent - to be sorted out in the years to come saddled with sleeper labels. Perhaps we should take a strong look at trying to come out of this thing with two (or more) first round picks? We've got nothing but open roster spots to fill and playing time for them. I think that sitting tight might not be such a bad idea... I also think that we are saddled with the burden of Jason Terry; the net result of dealing him may cost us more in the long run - either in talent forced to be bundled with him in a trade or through JT realizing his potential. I'm not suggesting that we entrust the future of the point to him, or that we continue to try building a team that suits him...but he can be a deadly second option, perhaps he could develop into a serviceable point guard? ? If not, there is nothing stopping us from drafting like we need a PG. If our new PG prospect works out better so be it. If we must trade JT then, so be it...but I don't think we should just p#ss more talent away, simply to select a high school kid who may have no more value to our franchise than either of the multiple players (or potential) that we give up. Just a thought.

Trades are most certainly in order, but I do not believe that Howard would slip that far. Chicago would snap him up just like they did Fizer...if only to use him to trade down. The Wiz would take him and shop Kwame. And Charlotte is starting from scratch - and who knows, maybe Howard comes in and blows them away? The most likely scenario is a swap with the Clippers involving some combination of the #6, #17, and JT/Boris/a future 1st.

If things had fallen exactly as I had predicted, then I wouldn't have said anything - the results would have spoken for themselves. I did say that we wouldn't get the #1...that we'd likely get the #2 and that the team with the first choice would be inclined to take Okafur. I also said that I belive Orlando would have the overall #1. Just for clarity's sake.

A - I never said the lottery was fixed; I said that I don't believe that it is 100% legit. B - I said that the results in the past have been convenient (they still are) and I looked for that trend to continue in this draft IF it were rigged. C - I said that there are reasons why Stern would want to have a hand in fixing it; and, if anything, the results of this lottery justify that. [edit] D - I also said that it is possible for the lottery to be fixed. I never guaranteed that the Hawks would get the #1 pick - that was Diesel. I did not guarantee that the Clippers and the Bulls would not be in the top 3 - what I said was that if the lottery was fixed that there is no way they'd be given a top pick. I did not say that any of that WOULD happen - only that if it did happen, I would be less likely to believe that the draft was rigged. Pull up and repost as much of what I've stated as you'd like. I also said that some years perhaps Stern lets things play out to aviod the conspiracy talk...but when it matters (such as when a Duncan, Shaq, or LeBron is on the line) then perhaps he would fix something. Additionally, you do realize that we were one ball away from being handed the #2 pick: it fell 3-9-11-13 to the Clippers and the Hawks had the combination 4-9-11-13. Coulda-shoulda been us... Regardless, I believe less (a lot less) in the conspiracy hype because even if Stern wanted to "fix" it to avoid suspsicion, THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL THAT THE CLIPPERS SHOULD HAVE BEEN HOOKED UP. Good day.

His value is one thing, but his ability is another. If the Rockets are looking at what JT can bring to the table, then this is a workable deal. If they are looking at him through popular opinion and his "market value" then it doesn't work. I wouldn't deal JT for Cato. Watching him from his first NBA game through the present, I know what he has to offer. He's a scorer that hasn't found his place. He can't carry our franchise, which is why our opinions on him have soured. So many of us have been looking for him to be this dynamic scoring PG. It's not too late for him to become a serviceable PG, but JT's strength is in his speed and his shot. He's one of those rare guys who can absolutely nail it from long distance. Not on that insane Peja level, but with the kind of deadly accuracy that makes him a serious threat when you pair him with a player that commands attention - like Yao Ming. You send that ball into the post and let Ming go to work. Dare someone to double down on him, rotate it to JT and you've got instant offense. Giving JT an open look is almost like giving Shaq the ball 2 feet from the basket. We are the Hawks, and we suck...everyone knows we're trying to improve...so we're at the mercy of the market. That may mark down the value of JT, but it doesn't take away from his talent. Eventually, someone is going to place JT in a situation where he can showcase what he does best. When they do, there'll be no more questiosn around him. I don't think our problem is so much that we want to get rid of him, so much as it is we want to go in a different direction with the franchise. Swapping him for Cato really doesn't accomplish what we're trying to do. Getting the Franchise in here or getting that #1 or #2 pick will. I wouldn't give up JT unless we are making a statement with a blockbuster move in this draft or through trades.

...and why the suggestion that we trade with Houston for Francis. The Rockets want to establish that team as Yao Ming's team. They want to run half-court offense through the post. Francis is a running, gunning PG and he's not completely meshing with what the team wants to accomplish. They've got a rarity in the skills and size packaged in Yao, they want to take advantage of that. Though, as long as Franchise is bringing the ball up taking all those shots, and launching j's, then they will not be getting out of Yao what they want. JT isn't neccessarily a better PG prospect for them, but I don't see Francis taking a back seat to the big guy. At the same time, JT WILL defer shots to whomever can hit it - and by running the offense through Yao, the Rockets will free up guys on the perimeter...like JT who can NAIL the open shots. The kicker in the proposed JT/Francis swap earlier in the season was taking back Mo Taylor's salary. Adding Boris and the #17 to the equation starts the wheels turning on this deal and would offset that.

Though by biving up JT, Boris, and the 17th we need to have something else coming back. A future protected 1st. Depending on how good our workouts go though, it might not be neccessary.

People are assuming that Howard is coming to Atl...for various reasons; but are not taking into account that we may not have enough left to deal for him. There are other teams out there that could offer more attractive packages than JT. I would not trade JT and the #6 pick to move up...simply to select a guy that could have the same potential as the pick we keep. I would take on Hill's contract if it meant that we keep the #6 and we get the #1. We'd still have plenty of money left over...especially considering moving JT's salary.

I get SOOOOO tired of seeing them in the lottery. Just the fact that THEY landed the #2 pick ALONE makes me believe that there has to be some randomness to this thing. There should be some kind of stipulation that if you've won the lottery X times in X years that you are automatically moved out of contention for the top X picks...

Orlando is taking Okafur. The Clippers don't need any more front court help - and they definitely don't need a Hssr. They're going to trade the pick. To whom is the question. They need a PG, we got one we might be shopping... Stay tuned...

I wasn't totally convinced that it was rigged; but I was SURE that if it were we were going to get hooked up. I am less convinced now (about 70/30) ... because we will probably still come away with the guy that we want. The Clips are going to trade that pick. So to all that I've went round and round with... *a graceful bow* (and a ) *lol*

...but if I am wrong, then I will admit as much and concede to those who do not wholly subscribe to, or give even a little credence to, the less than credible theories.

Even when the Hawks weren't in it. There's just something about watching where the picks fall and who selects whom. This year though, I've got a little more incentive. Every year, I take a look at the "conspiracy" aspect and try to evaluate beforehand which team would be deemed worthy of the top selections. Every year, I'm either right...or the results come out even more perfectly (and conveniently) than I could have expected. This year, if a fix is on, I believe Atlanta is a PRIME target. I have a strong feeling that a would be playoff team will be getting a boost too. My gut says Philly. That would put 3 EC teams in the top 3, so I think we could also see an unexpected WC team slip in and bump somebody out...like Utah. Yeah, Utah and Dwight Howard...like that isn't a made for TV fairytale wedding. I just can't see Chicago or the Clippers landing either of the top 2 selections (I wouldn't put the Clippers ANYWHERE in the top 3)...and I think there are far more deserving teams out there than Washington - whom a lot of people think are going to come away with a top selection. Reviewing our draft history, and the situation of our franchise, I believe this is the year. I look for us to be "handed" a #1 or #2 selection. If not, and if Chicago and/or the Clippers land in the top 3, then I will be less inclined to believe in the conspiracy hype. Then again, all bets are off if Cleveland wins this thing!

There was a lot of talk going around before the season about how Robinson was such a cancer and how if we just got Stephen Jackson, how much of a difference he would make. I wasn't buying it, and I certainly wasn't convinced that he could do anything outside of Duncan's shadow. What really draws me to Jackson is his toughness. He's a guy who is mentally and physically ready to get it on night in and night out. I knew he could shoot the ball, but I had no idea that he could attack the lane like that...or that he even had a decent handle. He isn't the star player that you build around, but he is one of those pieces that will get you there. He'd be a perfect fit for just about any contending team...including the one that let hem get away. He'll get some offers this off season, though I'm not sure if he'll get as much as 8 million. If the market is willing to pay him that much, then you can expect Billy Knight to try and match it.

Chicago is neither the rule nor the exception. First of all, they just lost one of the brightest point guard prospects in some time in JWill. Who knows what kind of impact he would have had on their game. Secondly, we're talking about two post players...two guys who need the ball down on the block to be effective. It was a bad idea to select both both of these guys and think that they'd both develop a well rounded post game - while fighting for the same shots. Third, the knock on Curry coming out of HS was his weight and work ethic. What if the Bulls had drafted Jason Richardson, Pau Gasol, or even Battier? Fourth, it is WAY to early to pronounce Chicago a failure. What they are sitting on is a mountain of potential. As soon as this team starts winning all of the talking will stop. Honestly, there's nothing really standing in their way. Lastly, the Bulls have built their team EXCLUSIVELY through the draft (and dealt away some very good building pieces). We need to add veteran players, but that only becomes neccessary when that must have vet is available or when winning games becomes our top priority. Winning is not the top priority for this team. For one, we've got nothing to win with. Secondly, bad decisions have flung us far off the NBA radar - and, accordingly, the fan's radar too. The priority of this team is FINDING MARKETABLE STAR TALENT TO REVIVE THE FRANCHISE. Second only to that would be DEVELOPING SAID TALENT.

Whether that be two HSSR's, two underclassmen, or mix and match. Ultimately, we will need wins to draw fans to the game. However, if we could put a young package out there that is at least interesting to watch...then we create a buzz - exactly like what has been going on in Clipperland for the past couple of years. It would be enough to draw fans and free agents. My problem with this whole scenario is the opinion of drafting two guys in the same draft - be it two HSSRs or whatever. What is the problem? Ego? This is absolutely absurd on so many different levels. We are talking about rookies. It doesn't matter who they are, or how dominant they are coming in. There is a wall that rookies hit when they experience the speed, talent level, depth, and duration of the NBA game. Every underclassmen that I have ever heard interview has said basically the same thing and this wall alone is enought to keep a rookie's ego in check. Ego problems LARGELY depend on the types of players that you are trying to pair up. You draft two guys like Iverson and Kobe, you'll be asking for problems. Though that is an issue that is consistent across the board. You have to have players that can play together whether they be vets, young guns, or rookies. Though regardless, ultimately, you will need at least TWO players of impact quality to do anything significant. Which brings up another good point. It don't get done without a dynamic duo or tremendous trio of stars. It simply does not happen. It...does...not...happen - EVER. The game is played by teams, true, but it is built upon IMPACT PLAYERS. These players are generally found in picks 1 through 13, the lottery. You can't get around it. You can't argue with it. It is fact. So, if you can reach into the lottery and pluck out two players with that kind of potential, without ruining what you are building upon, then you have to go for it. We have nothing to build upon. It would behoove us to look into it. If there were a problem drafting two HSSR’s or two young guys back to back in the same or successive drafts, then there would literally be a different set of teams in the lottery selecting players every two years. Teams continue to fish in the lottery BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT’S WHERE THE BIG FISH ARE. Pressure may be an issue with a couple of young pups, but isn’t that the case across the board? Aren’t the stars of this league under the same kind of pressure? If Odom, Butler, and Wade yielded results similar to Crawford, Curry, and Chandler would there not be as much pressure on them? Does this same kind of pressure not exist with the current incarnation of the Lakers? Did it not exist with MJ and Scottie? Does it not exist with LBJ, Booz, and whomever they draft this year? Pressure does not keep talent from developing; it is how players respond to that pressure that defines talent. All that being said, if teams are trying to deal themselves lower in the lottery or out of it completely, and if we can come out of this thing with two potential impact players…regardless of who we plan to select, we need to go for it. Smith and Howard? Sounds okay to me.

That's too much. Especially considering where both of those future 1sts could fall.

That's what I was going to post and ask everyone who they think SHOULD end up with a top pick. Then, what are the chances that we predict what actually falls...? Anywho... I believe the 1, 2, and 3 will fall... Atlanta Orlando Chicago or Orlando Philly Atlanta And... The Bulls and Clippers will absolutely not land either of the top 2 picks...

There was no actual deal out there...only what could be done for 3 franchises with PG issues. They were talking about two separate situations a) a deal between ATL and Philly, whereby Phi receives JT + our first rounder and we get AI. The reasoning was obvious, a big name, a big draw, a splash for new ownership and, talentwise, a lure for a big free agent - such as Kobe. The other was a straight up swap for Francis, but since there is like 6 or so million dollars in salary differences, and an apparent talent disparity, we take back a bad contract from Houston as well - specifically Mo' Taylor (3+ remaining, around 7 million per). It was all suggestive, speculative journalism...nothing solid.

So that alone is worth taking a look at. He doesn't come with the same problems that JT does either; he isn't a converted college 2 guard. He knows how to play the point. He's more athletic, he's a better penetrator, and a better scorer. He can't shoot it as well as JT, and he isn't faster, but he doesn't have the defensive/height liabilities that JT has either. Francis' biggest problem is Yao Ming and VanGundy. The Rockets want the offense to go through the post - and they want to establish the Rockets as Yao's team. They're not going to do that (or really get anywhere) with Francis controlling the ball and wanting to shoot the ball at the same time. I imagine that Francis wants to run and gun too, but going through the post means they'll have to slow it down for Yao. It's not a matter of talent, it's a matter of a better fit. I'm not sure JT is that better fit, because he can't run the offense. He can shoot the hell out of that ball, but playing though Yao, they'll have to get the offense set up first. All that being said, I think JT + anything besides a lottery pick/multiple 1st rounders would be a good deal.

When he refused to play in Canada. I believe the offer was for JT + conditional 1st round pick(s). Babcock turned it down.