thescout5

ESPN mentioned that Al Jefferson stock is rising could be in top 10 and Childress could drop out of top 15.As much potential that Nelson has I am wodnering if alot of talk is a smoke screen? Nelson could drop,Humpries,Josh Smith.Players on the rise I beleive maybe JR Smith,Pavel Podlenkove(whatever his name is,center)Luke jackson.Maybe the Hawks can get lucky and a player or players fall in there lap. My hope for tomorrow Hawks draft 1st pick: Livingston,Gordon or Harris with Livingston my first choice although Godron has a better all around game.No one is mentioning at all other facets of Livingston's game besides his passing,something to worry about? 2nd 1st pick: 1.Josh Smith 2.Araujo 3.Al Jefferson I doubt Jackson or snyder slide but that is what makes the draft interesting.I am positive the 2nd first pick will be power forward or center unless Smith falls to hawks.Smith has alot of potential and is a local fav to bring in people. Should be an interesting day!

Holy cow where did you get this pick from? What is his name? Quick get Knight there to sign him he just could just stand under the basket and block shots.Those other guys next to him must be 6'3 or so since they don't look that short but the little guy must be about 5'3. I wonder how a guy like that manages to daily activities since he is so large?

I am sorry but I cannot get excited about Deng.Remember there are alot of players that did well in college but can not do it in the NBA.How many Duke players came into the league with high phrase but turned out as bust or average players? Hurley,Laetner come to mind I realize Boozer and Grant Hill on the plus side. Deng isn't going to bring anyone to the game which will turn out a public relations nightmare.Get me Gordon,Livingston.Harris we don't need another bust or average player. Shaq to the Mavs? Go figure I know there is no way the hawks could have gotten him but Dallas who is always loaded with talent aparently will give up players and the no 5 for shaq.I guess the players being traded salary will equal shaq's salary at 28 million.Here the hawks have as ,uch to spend as anyone and can't attract anyone.Probably end up with Kenyon Martin to overpay who doesn't have a post game and while he can do everything else will he be a player that can be a difference in crunch time after all paying big time players who get money need to perform. Seems like most teams have something to get excited about except hawks fans.Will it ever get any better I mean years of turmoil and here comes an expansion team getting the player who should be a hawk,howard.Guess trying to win games rather than tanking the season doesn't pay off for everyone!As usual Hawk fans are holding the bag while other teamsa clean up.Gee Billy Knight is making a big impact! Our only hope is if a player slides like Livingston and becomes a superstar and another player drops to 17 and hawks draft him.

Sorry KB your right guess my point is indiana takes chances on kids that are almost out of high school and the hawks don't.True they could be bust just like any college player but there is also the possibility of striking gold.

Jameer Nelson if he performs like he did in college is a proven commodity.I know going to the NBA is a big step but there are players that are downgraded way to much which causes players to slide. I know the high school players are tempting but if Nelson can perform like a Tim Hardaway then size is not a factor.I wonder why Devin Harris is downgraded? I heard he wasn't as strong as the others.I guess there is a risk since Harris has not played point as much as nelson so I could argue both sides. If the Hawks go with Nelson then who at 17? I have a feeling anderson varajo but get me a player that has huge upside,Al Jefferson.The Hawks seem to be the only team that doesn't take a shot at a high schooler.Look at Indiana they draft Bender,Harrington,O"Neal and now have 3 players that are young and while O neal is an all star the other 2 have alot of potential. At 17 Jefferson may be available go get him.He is strong and how long as it been sine we had a front court player that was pushed around ohter teams big guys? The 3 second rounders first move is to try to trade up to get Kevin Martin at shoot guard.I think he will be a steal.If we stay where the hawks are at then my 3 second rounders are: Romain Sato,Damien Wilkins,Jin .I could see Wilkins taken since he is related to Dominque and could be depth for the team.Sato could be a star that just slid in draft and Jin hawks need a project ot build around!

I would be estatic if the Hawks got Livingston.He isn't Howard but from all reports he is a magic johnson passer that will need to improve his outside shot and if he does this kid could be a terror.

Here is my prediction for the Hawks draft with first 2 picks! Magic - Okafor Charlotte - Howard Chicago - Andre G Clippers - Livingston Washington - Childress Atlanta - Gordon At 17 the Hawks need a big body Al Jefferson. There is no way Luke Jackson falls to no 17 and if we keep Terry then Jackson may resign if not we have another whole to fill.Seeing Charlotte get the 2nd pick when they haven't gone through half the bad years that hawk fans have really pisses me off.I wonder if winning all those games at the end really helped the hawks.Sura and Jackson may not resign so what did we really gain.The team like the Bulls,Clips,Magic tanked there seasons and now they reap the most benefit.Sure it is good to be professional and try to win but what is half a season compared to 5-8 yrs of potentially winning championships if the hawks tanked the season.I guess I am just frustrated no free agents,no great draft choice.If the hawks end up drafting Biedrins I will be mad,his offense is to undeveloped. Gordon would be the most ready to contribute and although no a pass first shoot second player Livingston is probably the only player that is a true point and I see no way Clippers pass on him. Next year's draft will be weak but perhaps the hawks will be so bad they will finally get a top pick.There is a russian kid who is 6-11 and supposily can play his ass off. Guess who do we take josh Smith or Gordon? Which ever player better be a star and soon.I wish knight could find a way to trade up he has 3 second rounders.This franchise always seems to be snake bit.At least Clip fans can brag they had a good draft except we know what they usually do tank the season thev next year.

I can not figure out why the league allows Charlotte an expansion to be given the no 4 pick automatically while the hawks and other teams get short changed in the draft process with lower picks.Why is it the no4 pick instead of drafting first or last in the first.Here we are Hawks fans suffering year after and an expansion team comes in and dradts higher. I am not crying over spilled milk but it seems the hawks get short changed.No free agents that are quailty want to sign with them,they get a lower pick and they should have received. How I feel about the Charlotte expansion team moving up to 2 they probably will build there team faster than the hawks since they have a shot a big difference maker while the hawks get no 6.Unless your in the top 3 there are doubts at how many difference makers there are.Oh well another long year as a hawks fan!

Playoffs 15.8 and 3 assist a game, I will take Knight's word for it but I hope you guys are right.This also tells me since they are pursuing him that either Jackson is gone at small forward or Daniels may play either shooting or point which I think shooting guard is where he would be.Where does Diaw play? The Hawks must be planning to draft up front (Howard,Okafor)although I think Livingston will be a heck of a player.Having a point guard who can distibute is essential and Terry doesn't have the IQ for it plus he hurts the team on defense.As we saw in the playoffs the ability to drive to the basket is important since getting fouled or easier baskets are the results.Terry just doesn't use his quickness enough to get to the basket. Anyway I would be looking at a front court power forward if Daniels is signed.The Hawks need some intimidator's for once to worry the pther team.Other teams don't even know are front court is on the floor.

For a player to average just 8.5 points and 2.2 assist a game why are the hawks going that route to give that kind of money to Daniels.I realize he is only 23 and 6-6 but while he has upside he is another risk that has not proven himself.He may eventually pan out but at this point of the Hawks development do we really need another unproven talent.We already have Diaw and while he was a rookie and has upside how many risks do we have to take especially using up cap space . The hawks if they want to draw any fans back need some big name players we all realize so if Knight signs Daniels I just hope he is a player that can come through a be a intricate part of the team.

I watched most of the prospect clips and the ones that impressed me were: 1.Luke Jackson -- he has the ability to score anywhere.Look at the pump fake move then drving to the basket dunking on the defender.Also has a sweet outshidse shot. 2.Ben gordon - how long has it been since the hawks had an outside shooter? Gordon can hit the outside can drive to the basket and was impressive. 3. Andre Iggy - sorry can't spell his last name but most of the plays reminded me of a youbg Scottip Pippen who can make acrobatic dunks and going to the basket.It also showed Iggy making a few outside shots plus I think he is 6-6. 4.Devin Harris - showed hitting outside shots,driving to the basket and making a nice block. 5.Josh Smith - I don;t know why scots feel his athleticism is like Dominque Wilkins. He does dunk the ball frequently but come on look at the hegith and power of his dunks.They are no wehere near Wilkins or Vince Carter.Can hit the outside shot and play defense. 6.Al Jefferson.. showed he has post up moves. I forgot howard ,basically I saw alot of dunks but not alot of post moves.It is hard to evaluate just on a film clip so I am taking it that he can play.After watching these clips the guards in this draft have more game than the front line players overall.Luke Jackson reminds me of a faster Chris Mulin I am really impressed.I still want howard but if the hawks stay where they are I would love to see based on who is on board 1.Livingston 2.Gordon 3.Iggy 4.Harris second 1st rounder,hawks will have to trade up: 1.luke jackson 2.josh smith I don't see enough from Smith and Jackson has a superior game now but remember he is 4 yrs older.Good clips for viewing to make a decision on these players if possible!

I could live with this draft having 2 potential star players although the chance is there that Gordon becomes a Jason Terry type with better d and Smith could be a bust or player who may never live up to expectations but we could say that for most draft prospects. The Hawks still would not have any size but as Knight mentioned in a recent article give me a baseketball player not someone who has incredible size but can't play.Both those players have world's of potetnial and Gordon is a pressure player. Bot of these players can run up and down the court with the best if they fulfill potential.I am sure by draft we will here many trade rumors.

I would like to get Al Jefferson also only if we can't dwight howard.Either way I think the hawks do well by either keeping the pics or trading for howard.The Hawks certainly need a low post presence and it will be interesting to see what they do in the second.

By Patrick Kinahan The Salt Lake Tribune Two former Utah high school and college stars are back home preparing for an anticipated second NBA season. Travis Hansen and Britton Johnsen both are working out in Utah to get ready for separate summer leagues. Hansen, drafted last June in the second round by the Atlanta Hawks, expects to play for his team in the Rocky Mountain Revue in Salt Lake City. The undrafted Johnsen, who had two stints last season with the Orlando Magic, plans to be in Florida for the Magic's summer team. He may also play for the San Antonio Spurs in the Salt Lake City league. Johnsen's status is not as clear as Hansen's. Various reports indicate the Magic made the 6-foot-10 forward available for next week's expansion draft. The Charlotte Bobcats have the option of taking selected NBA players. As of Tuesday, the former University of Utah star had not heard from the Magic. "I don't know enough about it," he said. "I had no idea it was going to happen. If I don't get picked, it's not like I can't go back to Orlando. If I do get picked, that's good." After starting the first few games last season, Johnsen was cut and joined a developmental league team in North Carolina. He re-signed with the Magic for the last 25 games. Orlando, which endured a horrendous season that cost coach Doc Rivers his job, has the No. 1 pick in next week's NBA draft. Johnsen's contract with the Magic expires this summer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Advertisement -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I kind of already knew Orlando was going to make a ton of changes and things were going to be different," he said. "It's not like I was counting on going back there 100 percent." In 20 games with Orlando, Johnsen averaged 2.1 points and 2.3 rebounds. Although he was on Atlanta's roster the whole season, Hansen had a rookie year nearly as wild as Johnsen's. Buried on the bench and injured list part of the year, he did not play much until the final 25 games. In 41 games, the 6-6 guard averaged three points and 1.7 rebounds. Atlanta also fired its coach and is going through an ownership change. "I loved Atlanta," Hansen said. "Me and my wife had a great time there. The organization treated me first-class, so I'm looking forward to going back and helping them get to the playoffs." Hansen learned from Hawks official Billy Knight he would not be put on the expansion list. He is in negotiations for a contract extension. Along with several former and current Brigham Young players, Hansen works out at the Provo campus. Johnsen lifts weights and shoots with former college teammates Mike Doleac, Alex Jensen and Nick Jacobson. Hansen also has served as an unofficial scout for the Hawks. Team officials twice have sought his opinion on BYU center Rafael Araujo, who is expected to be drafted in the first round. Araujo and Colorado center David Harrison have worked out for the Hawks. Atlanta has two picks -- Nos. 6 and 17 -- in the first round. "They loved him," Hansen said. "He just dominated the Harrison kid from Colorado." Hansen recommends drafting Atlanta-area high school star Dwight Howard over Connecticut's Emeka Okafor. Hansen has seen Howard play and played against the 6-9 Okafor in the NCAA Tournament. He compares the 6-10 Howard to Spurs star Tim Duncan. "He's got more offensive game than Okafor," Hansen said. "He's got more upside." I certainly would not use no 6 pick for Araujo I hope Knight can some how package something to move up and get Araujo from 17 if they keep there 6 and 17 picks.Dwight Howard looks more impressive as the days go by I wonder if a deal will be made with the hawks!

Next years draft will be the weakest in a long time and if that is the case yes I would trade next year's pick in hopes of a Livingston or Andre Igordala dropping to 7 which I doubt Livingston drops that far.I would trade 6 and 17 for Howard and have the luxury of drafting Livingston,Gordon or Harris.I think Josh Smith stock has gone down and I wonder if he has the work ethic to be great.My projected lineup: pf Howard sf S Jackson resign shoot guard Terry point guard Gordon/Harris/Livingston center??? My other lineup pf Howard sf S Jackdon point guard Terry shoot guard A I Igoudala center ?? Reason I don't go center even though huge weakness is what Knight said he will draft the best player available regardless of position and Gordon,Harris,Igoudala or Livingston is the best player.I wonder how Josh Smith did in his workouts he is not getting much pub.If I am wrong about Smith and he does have the work ethic then I would draft him at 7.Either way the Hawks need a potential star.I hope Knight can manuever and get the 7 pick,if he does we could rebuild fast and add a couple of free agents could build a team everyone else envy's.

If the Hawks move up to top 3 it is a no brainer 1.Howard 2.Livingston 3.Okafur If the Hawks stay at 6 then I don't think Gordon makes it past 4 or 5 if he does it will really be a big decision go with Harris or Gordon or some one else.Didn't Gordon disapear for some of the season? I thought I heard that he sometimes will score the quietest 20 points in a game.Can Gordon score big baskets? Is he a clutch player? Have gordon and Harris faced off against each other? I am high on Harris and who ever has biggest impact I take.

Reading this article makes me feel better and that Knight seems to know what he is doing.If he does well in this draft and free agency I hope he gets a contract extension.Something the Hawks have never had a good gm that knows talent.How in the world Babcock kept his job for as long as he did I'll never know but it still irks me that some people can do a crappy job for years and keep there jobs. Getting the best players regardless of position is interesting.This tells me if a talented player is available for example a guard or forward and an average player is available at center the hawks will go with the more talented player.The Hawks should take a page from the Pistons and gtet long athletic quality players.

Livingston has been evaluated by at least 11 NBA teams. The Charlotte Bobcats, the Atlanta Hawks and the Phoenix Suns have asked him for second workouts. The Orlando Magic might seek a second workout with him. Livingston has added 15 pounds since he started working out in Chicago and now weighs 187. Some NBA teams were concerned that he was too thin for an 82-game season, but the added weight, and his workouts have eased worries. Draft analysts predict that Livingston could be taken anywhere in the first round, from third throught seventh. Most analysts believe he is a likely top-10 pick. Livingston averaged 18 points, eight rebounds and seven assists last season in leading Peoria High to a second consecutive Class 2-A state championship. "I got good feedback from the people that matter, the general managers, not just that 'He said, she said' street talk," Livingston said. "(The NBA) picks a lot more on potential now, and I'm just trying to take advantage of that." Anyone else thinking that if Howard is taken by Orlando that if the Hawks trade up the Hawks man is Livinston?

Seeing the Pistons take apart an elite team supposely maybe the Eastern conference will get some respect now.The Pistons have many tall athletic players and Hamilton who can fill it up at shooting guard a Billups who can nail 3 pointers. I never thought I would see a team take the Lakers out of there game.If anything can be said maybe other teams in the league can now figure out how to beat the lakers of course you need the players but slowing the ball down does prove advantageous. The Lakers as we know them I predict will have major changes leading with either Bryant or O Neal (probably Bryant) changing uniforms which is good for the league.I am tired of seeing the bragging lakers just to decide to turn it on when they want to.In this series they are being humbled by a team that plays great defense and doesn't have the egos the lakers do.Still one more game never count out the fakers but looks dim!

Since there was a previous discussion on Oden and the hype I thought I would share this article with the board which may generate some interest. http://www.indystar.com/articles/9/154598-1309-036.html

Is anyone else sick and tired of seeing the Hawks come in with small centers who no one fears? I am but outside of drafting one there are no centers of the future for the Hawks. Lets face it if the Hawks go center in the second the player will be a project.I was reading up on Chris Garrett out of a small school in indiana averaged 20 points a game but that is against small schools.Howard will if we get him be a quality power forward but without a center that can help out a team that has both a center and power forward will make life difficult for him. Heck guess the way to go is a Brad Miller type,I remember when he came out was not highly thought of and now look at him.We just need a center that can block a few shots and score a little and get a few boards and the rest of the team will have to make up for the lack of scoring punch at center.I was thinking of Jin but based on the scouting reports he looks nothing but a stiff.

I hate the idea of giving up both first rounders but at the same time wouldn't hesitate if Howard is indeed a star player that can make a difference.I have read the scouting reports and seen him on TV a few times but Knight has many more resources than the average arm chair draft guru.Based on his scouts recommendations as well as I am sure Knight has seen him in person if the Hawks are on the right track then we have to trust they do the wise thing. There will be some legit prospects in round 2 and if the hawks really like a player may package a few 2nd rounders to get another possible good player.Keep in mind no matter who they get it will take time to adjust to the NBA.I am not expecting miracles but lets hope they choose the right players for once which past administrations had no clue how to draft the right players.

Hawks could always trade up if they really liked a player such as martin or uklic.I think there will be value in the second and if uklic slides the hawks probably will be crossing there fingers he is there for him.I was reading on anther drat board that a clipper doesn't think this is a strong draft.In terms of depth it is and next years draft will be pitiful compared to this.Coming out of this draft with 2 future starters should be the goal of the hawks and the rest depth.

I have been reading reports at the following link on players at the Chicago pre draft camp.Two players that not alot of people are talking about are Kevin Martin and Roko Leni Ukic.Both look to be potential above average players that could go lower 1st round.Since the Hawks have 3 seconds I think Knight should look to trade 2 of them to move into the lower first round provided the hawks give up 6 and 17 for Howard. Martin is a shooting guard based on the reports can shoot and do everything you want in an off guard plus he is 6-7. Ukic is a flashy passer point guard that can score and is 6'5 and the one knock on him was he can't guard little guards but this report says he can.How long has it been since we had a point guard that could get everyone involved and gives other teams fits? Mookie Blaylock! Many of us have complained about the hawks being to small well here are 2 players that could really help the Hawks. The center Jin didn't look so good,his instincts and scoring ability were terrible at the camp.I do not know how the Hawks are going to get a center unless it is a journeyman in free agency. Besides the normal players we have talked about on the board(Jackson,Snyder etc etc) what players will turn out to be steals that are drafted in lower first and second round,it is a little far fetched but I would like some other views on players that hoepfully the hawks can get with the seconds or trading up to first provided hawks make the deal for howard. http://www.draftcity.com/index.php

Giving up the no6 and 17 plus a future 1st rounder Howard better be an elite player. He better be a player that can change the way other teams defense the Hawks. Obviously I don't expect Howard to be a star right away but giving up 3 potential starters for one player he better be an elite player in the future. Hawks management I hope has seen enough of howard to make an accurate reading if he will be a dominate player.Hypothetically I am thinking what the hawks team could be with Howard: PF Howard SF Jackson PG Terry SG Diaw C ?? Add in hopefully a project center in second round,Kevin Martin another second rounder and Duhon or other potential point guard we would have the makings of a playoff team that could do some damage.I still think if Hawks keep Terry that he is gone next year and the hawks would have money to burn on a top flight free agent shooting guard.I am not sure Diaw will be a star which the hawks must get at any position. Setting the building blocks now will draw a few free agents in the future.