thescout5

All the games the hawks won to lower our chances in the lottery really paid off.For it we get a much lower pick and one that probably may not be a franchise saver like Howard or Okafor.Granted they aren't Shaq but could be high quality players.Instead the Hawks who desperately need a franchise player are stuck in the middle of the pack,and worse the players who got us a number of wins Sura and Jackson may not even be on the team. This franchise is cursed and can never do anything right. I am sick and tired of seeing Pat Williams winning the lotoo.To me they threw the season letting Mcgrady sit out which they would have probably lost anyway but with Mcgrady they could have won a few more.The clippers are always near the top of the lotto and how many years does it take to build there team.At least the hawks tried to win and for that are penalized while the Bulls,Magic,Bullets,Clipps saw the light and wanted a better player. This sucks!There may not be a difference between pick 3 and 15 but the hawks lost out on the top 2 difference makers in the draft! Another year of empty seats and no potential superstar!

Thanks Jay Walker for the post on the workout.Very interesting info on the workouts.OK I am convinced JR Smith is not the player the Hawks should draft no 17. Snyder's outside shot scares me but he has everything,I still would go with Jackson mainly because of a consistent outside shot which the hawks have desperatley have needed for years.Both players will be quality.I would draft jackson no17 if there instead of Snyder if given the choice of 2 players.Both guards are good heighth which is what we need rather than a small guard in Terry.

I have read he is a shotblocker and great athlete with good leaping ability and likes to dunk.But I also have read he lacks an outside shot.I relaize he is 7 foot and will be in paint but alot of his offense is dunks.In the NBA he will need to have some kind of shot. Has anyone seen this guy play and what kind of offensive game does he have? His defense is good which is what the hawks need but I don't want just a defensive player.

That figures the sorry state of the Hawks no luck ever shines on them. I hope tomorrow at this time we can say different! Bring your rabbits foot and four leaf clover!

There is no question that the team suggested with a few other players could make the playoffs but we also need to consider do we want a team that just makes the playoffs or have a legit title shot.For that the hawks will need a top level player or players.I would hold off and build the team the right way.That doesn't mean not sign any one but I don't feel the hawks should blow alot of money this off season!

Thanks Hotlanta, I am letting the man upstairs decide what ever fate hawks get we'll have to go from there!Otherwise you can go crazy thinking of all the options!

I am keeping my fingers crossed the hawks get a top pick but you have to ask the question what is the lowest lotto team to win the lottery? I think the Rockets I could be wrong.If a miracle did happen and the hawks get no1 how about Howard and then trade into the top 10 and get J Smith or Devin Harris or a center that isn't a bench warmer!

The Hawks certainly need a big man but I believe Araujo will be gone before 17th.Only way I see is to trade up.I guess I want a center with more potential even though there is a chance for a bust.If Jin is still there in low 1st or 2nd I would take him.We could use the a few seconds to package to move up. I think the Hawks could build a team capable of making the playoffs for years but is that what we want to just make the playoffs.I realize the Hawks need a core of players to build around then maybe a top free agent superstar in the future may want to sign.Kenyon Martin is a good player I would still like a taller guy at power forward that can produce,but I wouldn't mind Martin.I am tired of the Hawks teams being undersized(shooting guard,center,power forward).You also have to realize that drafting a big man just to draft one over a more skilled smaller player may not be the way to go. I hpe in the lotto the hawks have more chips to play with than staying at 6 or 7 in the draft.I like the idea of resigning Sura and maybe jackson only if the hawks go in the right direction. A possible lineup maybe: small forward S.Jackson power forward D howard or Biedrins center Jin(rookie) or Dampier,Harrington shoot guard Luke Jackson or JR Smith point guard Sura The other lineup small forward J Smith power forward Kenyon Martin center Jin,Dampier or Harrington shoot guard Terry point guard Sura I could list other possibilities bt I think besides the draft Terry needs to be traded just to rebuild he is not the answer at off guard or point.I wouldn't mind Terry for Bender but the hawks should get some value off him.I would hope the hawks explroe the possibility of packing picks/players to move from 17 to top 10 or move up to get Howard.

I wonder how long Bender's contract is? For 7 million a year if the pacers took Terry I would do it.One less position to worry about then with no17 pick I would probably go shooting guard(Luke Jackson possibly).It would be nice to get Bender at small forward,Jackson shoot guard,(Biedrins) power forward unless we could trade up for Howard,and have Sura has the point plus in round 2 find a center that may be a project. This lineup would still not have a potential superstar unless the hawks trade up but it is setting a core of players to build around to maybe have a top free agent to consider the Hawks.

One name that could slide is Jameer Nelson would fans be disapointed if Hawks drafted him 17th? The guy has questions if he is fast enough but on the upside he can take over a game with his passing and point scoring plus he is a leader. I wonder how he compares to a player like Duhon and to pull 2 other players Tim Hardaway in his prime before the injury and Stoudamire? I would be interested on the boards thoughts about Nelson!

True, Luke Jackson has more fundamentall sound than any high school kid but reading my last post I am hoping for a more athletic player than Jackson.It doesn't have to be Smith but someone who has more upside than Jackson.Definitely not to draft JR smith no 7 or the hawks first pick.We can make an argument for players like Luke Jackson vs players that are more ahtletic both that have failed and have been not only average players but stars.If Jackson was a Larry Bird type that can out think you and make clutch baskets and not be shut down then draft him.I just don't want a Randy Wittman coming in and beign a spot up shooter. The Hawks have always lacked basketball IQ even during the Domonique days. We need talent,players that are smart and the right pieces.A big job for anyone but every great team has its beginings and if we have the right GM,scouts and coach we can make it happen. Who is Roko Ukic,I have seen a report he is fast and similar to Tony Paker. Anyone know about him? As it stands Dwight Howard the Hawks need to find a way to get him.I think the comparisons of the falcons to the hawks is some what similar.Before Vick the franchise was lame with nope.Bad GM's,coaches and no vision.I don;'t think Howard will be what vick is but he has potential to be a top player. If we finish with the 7th pick did it really pay off winning those games instead of getting a potential star player? Without star players the hawks will be stuck being eventally a good team but never winning any championships without star players.

I guess I am higher on JR Smith than most but my other point is do we want to settle for a Mike Miller type(Luke jackson)if there is a posasible player that has more athleticism granted may not be as good of a shooter.I know Jackson isn't a stiff but I think the hawks should keep all options open. If we draft Harris and Al Jefferson is availble and heaven knows we need a power forward would you take him? Chances are we are going to draft a guard a big man (power forward or center with the first 2 picks).I guess it is pointless to debate now since it is to early to figure who the hawks may land.I hope the hawks get some athletic players that can be impact players.

Looking at your views of the prospects KB21 just a few comments,by the way I appreciate also your efforts on the players. I am looking at the players you mentioned in terms of how they could fill the Hawks needs.The Hawks want to get more athletic and while I like Luke Jackson for his range if we are looking at athleticism and JR Smith is available do we take a chance on him? That is provided we either keep Terry and leave him at point till next year draft a power forward first pick and off guard second. The Pacers have had good luck drafting high schoolers but the hawks never have.If it is between 2 players one high schooler that is more athletic and may develop or drafting a college player that doesn't have the potential what do you do? Two ways to look at this think of all the high schoolers who didn't make it in NBA.Teams that have profited greatly with high schoolers,Minnesota(Garnett),Pacers(Bender,O Neal,Harrington) Cleveland(Lebron)Lakers(Kobe) and I am sure a fe I missed.If we draft a high schooler with second first rounder he better have alot of upside(Jefferson and Smith may be there).In one of my other post I mentioned the draft is a crap shoot but with great scouts go great benefits.Do we have any better scouts this time? The scond first orunder will be very interesting do we go for a safer pick in a guy like Jackson etc etc or a high schooler that may not start but could be a star? The Bulls have not had luck with high schoolers I personally think JR Smith if he has the right work ethic could be a star.He has amazing outside shooting ability but can drive and dunk like a Kobe.Should be interesting to see what the hawks philosphy is!

As much as draft gurus analyze the potential prospects all I ask is get the 2 best players we can get whether that is by trading players and draft picks or staying. With the 3 seconds if the hawks see a player they really want THAT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE go get him.I am tired of the hawks staying pat and we end up with the chris crawfords,rumeal robinson's,augmon types. This is where phoeniz over the years has done well finding player even in the secon round that can produce.Granted phoenix had a bad year but they do have alot of talent and just need a few pieces. The Hawks on the other hand never make an impact in free agency and draft players that are bench warmers for the most part.Terry was the last impact player and while he is above average he isn't a true impact star player like a Kobe,Iverson,Garnett.We need these type of players like Cleveland has in Lebron.I am wondering with all the wins at the end if it really helped this franchise and possibly getting a lower draft pick.We will know next week but if we have the right scouting we can find the right players. Eachg prospect in this draft has some question and I can see good things and bad things about each.I would love for both no1 picks to be impact but chances are the first pick hopefully will be.This is nothing new to everybody what I have said I just wish the lottery selection would hurry up and the draft.

Those who subscribe to ESPN Insider there is a great article on Biedrins.A few highlights :he plays in the paint rebounds,blocks shots and dunks not a perimeter player. :Bill Berka laker assistant just shaking head after Biedrins does a drill where he crouches down and dunks the ball has many times as possible :A seven foot 18 yr old having a 7-1 wing span.Has a 34 inch vertical more than Chris Bosh and Carmelo :is ripped and in shape and strong benching 185 pound 15 times Chad Ford commensts that Biedrins will be first european off the board and is closer to Dwight Howard than Milcic and may give Howard a run for his money. I remember last year Darko Milcic was suppose to be a freak of nature and I hope this kids isn't hype.Last year Biedrins dominated in the AAU tournament averaging a triple double and was talk of the camp.I know the AAU tournament is a far far cry from the NBA but I wonder who has more potential Dwight Howard,Josh Smith or Biedrins. Also I have heard Chicago will not take a high schooler trading down or drafting DEng.Which ever player the Hawks get has got to be a star player.With as many busts as the Hawks have had in draft plus the dire need for a stud player to draw fans this draft is crucial for the future of the franchise.

Seems like a likely matchup,small town that loves basketball needing to make an impact there are enough pieces that I could see a trade. As for Vescey I take his rumors with a grain of salt he just throws things out there to see his name in lights.

Does anyone want to come to the Hawks? Personally I like the Spurs plus it would give them a tandem that could compete with Kobe and Shaq if both stay.No more keying on Duncan or Mcgrady would shoot lights out! It is so frustrating being a hawks fan but lets face it until we get a core unit that shows signs of a young potential championship team there are very few superstars even considering the Hawks. Besides Shaq,Kobe,Mcgrady,Duncan,Garnett who else do we consider A1 superstars.Iverson could he lead a team by himself? For that matter could any one player? You have to have at least one superstar and great role players.I used to think you needed 2 superstars but besides Kobe and Shaq and Jordan and Pippen I have been proven wrong. Mcgrady and Duncan would give the lakers and the other teams fits.I hope LA gets beat !

Rumor Mill: Manu for McGrady? LAST UPDATE: 5/19/2004 3:25:37 AM Posted By: Kori Ellis By Kori Ellis SpursZONE.com The San Antonio Spurs are only a few days into their offseason and already the trade rumors have begun. New York Post columnist Peter Vescey appeared on Best Damn Sports Show Period on Fox Sports Tuesday night. According to Vescey, Tracy McGrady does not want to remain in Orlando and could possibly be involved in a sign-and-trade to San Antonio. Vescey named the Spurs among four teams to which McGrady would like to be traded. Other teams mentioned include the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets. Though Vescey commented that L.A. would have trouble compensating the Magic. "He'd love to play with Duncan," explained Vescey. "They'd have a difficult time compensating Orlando also. But if you have Ginobili, he’d have to sign first, but you could do a sign-and-trade with Manu." No doubt this is just the beginning of the trade rumors that will be flying around the Alamo City this summer. San Antonio will need to decide in upcoming weeks which players they will leave unprotected in the Charlotte Bobcats Expansion Draft. The Expansion Draft will take place on June 22 (if the NBA Finals go to Game 7, it will be on June 23). The Bobcats may select no more than one player from each team and can only select players that are left unprotected by an NBA team. Each team may protect a maximum of eight players who are under contract or are restricted free agents at the conclusion of the 2003-04 season. Unrestricted free agents are not eligible to be protected nor can they be selected by the Bobcats. It is speculated that the Spurs may elect to leave Malik Rose exposed in the draft. Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich gave Rose minimal playing time in the postseason and San Antonio would like to clear more salary cap room by ridding themselves of Rose’s salary. Rose has five years and $32.8 million left on his contract. The Bobcats may not select Rose because Charlotte will have a salary cap in its first season equal to only 66% of the league’s salary cap.

There are some doubts about Devin Harris as point guard but you could say that for most of the prospects.There are no Stockton's but I would want a point that thinks pass first shoot second.We don't need another Terry and given Harris's excellent defense,above average passing ability and scoring ability he may be the best option.Sasha Vujcaic is my second choice if stay at 17.

Unless Josh Smith is head and shoulders above the other players I wonder if he will be a wise pick? If we draft Smith it will be a few years before he develops and hopefully a star.I could see him drafted to please the home town fans but if we go Smith with first pick we have to draft a point guard 17th. I am for drafting Vujacic 17th I read he may have trouble guarding smaller guards. If the Hawks were smart they would find a way to move there 17th and a few second rounders to get another top 10 pick and draft Devin Harris.Harris can contribute immediately and what are the real chances 2 or 3 second rounders will pan out? I am not sure how many teams would take Terry and 17th since the only way they want Terry is if he signs with them. Only if the hawks get lucky in the lottery and move up to 2 or 3 pick could we get Howard and maybe Harris.How many years have the hawks looked for a point guard.Since Mookie Blaylock, which is in the 1990's. Most championship teams must have a above average point guard.The Lakers have Kobe and Shaq with Payton and Malone as role players.Unless we draft a superstar with the second pick I would move up to get Harris. Who plays center? If not Howard who plays power forward and center? We could go a number of ways in the draft all I ask is get the best players when we pick.What about Jin the center from china in the second if the hawks don't trade the picks. Signing Foyle another journey man is not the answer we need a tall center and the second round one should be there granted a project but better than we have now. I think it will take 2 yrs to build the hawks if they get the right players.If not kobe this year then save the money for the next. Signing Jackson or Sura difficult question and what to do with Terry? That will have to be answered after the draft to see which pieces fit!

Just reading up on Harrison he does have potential I am wondering if he will work hard enough to realize it.KB21, do you agree with me the Hawks must get 2 potential stars from this draft. We don't need any alan henderson,Stacy Augmon types that are journeymen.I would even trade up to get another good player. I guess we need to ask the question howe many star players will come from this draft and how many have good potential realzing the fact that any player has potential but the NBA Stars who make it have work ethic and skills. I wonder if there will be any legit 7 footers in round 2 if we don't draft Harrison? If the hawks pick the right players and add add a top elite free agent they could make an impact.But only sign a free agent that is top notch.The middle of the road free agents aren't worth wasting cap space.I hope Billy Knight and management realizes we need some top notch talent.Thats the only way people will come to the games to see exciting players that can win in the league!

Reviewing the needs of the Hawks a few things are apparent.One is a big man is needed(center),2nd a power forward is a must also.It would be nice to find a point guard but besides Devin Harris the rest of the draft at position is spotty. I think the Hawks go for sixe with the first pick but not center.KB21 I like Biedrins but whoever is taken as the hawks first pick has to be a star player.The draft is a crap shoot and the question we have to ask is no1, is Biedrins head and shoulder above the other prospects? Reading on Splitter and some other players I am not sure he is but if he is you take him.If he isn't and there is a similar player we could get at 17 or maybe even in the second we wait for the power forward.We need size as mentioned but Devin Harris looks to be head and shouers about the other point guards and may be more of a solid choice. If we go power forard with no 1 pick more than likely we go center at 17 then again only if a player is worth it.I think Splitter will be gone but if not I would not mind having both Biedrins and Splitter.Both are power forwards would be the problem.I doubt we could trade the 17th pick and 1 or 2 second rounders plus another player to move up and get both Biedrins and Harris.Here are a few options that may occur: 1.Devin Harris guard no 1 pick Hawks don't think Vujacic will be available in second round. 2. Al Jefferson Only if Splitter and Biedrins are off the boards.There are no centers worth this pick and Jefferson while a gamble may prove big dividends.I wrestled with taking Luke Jackson here also but size is what Hawks need. second round 1.Ha Seng Jin I know he may go in the first but if he slips this would be a good choice. 2.Darius Rice - lights out shooter small forward 3.Delonte West shoot guard My other view is we go power forward first 1.Andres Briedins 2.Alekander Vujavic point guard second round 1.Ha Seng Jin 2.Darius Rice 3.Delonte West Impact players is what we need and hopefully Knight and his scouts can jusge potential since that is the no1 thing hawks need is players who can change a game.Harris is ollder but is probably more polished than most if the players.I am tired of having a small team and some how the hawks must come out with a center even if a project.With all the picks we should 2 potential impact plkayers from this draft.I still would love Harris and Biedrins but maybve the hawks go all out and either package to get Dwight Howard or stay at no1 pick and draft Josh Smith. This is an important draft for the hawks and they can't blow these picks unlike past years where Babcock freviously through picks away and was left with nothing.If the Hawks can get 2 potential stars it may be enough to entice a big free agent to come to the hawks.(Kobe ,Ray allen or someone in future).