TnDawg

update: its now reported on ajc that Benson has an opt out clause...... and his weight is up to 233lbs......playing in one of the better european leagues for experience, just in case. Thinking this should only help him.

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/6793510/nba-overseas-player-movement Just saw this and didn't see it posted. Rolle's contract appears to have a possible out clause, but I didn't see one with Benson's. I don't post much but I check this site regularly.... Love the committment and dedication that keep it up and running. Awesome work.

Thanks for the update on the team..... I think they can beat out Missouri....more concern with Memphis...if Calipari leaves....maybe Kentucky if he doesn't .... although I think Kentucky would go after Capel next if that happens.

I am hoping they get him.....But now the AJC is reporting he has not been offered yet according to his agent. http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/u...a_anderson.html

According to ESPN....Ga offered Anderson a multiyear contract for around $2 million per year....not reported by the AJC yet though. Link: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=4029709

Smitty's value for JJ/JR is a good one...... I can't remember how Steve's knees were holding up at the time.... I remember him wearing a brace....but he wore one for a while I think. For the purpose of this thread though I am not looking at the draft picks being the main comparison because there is no way to know who they would have drafted. Let's face it.....making the right choices haven't been a strong point of our local teams GM's.

:write a letter: Please limit responses to players that our local teams had in their control and traded away for new players or draft picks. If you choose draft picks compare the player/players ACTUALLY drafted for the player our local team lost. Two examples: 1) Atlanta Falcon's..... traded Brett Favre/QB for a 1st round draft pick. The Falcon's used the pick to draft Tony Smith/RB. Favre went on to become a 3 time MVP 10 times pro bowl quarterback......Tony Smith only played for only 3 seasons and never really made a difference. 2) Atlanta Hawks...... has to be the Dominque for Danny Manning trade......Nique was headed towards the down side of his career.....while Manning seemed to be on the rise. However Manning and his knees never delivered anything. His lack of passion couldn't even compare to Nique's drive and cost the Hawks scoring, leadership that ended a period of playoff contentions. I believe there were others parts to this trade but they seemed to be of little relevance...... I tried to think of a trade that backfired for the Braves..... the worst I could think of was trading Jermaine Dye-RF (or maybe Adam Wainwright). He was traded along with Jamie Walker(P) for Keith Lockhart and Micheal Tucker. Jermaine didn't show much power while he was with the Braves but he went on to hit between 20-35 homers in seasons that he played in more than 130 games while playing above average RF. Michael and Keith contibuted some solid play with the Braves though. :help wanted:

Totally agree with the need for another column. I have a hard time giving Woody credit for maximizing Smith and Bibby..... basically Woody stated " that with Bibby, all he has to do is give him the ball and let him do his thing" (me paraphrasing). That is because of the experience Bibby already had, not anything Woody created with his game planning. As for Smitty....we have read several stories of past offseasons where HE went and sought help to improve his game outside of what the Hawks...ie Woody... provided.

also...We have Smitty signed at a very reasonable price for the next few years. Is it worth risking trading him for a possible one year rental?

If Bibby leaves (I am leaning more to once he leaves) Acie may or may not be the starting PG next year. Regardless the front office has to consider how much they would be willing to spend on someone else. Without spending money that is needed to maintain the team's core. With the upcoming draft actually being Sunds 1st where he has a chance to make any choices, he may choose to draft a PG. How does that scenario play out considering Woodson's previous choices in developing young point guards (whether a pure one or combo). I don't follow other teams that closely to know who may or may not be available next year, through trades or FA. I am just stating for the chance to maintain chemistry and continual improvement it needs to be addressed. Think back to the days of Mookie and Doc, how often since then that this board has screamed for a consistent quality PG. We really need a guy that will be around for the next few years so the TEAM can go on a run of quality contending seasons. I don't see the Hawk's being in the lottery any time soon so one has to be obtained or developed. Just to be sure... I don't dislike Bibby, but if he is making 17mil this year (correct me if the salary is wrong) what are the chances he will sign for less and accept a 2-3 year deal? I don't think the team can afford to put that much money into him without endangering what we pay the other guys. Maybe I am just guilty of looking to far ahead and not enjoying the ride.

I think this is the case....I totally agree with this post.

While this is true considering AC's current use and production.... that doesn't diminish the relevance of this topic. Considering how the Hawks are performing so far this season, I can understand not rocking the boat. However, as a fan are we just suppose to be satisfied with being reasonably good for one season or is it OK to have an eye towards the future. Personally I have my doubts about whether the Hawks will commit the dollars necessary to resign Bibby. We have to (should) keep JJ, Marvin and Horford long term. There is only going to be so much cash to spend. Woody needs to be grooming a replacement for Bibby... just in case. Regardless of what we think of AC's potential... he is the only guy we have on THIS team that can fill that role. It doesn't make sense to preach continuity and growth without grooming someone young to run the team with the rest of the guys.

I am hoping that Smooth will make a difference and Morris actually surprises us. Playing in his hometown along side a friend and a home grown rival has to account for something. If MOrris can't be motivated by his current situation, he never will be. Smooth is claiming he wants to be a team leader....he should start with Morris, as it will pay the biggest dividends for the team, seeming we need a solid backup big.

http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/f...cut_taylor.html here is the link.......they tweaked the roster again...

Tony Taylor was just cut.......that is a surprise especially since they played him so much with the 1st team.......He was replaced by another GA alum.......Tony Gilbert who played under Smith in Jacksonville.