TnDawg

http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsu...rts/9155221.htm I was looking around for some info on where Dampier is likely to end up and ran across this. I'm not aware of any offer being made and the article seems to be a gathering of old news, but wanted to run it past you guys. The offer includes the same teams trying to aquire Kmart, the writer could be lost, but who knows.

I agree with you all the way on this one. After being hamstrung by bad contracts for so long, I would hate to have more than half of our cap tied up by any one player. There just is too many ways for things to go wrong, ala Vick over in falcon land. I know we're anxious to get back to the playoffs, but I believe in Billy to do whats right. If he thought Shaq was the answer to all our problems, I'm sure he would have offered more than Hendu.

If the luxury cap goes away, that would solve most of my concerns. The rest would be with not being able to go out and get the help that we would need to win with Shaq any time soon. Anyway I'm please with how we're rebuilding, lets see how the trades actually work out.

Remember how quickly Shawn Kemp deteriorated after he picked up his weight.

I took in consideration that the article was tilted towards being a good spin for Orlando. My biggest concern with this deal would have been with Shaq already making $27.7 million next year and $30 million the following one. After we consider that he wants an extension without giving up anything, how much $$$$$ will we have to sign our young players that we are rebuilding with now in three years when their contracts are up. More than half of our cap room will be tied up in Shaq. Shaq's current production is not the question, its his not willing to stay in shape that has me concern over the long haul. If our young guns develop the way we hope, then we would have to trade them because we wouldn't be able to keep them at the point when I think we will actually have a chance to be true title contenders

Even though Shaq is still an imposing player right now I'm glad he's not coming to Atlanta. The reason I say this is the Hawks are just starting to rebuild and make wise decisions after more than a decade of bad decisions. I hope that Billy continues on the path he's started. Picking up Shaq now would've only been a short term fix. We still wouldn't have the pieces to win a championship, and unless we could win this year Shaq would turn into a problem for us too. He's scheduled to make over $50 millon in the next 2 years and once he gets traded he will demand a contract extension. The main reason that he and Kobe couldn't get along is one is a workaholic when it comes to improving his game, and the other just wants to get by with his size. Shaquile is on the decline. He may have a couple of good years left if he gets motivated. Granted given his current situation, it should be an ideal motivational tool. Given his past though I don't think it would last past next season, and then he would continue to grow and slow down. Even though I hope it don't take that long, the Hawks could be just about jelling into something special if we stay the course Billy has started. If we had Shaq and it turns out that I'm right about his decline, and motivation, and he gets the contract extension he's asking for then we would be handicapped once again by an unproductive player, on his way out ala Hendu but at a greater cap hit. We would be screwed for years to come. Before any of you start to tell me I'm wrong, read this article: www.floridatoday.com/!NEWSROOM/columnstoryS0712FRET.htm Lets build for the long term as well trying to win a championship within Woodson's contract period.Once we get back, the playoffs still won't be good enough.

These are some great reads on Ivey. With Donta already being proclaim a sleeper in this draft for us, my confidence in Billy's move is on the rise. Not that I had any doubts to begin with, considering the ground work he layed out for Memphis. Since it appears that we will be keeping JT, I hope that Woodson don't hestitate to sit him down if he don't improve his defense and decision making." Play good defense and the offense will work itself out".GO Hawks.

This is a great opportunity. Paxson has to be frustrated. I hope Billy has contacted him about this. It would be great to make a trade like this, especially if we lose Hendu.

Hindsight: Given our need for a point guard and also our need to attract fans by providing a lil more homegrown ties if possible, I'm interested in knowing what everyone thinks about not using our last draft pick to give Rashad Wright a try. While AT GA, he displayed an unselfishness that we could use. He can create his own shots, plays great defense and could've help us sooner than the draft pick we acquired.

Well, one thing we will learn soon is how much of a draw for FAs Woodson will be early on if he accepts our coaching job. He should be able to sway Okur our way, with the promise of starting and the right price.

I've thought for awhile that BK was leaning more towards Woodson, since they played together.Especially after I read that he wanted a coach that he and the team can grow together with in the long run. I didn't know much about about Brown, but I respect Pop's knowledge and judgement. In Brown what I like most about this article is his ability to adapt. A coach who knows what he has in his team and can adapt it for each game is what we need. Focusing on defense will allow us to get into the fast break even the more,which is the style of play that Knight wants to implement. My vote is for Brown.

Can someone tell me more about whether Okur is a restrictive or unrestrictive FA. If so many of you think it is a waste to offer KMart a Max contract, is it possible to acquire Swift and Okur for similar money or a little bit more. I believe that is what the market will give KMart, and it may be what we have to do in order to start attracting some talented players in order to improve this years playoff chances and more importantly, position ourselves for next years FA pool. After we finally rid ourselves of Hendu/CC we will still have alot of cap room, along with our exemptions for next year.In Okur and Swift we will strenghten our inside play( at least defensively) and after we pick up a veteran point guard , I would be happy with our team at this stage, for the upcoimg season.

Guys I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for creating such a great site. After spending the last 20 or so years in the military and moving around, I've come across this site a few times. Finding an insightful site to stay abreast of our teams comings and going was much appreciated. Once again, a great job, and I can't wait to get a better feel for the team once we pick a coach, and aquire a few FAs.

While we know that we must address our big man situation, and are hoping for better things through FA, lets explore our inside options. While I don't know much about the Anderson guy we have statched overseas somewhere, I've read some posts here of guys thinking he maybe ready. Frankly since we're rebuilding anyways, why not give Collier more of a try. He can run with our wing players, and did well at the end of the season. I would love to have Swift or Kmart at the 4 though. But just in case do anyone know actually how well Ekezie is doing with his recovery. Hopefully Billy will find away to lose Hendu, when he trades JT as I believe he will eventually.

If we decided not to go after either of these guys, what do you guys think the possiblity will be that Ekezie will come back healthy. I remember last year before he got hurt that BK was enamored with his work ethic and tenacity. He could play 4 and we won't have to overpay someone else for the sake of doing something. Also i'll like to see us put Hendu on the DL if we can't dump him all together and give his minutes/slot to someone with a future on the team.As for center I like what Collier showed at the end of the year.