RAHMOR

Although I only watched the 4th quarter and OT of last night's game I was amazed how Josh Smith took over parts of the 4th Quarter and OT by himself. That got me thinking(again) about his ceiling. Last night smith looked like a franchise player in the making and combine that with his dunk contest win he showed a twinkle of becoming a superstar. My question to the board is of all the free agents and draftees coming out this year, do any of them have more potential at franchise/superstar player that Smoove. Have any of them showed this potential in the college or pro careers so far more than Smoove has. Whether it be Daly/Chandler/Swift or Bogut, who has shown more than smoove. I think for the most part we all believe we need a franchise/superstar player but at this point noone we could aquire this year through free agency/draft has show me anything more than Josh Smith. So, as Grant Long suggested should be trade the 1st pick for someone with superstar written all over them ie. (Garnett/Lebron) as suggest by people of this board, because if we don't trade for a superstar I don't believe anyone we could get this offseason otherwise has any better chance of coming in next season and overshadowing SMoove or even Harrington for that matter.

I agree. Unless we get a star it's not worth it. I think the Jury is still out on whether any of the draftees will be a superstar.

I only got to see the 4th Quarter and OT. Smooth took control of that game for long stretches in the 4th and OT and looks very promising as a potential superstar player. Diaw looked good too. Today is Boris Diaw day.(You might understand if you listen to 790). No Harrington or Delk and we pull out a tough OT win. Gives me alot of hope for the future.

He's definately all-star type talent. The only problem would be at his position there are so many all-star type players in the league. His intelligent play will be what sets him apart though. I was hoping he would avg. double figures in points this season. If he passes Iggy on the NBA rookie rankings today than I think he deserves to be first-team all rookie.

I agree. He's got a real smooth game and lot's of versatility and finally he played aggressive. He's obviously got alot of skills. Maybe the lack of minuts and DNP Coach's decision made him so aggressive last night. Maybe that's why Mike was doing that this seaon. Just a thought.

This has to be the best and longest post I've seen in my life. With that said I'm sold on Bogut.

The more I think about it the more I pay attention to people without alot of athleticism. One player I think of is is Antoine Walker. After watching Toine this year and cringing at his lack of ability to get off the floor I was amazed at his ability to score inside and get rebounds down low. I believe Bogut has more lift than Antoine and will be a much smarter player and nearly weighs the same already. With that said it makes me a believer that Bogut will be able to get rebounds and defend in the NBA when you add his wingspan and his height to the equation. Put some weight on him and I see him holding his own in the post.

2005 NBA Calendar April 11, 2005 April 20 - Regular season ends April 23 - Playoffs begin May 24 - Draft lottery - Secaucus, New Jersey June 7-10 - NBA Pre-Draft Camp - Moody Bible Institute - Chicago June 9 - NBA Finals start date (possible move-up to June 7) June 21 - NBA Draft early entry entrant withdrawal deadline June 23 - NBA Finals latest possible end date June 28 - NBA Draft - Theater at Madison Square Garden - New York

I agree with that logic. If we do get the #1 pick I think we have to get Bogut. Based on what is said about him in scouting reports, his size I just don't see anyone knocking him out of the #1 spot. If we get anythings other than the # pick and Bogut is gone that's another story. Also if we have the top pick and Bogut is available the only combination of picks I would trade down for is Deron and Frye and an impact FA. Any other trade is IMO in unacceptable.

Regardless of what we do we will be better next year. Especially considering how many close games we lost this year due to lack of experience on the floor. If we a good PG or C combined with a the growth of the Josh's we can get 20 more wins next season with the basically the same Roster plus Deron or Bogut or Daly etc. To make the playoffs though I think we will need multiple impact players from FA and the Draft.

If not Paul or Williams maybe shoot for Felton. Either way I think there is enough talent in the draft and FA to address both the C and PG need. Even if not a permanent solution definately enough talent for an upgrade over this year's roster.

1:04 left. Man, my heart is beating like this is game 7 of a playoff series.

It may be a pipe dream but I believe this gives us a better chance at getting bogut and Deron.

I agree and that dunk was sick. I'll be looking for that one on sportscenter top 10.

ESPN Classic is showing games fromn this year's NCAA tournament. At 12:00pm they are showing the Double OT West Va. vs. Wake game. I didn't see the whole thing the first time around so I'm excited about the game as well as getting once more chance at seeing Chris Paul again just in case he declares for the draft.

As crazy as that sounds, I like it.

Quote: My new pet peeve are people who think Carter and McGrady are 'superstars'. They cannot lead, and they both have QUIT on teams to facilitate trades. Those two will never be on the Shaq, Wade, Duncan, LeBron level. I would argue Carter and McGrady are superstars. A player's appeal and popularity are the difference between an all-star and a superstar. Their endorsements and notoriety are what set them apart IMO. Also, how well they are internationally known and respected for their games on the court. Carter and McGrady are or have been there IMO. Vince Carter has led his Raptors to the playoffs in the past. That's leadership. Also, who's to say what any player would do if they were on a constantly losing team.

He already has a nice stroke so I'm no so worried about him being able to knock down a jumper his dribbling is another story. Even if it takes a couple of seasons my POINT being is he likely to become a superstar based on fans other than the ones in Atlanta recognizing his skills and abilities. Quote: couldn't agree more. Not to mention that this guy wants him to take care of his shooting and dribbling this offseason. Which is about half of the game of basketball I never said this off season or one off season. Dribbling and shooting are far from half the game of basketball. Also, of course I assume he can get better and both, I'm a Hawks fan. Am I supposed to assume he'll get worse or not improve at all.

What are the odds of Josh Smith becoming a true superstar? Innternationally known, and not just amond NBA fans. I was looking up info on Dalembert and found this post on Real GM 76ers post. http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?topic=361054 --------andre iguodala-------josh smith ppg:---------8.8-------------------8.8 rpg:---------5.7-------------------5.7 apg:---------3.0-------------------1.6 spg:---------1.7--------------------.83 bpg:---------.62-------------------1.9 fg%---------49%------------------46% ft%----------73%-----------------67% 3p%---------31%-------------------8% mpg:--------32.5-----------------26.4 personally, i think iggy's intangibles, general court awareness, and man on man defense set him apart. he is also more well rounded. also josh is putting up those numbers on a talent starved team. but man, i didnt realize josh was putting up such similar numbers in even less minutes. given the reasons mentioned above, id take iggy every time, but considering josh is a front court player, is doing this straight out of highschool, and may get even bigger, would any of you swap? [END] IMO Iggy isn't a superstar but this thread does say alot about Josh's superstar potential. To Atlanta fans Josh is a star but to be a superstar fans of other cities have to recognize that the player on the court is usually the one of the top two players on the court no matter what team he's playing. I believe SMoove only shortingcoming on the court are his jump shot and ball handling ability. He can take care of that in the offseason. His off the court shortcoming is his comfort in front of the camera. Other than that he seems to have a good head on his shoulders and good people around him. I think he will be become a Superstar players for the Hawks, maybe even bigger than Dominique Wilkins. Comparted to todays superstar maybe not Kobe level (he's only like that because he plays for the Lakers and next to Shaq) but T-Mac and Vince level.

I really wasn't too upset about the ticket increase until I found out MC Hammer is doing the post game concert for the Chicago game next weekend. Thats just a slap in the face.

I agree. I truly don't believe the lottery is Rigged. If Utah has among the worst records then it's wouldn't be surprising if they get the #1 pick. Currently have the 4th worst record and are 1 game behind Portland for the 5th worst record. I think that is something to watch out. I also don't believe anyone out of the top 4 worst teams should have a chance at the number 1 pick but that's just my opinion. If NY or LA got the first pick I would be highly pissed but not suspicious of the draft being rigged.

Alot of people don't think Harrington is worth a top ten pick, but what if we included someone or something else. Toronto has the number 9 and 14 picks this draft. If we give them harrington and the Lakers pick next year I think it would be worth the number 9 pick they have and if we get the number one pick get Bogut and pick the best PG available with the 9 pick. Deron Williams will probably be gone especially if Chris Paul doesn't enter the draft but shipping out Harrington and taking the chance at getting Deron would be worth it IMO. What is Sean May is still around for the 9th pick.

The record for fewest wins is 9 in a season. Here is where we rank is NBA history http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/features/worstteams

Do the Hawks have bad luck. It seems like as soon as the Walker trade was made the Lakers started to tank.

My fault, If a player signs an offer sheet and his original team matchen then he is under contract with his original team. Ignore the last part of the first 2 options.