y2kenta

Quote: I think it would be a slick move for the Spirit to go for a deal that would require Belkin's approval, put him on the spot so to speak to approve a trade or reject it. If he rejects it he becomes even more visible on the radar for Stern and the union. In essence this would be calling his bluff and exposing himself to really support the franchise or be seen as the a$$hole that he is. I agree 100%. Even though some of you guys don't agree with an Iverson deal, it would really make him look bad if they tried to make a deal for AI work because Belkin was rumored to be quote as saying that he pursue AI. But AI or not, I agree that we should confront him with good deal that helps the team's situation and let him eat his foot.

That pic of the dude doesn't even look like he'd be mistaken for Jordan that much. Maybe every once in a while, but not every day. He should relish what he can for looking anything like Jordan and get as much p*ssy and perks as possible. Other than that, sane people should see the difference in lifestyles unless he is also rich, which is not likely the case since he's sueing to try to get rich.

Quote: I really believe that the team is not gonna let Al get away for nothing. I think they will do a deal and find some loophole in the judges ruling to complete it. Magloire would be nice. With Magloire, we would never have to let bautista or Edwards see the court!!! Hey, Bautista is worthy of atleast 10-12 mpg at PF/C, because even though he's learning a lot, he is already a very strong banger, a good defender inside, solid rebounder, and has some post skills/ moves that he is developing. Now Edwards, on the other hand, hasn't done anything in 2 years, so if we add Magloire or another quality big, I think we should drop John. Especially if Andersen comes over as well.

Didn't Belkin state that he wanted to pursue Iverson if he takes control? Well, I think we should grab AI before BOS screws PHI into moving him there. Iverson loves the city and I believe he would be the so-called "Savior-type" player that we need. QUOTE me if you want, but I've been for Iverson-to-ATL since I first heard of the rumors, and I think that we could easily be a 45+ win team with him. WHY? + First of all, regardless of what he may bring negatively, the guy will bring the biggest heart in the game to a team full of young super athletes that need his leadership. + The obvious reason, of course, is to spark the city and blow up our attendance numbers, while solidifying us as big time playoff contenders. Who could honestly look at us, and say, "what were they thinking?" I mean everyone from sportswriters to analysts to bashing fans have looked at us as a lowly and cellar dwelling team. + The AI Effect is that we get an allstar. Need I say more! We haven't a consistent allstar since Nique. The last hawks to even make one were Smitty and Deke. Offensively, the guy has enough left to give us about 30+ppg / 5+ apg / 2+ steals for atleast 3-4 more years. That's if he was to come and we keep him that long. Defensively, he's not a great one-on-one defender, but his ability to play team defense, jump passing lanes, and to get others around to play team defense, makes him a defensive pest. You put a guy like that next JJ and you may have the best duo in the league. Because JJ's greatest abilities are shooting and playmaking, AI only opens up the floor more for JJ to do both just like Nash did. Both could man the point when needed and both are among the better clutch scorer in the league today. Why pass that opportunity up? Really. And that's not even mentioning what the backcourt would be able to with the growing/ developing Joshes/ Marvin over the next 3-4 years. This team would quickly pass respectable and become intimidating. It takes alot of pressure off of them by having a MVP-quality leader to grow with. + We are a better deal for PHI and city for Iverson. PHI could probably Telfair (not too bad) but who else, (injury-riddled) Szczerbiak? Is that really better than young Al + steady Lue + maybe Chillz (only if filler is a must)? Does AI really want to go to another city with a rough, demanding following to play with a pure scorer/ ballhog or one of his favorite cities and one of his homes in the offseason to play with a playmaker/ scorer? + We went big in the draft and change the look of our team inside, then we picked up Speedy for PG upgrade? AI would be the ultimate upgrade and if we can get him and keep JJ, SMoove, Marvin, and Zaza, that's a big steal at a cost of only cap space. But like I like to quote, "What good is money if it can't make more money?"

Quote: building a real sustainable winner in the long run will make them more money than the 5-10 extra wins AI will give us. How can you figure that a JJ + A.I + Smoove will ONLY produce 5-10 more wins. We'd easily win 40+ games/ year, especially if we keep Smoove and Marvin and still add A.I. C'mon now.

You guys don't know how AI would fit in here in ATL because he's not here (YET) and you don't know what his attitude would be at this stage in his career. I think he's at his prime and approaching his peak, so I think he'll be hungrier than ever to win a ring. You guys often talk the Hawks needing a savior, who would be a better savior a MVP quality guard alongside JJ and Smoove. He never ran guys out of PHI. Management chose AI. Hughes was young, still learning and undeveloped. He still learned a lot about the NBA game from playing AI, especially defensively. Stackhouse couldn't coexist because he always wanted the ball and still kinda has those same habits of taking bad shots and dribbling too much. I'd love to have Iverson here and none you guys could honestly say that AI + JJ + Smoove + Zaza + Marvin wouldn't get us to the playoffs next year and for years to come. You also can't honestly say that you wouldn't get to Phillips every chance you get to see us whoop ass!!! You can't help but look at the fact that no teams can stop AI, a lot of teams can't stop JJ (scoring or playmaking), so how many could stop them together? I don't care what the dummies say, I'm all for it. I'd give up the #5 pick in a heartbeat also because no one player in this can bring what AI would. BANK ON THAT!!!

You guys don't know how AI would fit in here in ATL because he's not here (YET) and you don't know what his attitude would be at this stage in his career. I think he's at his prime and approaching his peak, so I think he'll be hungrier than ever to win a ring. He never ran guys out of PHI. Management chose AI. Hughes was young, still learning and undeveloped. He still learned a lot about the NBA game from playing AI, especially defensively. Stackhouse couldn't coexist because he always wanted the ball and still kinda has those same habits of taking bad shots and dribbling too much. I'd love to have Iverson here and none you guys could honestly say that AI + JJ + Smoove + Zaza + Marvin wouldn't get us to the playoffs next year and for years to come. You also can't honestly say that you wouldn't get to Phillips every chance you get to see us whoop ass!!! You can't help but look at the fact that no teams can stop AI, a lot of teams can't stop JJ (scoring or playmaking), so how many could stop them together? I don't care what the dummies say, I'm all for it. I'd give up the #5 pick in a heartbeat also because no one player in this can bring what AI would. BANK ON THAT!!!

It was beautiful, but NASTY.

I second that. Every word of it. I just don't understand why even consider Roy (who I wouldn't neccessarily mind) or Shelden when they'll only manage a need instead of filling the need with an impact. In the unlikely event that Aldridge falls, I would like to have Aldridge next to ZaZa and Smoove. So I say Aldridge, Marcus, or trade!!!

Quote: The thing is, though, is Joe going to be the primary ball-handler? If so, the other guard needs to be able to spot up from 3, play solid Defense and be productive in general without the ball. Doesn't really sound like Andre. Hmmmm... you are right, though. Harrington isn't perfect either and Andre fills a need. Andre Miller Joe Johnson Marvin Williams Josh Smith Shelden Williams Doesn't look bad on paper. Zaza/Childress would be some great backups. You would actually start Shelden at center over Zaza - LMAO!!! You guys think Shelden is a pure beast already. We had enough teams bang us into ground last season. We'd be better off starting Smoove at center.

You also have to realize that Ivey started 66 games last year and only squeezed out 3.5 pts/ 1 asst/ 1 reb. He has a worst jumper, is less athletic/ offensive-minded, is an inferior playmaker, and is half the talent that Rondo is. So simply think about if Rondo was started alongside JJ instead of Ivey. Rondo is like a more athletic TJ Ford We would have a more explosive, athletic playmaker that could compliment JJ a lot better. Then he'd be backup by a combo of Lue and an improved Salim. I think it could work as long as we added some defensive beef inside along with Andersen via the draft and FA. Here's why I think we can't lose Al for nothing and a S&T for Daly would definately fill that need. Or even a Al (S&T) to BOS for #7 + filler. #1. LINEUP - BOS Trade C - Zaza / Andersen / Edwards PF - Shelden (#5)/ Batista / Justin W. (#33) SF - Smoove / Marvin / Donta SG - JJ / Chillz / filler PG - Rondo (#7)/ Salim / Lue #2. LINEUP - PHI Trade C - Daly / Zaza / Andersen PF - Smoove / Batista / Justin W. (#33) SF - Marvin / Chillz SG - JJ / Salim / Donta PG - Marcus (#5)/ Lue / Grundy or Ivey

Ya'll need to stop bagging on Salim, because the PG spot is the toughest to be the best at in the NBA. And as a rookie, it's a huge eye-opening experience. So let the guy work on his weaknesses, continue to develop, and get molded by NBA coaching and then judge him again in a year or two. Cause, I mean you don't just move a guy who can shoot and score like he can at this level, especially when we're at the bottom of the leauge. Why do you think the Bulls are going through the motions with Gordon and still value him more than any of the other guys. He was the only guy (with maybe Heinrich) that really balled in the playoffs last year and this year. Salim is gonna be a good baller. PERIOD!

What's to fear? Common sense would tell the knuckleheads to simply draft MARCUS WILLIAMS!!! Why not get the best PG in the draft, especially after passing on Paul/ Deron and the rumored [Felton + May] trade last year?

I would love for us to pick Justin Williams at #33. What do you guys think? He's just under the radar right now and his stock is climbing rapidly toward the top of the 2nd round of the draft after he put on athletic displays in Orlando last week. He's 6'10 and is easily the best shotblocker in the draft as well as a decent rebounder. He could develop into a Ratliff / Camby-type defender off the bench. He'd be great under Woodson's defensive thinking, backing up both the PF and C spots. He could come in with Batista (who should improve in his 2nd year) and really enforce the middle while guys like, Marvin/ Chillz/ Lue and Salim come in explode on 2nd units. He seems to be exactly primed for our taking especially if Aldridge doesn't slip to 5 and we (HOPEFULLY) take Marcus Williams. C - ZaZa / Batista / J.Edwards PF - Nene or Big Ben / Justin SF - Smoove / Marvin SG - JJ / Chillz / Donta PG - MarcusW / Lue / Salim / Grundy or Ivey I think Marcus Williams will be a lot like Andre Miller and that would really allow JJ and Smoove to be the stars in the starting unit. And then to have Salim / Chillz / Marvin make up a very impressive perimeter in the 2nd unit, this upcoming season would be very exciting.

A.I. seems more and more to be possible, barring a Belkin takeover. I also like either of these lineups: [1]Zaza / Aldridge / Smoove / JJ / JT or [2]Zaza / Nene / Smoove / JJ / Marcus Williams

How bad do we need a PG? What calibre PG should we get? If you think about it, we could easily make the playoffs with a backcourt of JJ and A.I. or JJ and JT, but either would come at good penny. Claxton could be a very decent starter, but he's a very poor shooter, could he stay healthy and could he lead us to the playoffs? We have: - [Lue] - is a solid veteran PG that's equal or better than Claxton. He's quick, compliments JJ, runs the offense like a new motor, excels in uptempo style, and can shoot the 3pt with a good %. He also won a ring in LA alongside 2 greats and a legendary coach. Only problem is he's just not a strong enough defender to start. - [salim] - is quick, shoots lights out, started to really improve his PG skills before the injury, and though he's a tweener, he's got the abilities to play the PG spot off the bench as well as switch to SG when complimenting a big guard like JJ. - [Grundy or Ivey] - unless Lue is traded, we'll have to drop one or the other. Grundy is a better PG offensively, but Ivey's a better defender, who's not totally great at that. I'd say put them both in the summer league and decide which can be the 3rd PG. Now if Lue's is kept and we add a Marcus Williams via the draft or a nice FA starting PG, chances are, both Ivey and AG will be dropped. Unless Chillz gets moved, allowing Salim to split the backup SG role with Donta. So would you guys agree that we should just...(the following plans include either trading Al for a '07 1st or letting him walk) [1] DRAFT BIG if LA slips and add PG in 2nd - Draft L.Aldridge at #5 (if he falls) and DariusW/ DeeB/ Diaz at #33 - Sign J.Terry - 5yr $40-45M or [2] DRAFT SMALL iand add BIG in 2nd - Draft MarcusW at #5 (if he falls) and JustinW/ SolomonJ/ EricW at #33 - Sign Nene or Pryz or Nazr

What if we signed JT and kept Chillz as opposed to the trade for A.I. and then moved Al + Lue for Daly?

I think he's going to be a cross between J.Oneal and R.Wallace and make immediate impact (hopefully here with the Hawks). A frontline with Smoove, Lamarcus, and Ben Wallace would be unbelievable and eventually better than DET's frontline of Ben, Tayshun, and Rasheed. But I think we should only get Ben if he'll sign for 5yr - $45-55M (which I doubt) to some closer to home and reunite with Woody.

MOVES: 1. Trade #5 to TOR for #1 2. Draft L.Alridge @ #1 and Justin Williams @ #33 2. Trade AL+Lue+Chillz for Iverson? 3. Sign K.Cato and Flip Murray 4. Resign Grundy NEW ROSTER: C - ZAZA / Cato / Edwards PF - ALRIDGE / Batista / Justin Williams SF - SMOOVE / Marvin SG - JJ / Flip / Donta PG - IVERSON / Salim / Grundy

I'm not totally anti-Brandon Roy because I've seen the guy in action and think he's going to be pretty good in the NBA. I don't see the Dwayne Wade comparison in him, but I think he's nice. But just think for a minute. Out of all the top 5 teams, we're the only team that desperately needs a pure PG, with the exception of TOR who has the #1. But no one in the NBA world including this board would take Roy #1 overall now. WOULD YOU? That is why portalnd is the most realistic spot that Roy is to be/ probably will be taken. Now my problems with taking him at #5 are... #1 - Why take him when we need a pure PG? (Please don't give me that JJ can play PG sh|t because JJ should have the ball a lot but not as much a pure PG / JJ needs to have that added ability to be our clutch go-to-guy without being pressured the whole 40+mins) #2 - Why take him when we have Salim? (We already have one of the youngest sharpshooter in the NBA, who is a lightning quick slasher that dishes to big men very well) Taking another tweener at this point would be a wasted pick especially when we had Smoove and still took Marvin over Paul in the previous draft. #3 - Why take him when we have cap space, AL (S&T), and interest from other teams to trade picks to get exactly what we need most? (Now if we chose to either trade with TOR for #1 or with NOH for #12 + 15 to get Alridge or to get [Hilton or Shelden + Rondo or Sergio] So our choices should be more clear than other team in the top 5.... DRAFT MARCUS WILLIAMS or trade with TOR or NOH!!!

PLAIN AND SIMPLE......... Shoot him!!! BUT REALISTICALLY......... Protest and boycott Phillips with FIRE BILLY signs.

ROY IS NOT a F'N PG!!!!!!!!!!! He wouldn't even be ready to compliment effectively JJ immediately. It'd just be more pressure on JJ who will already have to be the main go-to-guy with Al gone. THat means more defensive pressure against him which would put him in a JT position of trying to handle the heat on a nightly basis. That caused JT to be super turnover prone, less creative, and look for a way out. We have to make this pick count and that is not the best pick for us. Roy is pretty good but he and JJ just won't get us to the playoffs in the next 2-3 years.

I would agree with everyone who hopes we make this move and get Iverson. I just really really hope that we can keep Smoove, because of superb athleticism, versatility, ability to block shots among the best, and his continued growth offensively. I can't see that I would want to part with Chillz or Marvin either, but a starting lineup with JJ/ A.I./ Smoove is very versatile, high scoring, exciting, and "collectively" a very solid defense. I hope PHI will take a S&T with Al involved instead of one of our young SFs. I vote that we give them AL (S&T) + Lue + #5 for A.I. + #13.

Quote: Sometimes a superstar just needs a change of scenery...I would welcome Iverson with open arms. EXACTLY!!! Very well said.

TRANSACTIONS: 1. Draft #5-Roy (if available) / #33-Justin Williams (defensive beast) 2. Bring over Andersen and maybe release Edwards 3. Pick up option on Donta and resign Grundy 4. Trade Al + Chillz + Lue to PHI for A.I. + (Louis Williams???) 5. Sign Nene to 5yr deal starting at $5.5M RESULTS: C - Zaza / Andersen / Edwards??? PF - Nene / Justin Williams / Batista SF - Smoove / Marvin SG - JJ / Roy / Donta PG - AI / Salim / Grundy * We end up with: - a starting PG that gives us 30 pts / 6+ ast / 2+ stls - a SG that will add 20 pts / 5 reb / 5ast - a SF that should improve to 14 pts / 7 reb / 3 ast / 3 blk - a younger, stronger, better PF inside (Nene) - 8 pts / 8 reb / 1+ blk - an improving C (Zaza) - 10 pts / 8 reb - a great 2nd UNIT of Roy + Salim / Marvin + Justin / Batista or Andersen Starter Totals: - 82+ ppg / 30+ reb / 15+ ast / 4+ blk Bench Totals: - 30+ ppg mainly between Roy/ Salim/ Marvin/ Donta and bigs - 15+ reb mainly between Batista/ Justin/ Andersen/ Marvin