Chinky_eyed_hawk

June 26, 2013

yeah first thing I thought was why would they do that? Even you if you think the world of Porter, just draft him. You can move up a spot I am sure verses traded away your former 1st rounder still on his rookie contract

June 25, 2013

I don't think Bynum will never be truely healthy again. His knees are shot and he was never playing many mins to begin with outside of 11-12 which ended with him getting knee surgery in the off-season. He is an asset as a role player and someone who can help us win in the playoffs. If you make him one of your star players, you are doomed from the start. That's the best case. He's an asset. Worst case: He's always hurt like Speedy was. If you bring him in as a role player, he will not be as big a risk for us.

He's far from low risk, he is flat out the definition of high risk.

Bynum=Speedy... lol yes!!!

June 25, 2013

Catfish and chips anyone??

June 25, 2013

Choosing Destinations For The 2013 Free Agency Class

By: Daniel Leroux

Jun 24, 2013 7:42 PM EDT

Inspired by my complete lack of desire and ability to predict what Dwight Howard will do this summer, it seemed like a fun opportunity to do an article I have always wanted to write: what every major free agent should do this summer. Without knowing for sure what teams will offer in terms of salary, some of this will be conjecture but will be my best guess.

Since Restricted Free Agents do not have much choice in the matter, their sections will be shorter and more direct.

The ranking order comes from Amin Elhassan from ESPN to help simplify the process.

1. Dwight Howard, C, Unrestricted Free Agent

The problem for Howard is that he cannot be sure that he will be a good enough recruiter to sign blind anywhere without the pieces already in place. In effect, if he makes a long-term commitment it should be to a team who has a roster at signing that he would be happy with for the duration of the contract. Thanks to the new rules that restrict teams over the luxury tax apron from acquiring players via sign-and-trade, the number of teams slims down somewhat for this summer. His two best options are the Houston Rockets and signing a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers that would put him in the 2014 monster FA class.

Houston has a No. 1 scorer in James Harden and plenty of other talent along with the cap space to sign Howard outright (after a few small moves). That flexibility coupled with their scheme and well-structured salaries make them the best situation available this summer.

Unless Howard falls off a cliff next season, he will still warrant max money, so the other reasonable option would be to play one more season with the Lakers and then try to play with another elite talent (i.e. LeBron James) wherever. Committing to the Lakers right now would be a mistake because he cannot be sure that Jim Buss’s team will pull another top-level guy into their orbit and it would be a useless risk to take.

2. Chris Paul, PG, Unrestricted Free Agent

Earlier in the year, I wrote that Chris Paul’s decision is the most important one for any single franchise in the league for a long time because his departure would likely send the Los Angeles Clippers into a slow and agonizing tailspin thanks to their owner. Paul has the benefit of having a solid situation in front of him despite their first round playoff exit. Even though Donald Sterling is a slumlord and a terrible owner, Paul has helped woo enough supporting talent to make Lob City a legitimate contender to make the NBA Finals unless the West gets a superteam.

As was the case with Howard, the only team with space that has the talent to potentially be better than the Clippers has to be Houston. Jeremy Lin could be kept as injury insurance or traded as an asset since his contract lasts only two more seasons. The other major difference between Paul and Howard has to be Paul’s knee. His uncertain health makes him more likely to take the max contract now and be happy with it, though I would take a one-year deal to try and play with LeBron next summer- the amount of risk seems worth it since Paul knows the Clippers would be overjoyed to bring him back in 2014 and James has shown legitimate interest in playing with the best PG in the league.

3. Josh Smith, PF, Unrestricted Free Agent

Smith is the first player with an uncertain money component since he wants the max and seems unlikely to get it. As such, it gets more difficult to say what he should do without knowing the dollar figures involved. Beyond salary, Smith should look for a team with a point guard who can distribute who plays at a fast tempo. Denver (possible via sign-and-trade), Indiana (same) and Houston would all be compelling destinations that may have the right amount of interest for where his market ends up. Unfortunately for Smith, I do not see Indiana and Denver as having the required interest/flexibility to make a deal happen so a return to Atlanta actually makes the most sense.

4. Andrew Bynum, C, Unrestricted Free Agent

If anyone offers him anywhere approaching a long-term max deal, Bynum should go there immediately. Otherwise, going to a team with a need for a center on a substantial one-year contract (like Dallas or Minnesota if Pekovic heads elsewhere) would be a gutsy and compelling move.

5. Andre Iguodala, SF/SG, Early Termination Option

In a decision that parallels Chris Paul’s, Iguodala has a nice situation with Denver to compare other options to and could also elect to not exercise his ETO and become a member of the 2014 bonanza. The security of a long-term deal should be alluring but it would not be worth it to go to a bad situation in order to get the money this summer. Denver, Houston and Atlanta would all be interesting and logical landing spots.

6. David West, PF, Unrestricted Free Agent

A classic example of money vs. fit since Indiana should not overpay him. West turns 33 before the start of next season and this marks his last chance to get a substantial contract in the league. Either way can be wholly justified and he should have a few solid years left in the tank.

7. Nikola Pekovic, C, Restricted Free Agent

At 27 years old, Pekovic should go for the money while it is out there and let Minnesota make their own decision on matching.

8. Al Jefferson, C, Unrestricted Free Agent

Since Utah already has Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter around, it feels unlikely that they bring back both Jefferson and Millsap considering the amount of money both could receive as free agents. That said, a more constricted market for Jefferson here could actually provide some more interesting options like playing next to Al Horford with the Hawks, Kyrie Irving with the Cavaliers, or Anthony Davis with the Pelicans ould all work nicely. Portland would make sense as well. New Orleans sits just 150 miles away from his hometown and has logical surrounding talent as well.

9. Paul Millsap, PF, Unrestricted Free Agent

Like his teammate Al Jefferson, we could see Millsap price himself out of the good situations or choose to take a little less to be on a better team long-term. Atlanta, Houston and a return to the Jazz stand out in terms of the fit/money combination.

10. OJ Mayo, SG, Player Option

As someone who has never gotten the big contract everyone expected him to receive, now is the time to get the most money possible. Simple as that for a player this young.

11. Tyreke Evans, SG/SF, Restricted Free Agent

Being an RFA and having a pretty solid amount of market value, Evans can take the money and see if the new Sacramento ownership matches. It would not be smart for Evans to roll the dice on a qualifying offer.

12. Brandon Jennings, PG, Restricted Free Agent

As the second best point guard on the market, the money should be there if that’s what Jennings wants most. If Jennings gets offered a deal worth $36 million or more over four seasons, he should take it and see if Milwaukee matches. Otherwise, becoming an Unrestricted Free Agent next summer in a weak PG class and lots of high-end talent makes the most sense. Look for Dallas to be a part of the bidding this summer.

13. Jeff Teague, PG, Restricted Free Agent

Parallels Brandon Jennings to a degree though it appears that the elder Teague is happier with his situation and thus should be willing to accept a lower offer to stay. His lack of tantalizing upside makes taking the risk of waiting much less palatable as well.

14. Andrei Kirilenko, SF, Player Option

The concept of financial security works a little differently for Kirilenko since it seems like he can make plenty of money playing in Russia should he ever choose to go back. I would love to see him ring hunt for a year or two on Miami or Oklahoma City though he could try for a more lucrative deal somewhere else.

15. JJ Hickson, PF, Unrestricted Free Agent

Follow the money, plain and simple.

16. Tiago Splitter, C/PF, Restricted Free Agent

Splitter picked exactly the right time to have his strongest season and should get some solid offers for his next deal. I fully expect the Spurs to match any non-ridiculous deal so Splitter should go after it and end up returning to San Antonio.

17. JJ Redick, SG, Unrestricted Free Agent

The ultimate money vs. fit guy in this class. JJ Redick joining the Thunder, Bulls, Heat, Grizzlies, Nuggets or Pacers could meaningfully shift the balance of power among the top teams for the next few seasons. However, leaving millions per year on the table becomes that much harder when you have never received that big NBA contract. At 28, I would take the MLE if Oklahoma City offers it (assuming Ray Allen stays with Miami) and otherwise go after more money in Portland.

18. Timofey Mozgov, C, Restricted Free Agent

Take the money and run, ideally to a team where he could be the primary backup at center.

19. Tony Allen, SG, Unrestricted Free Agent

It would be totally justified for Allen to take the money somewhere else but the idea of it just feels wrong considering how important he has been to the identity of this Memphis team. Tony Allen pulling a Ray Allen and becoming a monster role player for the Heat would be pretty incredible as well.

20. Monta Ellis, SG/PG, Early Termination Option

As much fun as it would be to see Ellis take less money to play with a contender, some team will be dumb enough to offer him a ton of money this summer since we all know Monta Ellis have it all.

21. Kevin Martin, SG, Unrestricted Free Agent

Even though he has his limitations, Kevin Martin’s efficient scoring gives him a place in the league on nearly every team. At 30, the only way for him to get two more substantial deals would be to have this one be a short one (two years or so) but I would go somewhere else if a team offers him a nice three or four year deal.

22. Manu Ginobili, SG, Unrestricted Free Agent

The Spurs. Anything else would be terrible.

23. Darren Collison, PG, Restricted Free Agent

Unlike most young players, Collison would be well-served to look at both situation and money since he likely will need to place himself well in order to get a nice third contract in the league, sort of paralleling former Pac-10 foe and Mavericks teammate OJ Mayo. Dallas works fine but I would look hard at Utah, Charlotte and Detroit for short deals to boost his value.

24. Corey Brewer, SG, Unrestricted Free Agent

Brewer has found a nice niche in Denver with a system that helps mask some of his biggest faults. Conning a different team into giving him more money than he deserves is always a possibility but otherwise I would return to Ty Lawson and the team that uses Brewer so well. That said, whoever ends up with George Karl makes similar sense for the next deal.

25. Jarrett Jack, PG, Unrestricted Free Agent

If the money is close, a return to Golden State would make the most sense for Jack since their head coach loves him and the system makes sense for his game. That said, a nice offer from a team in a better cap situation would be worth taking since Jarrett has maximized his value right now for the later stages of his career.

26. JR Smith, SG/SF, Player Option

One of the most talented players in the league to never get a big payday will finally get one this summer. It would be great if a team with potential like Cleveland or Portland made a big offer but he should go for the security of the most guaranteed money he can get.

27. Dorell Wright, SF, Unrestricted Free Agent

Wright may end up being the reverse Redick and pricing himself into a nice situation. Atlanta, Washington, Minnesota (if AK leaves), New Orleans, Sacramento and Phoenix could all use a “3-D” player in their rotation while he could also take a little bit less to play for a contender.

28. Kyle Korver, SF, Unrestricted Free Agent

Pretty easy: the place most likely to get a ring where the money is even close.

29. Gary Neal, SG/PG, Restricted Free Agent

We do not really know if the Spurs are willing to pay Neal long-term since they have Cory Joseph who Popovich has really taken a liking to. Either way, a youngster getting paid less than a million per year owes it to himself to see what RC Buford and San Antonio will match.

30. Eric Maynor, PG, Restricted Free Agent

Going the OJ Mayo route and taking less years to try and boost your value makes less sense for a guy like Maynor who has never shown the types of flashes that get teams to open their checkbooks. As such, he should take a longer contract if anyone offers it and otherwise do a season or two somewhere where he would get minutes like Cleveland, Washington, Detroit, Indiana or Utah.

http://basketball.realgm.com/article/228353/Choosing-Destinations-For-The-2013-Free-Agency-Class

June 25, 2013

So here is the one common thread no matter if we are talking which draft picks the hawks will take, FA, or this trade... in every discussion there is a SG involved. Why is that? Just a second ago everyone is so high on Jenkins and wonders if he is our new starting SG or just an option off the bench. For so many people here to be so high on Jenkins this surely spells the end for him here yes?

Can't be like oh I will take Bradley back in this trade to couple with lou wills, Jenkins, oladipo, franklin, and your cuz who balls at the Y,

June 25, 2013

It's like they have the same stereotype about Atlanta in their hip pocket and the masses eats that crap up like it's fact. Sure we have a hard time attracting free agents, but outside of the NBA blue bloods (LA, BOS, CHI, etc.) who doesn't? Including the darling Rockets, Mavericks and yes the Miami Heat. Outside of the current big-3 run what free agents did that franchise sign?

We have a hard time attracting FA because we never have both $$$ and Talent in place at the same time. Its been one or the other but not both. Same situation this year. We have money but there are only 2 FA we want (paul/howard) and then what... we will take the leftovers. This is no different than any other year. So what separates now from then? Only difference is we have a creditable GM agents might be willing to communicate with more. We all are excited about Bud but truth be told we don't know what the future will hold for him. Is he a name that will attract players just due to his history with San Antonio?

The other thing that separates the hawks from those teams is the market. There are two storied franchises in the NBA in the Lakers/Celtics. So yeah players may want to play for a historic franchise, but that's only because of the brain trust in place. Buss push for excellence is well documented. Where would Boston be right now if it wasn't for Ainge calling up his old buddy in Minny and getting that big three deal done? It's easy to concentrate on their recent success but lets not get it twisted, Danny got a big scoop of helping hand from his old playing buddy in getting KG. Throw in Ray Allen then you totally change the prospective of a franchise. Without that trade they just have Rondo(which they got in the first place because they were one of the worst teams in the league).

Same thing with Chicago. Nobody WANTS to just up and go to Chicago to live in Jordan's shadow. It damn sure aint the weather bringing them there. The bulls have not had a viable FA say...oh I want to play in Chicago. Maybe nowadays because they have a star in Rose along with all the other talent.

With Dallas, its a crapshoot. Everyone knows that Cuban is willing to spend for a championship. So that plays in their favor. Having a foundation like Dirk still isn't just enough. What helps teams like Dallas/Houston/MIA etc... are tax breaks.

Don't know how many people live in ATL from this board, but we all know as much negative publicity about ATL being a small market, ATL is a banging place to live. Stars love it here. So I don't buy into that we cant get people to consider us.

Exactly. It has nothing to do with the media making us a Free Agent spot to avoid, its our past history. We hopefully started changing our history of ineptitude by hiring Danny and Bud.

Its like we are saying "hey league we are now serious about bringing in quality people"

I agree. With the Hockey team being sold, and the Belkin debacle being water under the bridge it should be easier now. Danny Ferry is a creditable GM and we will see what Bud brings to the table.

June 25, 2013

I will only post Hawks info:
3. Which team should Josh Smith sign with this summer?

Gutierrez: Dallas Mavericks. They have money to spend and Smith is an intriguing talent if he isn't required to score that much.

Han: Rockets. Perhaps this is the parachute for Houston if Howard decides to stay in Los Angeles. Smith would improve the Rockets' porous defense and their run-and-gun, up-tempo style would fit perfectly with J-Smoove's length and athleticism. If not H-Town, then Smith should play for whoever will meet his request and offer the max.

Herbert: Mavericks. It's time for a change of scenery and the Mavericks should have the cap space to invest in Smith. They also have the track record of building a title winner. Assuming the Mavericks miss out on Howard and Paul, landing Smith would be a nice step in remaking their roster.

McGuire: Rockets. Of the max-contract players on the market this summer, few are as controversial as the mercurial forward. Smith has the ability to be a spectacular player, dominating above the rim and distributing from the elbow. Instead? He jacks up shots and frustrates fans everywhere. Where better to put him than in McHale's mentorship, alongside Harden and Omer Asik?

Sunnergren: San Antonio Spurs. This is a long shot -- San Antonio reportedly kicked the tires on Smith at the trade deadline before deciding he didn't have "Spurs DNA," but there isn't a better place on the planet for a talented, mercurial player of Smith's ilk than the unique ecosystem Tim Duncan and Gregg Popovich have cultivated. Think Stephen Jackson, part two.

4. Which team should Andrew Bynum sign with this summer?

Gutierrez: Atlanta Hawks. Why not? The Sixers probably don't want to take another pricey gamble with Bynum. Not many free agents will be attracted to Atlanta. So why not let the Hawks overspend on this risky big man, create a twin towers situation with Al Horford and hit the champion Miami Heat where they're weakest, in the middle?

Han: Hawks. Most teams probably will be reluctant to throw a long-term contract at Bynum after he sat on the sidelines this past season with knee issues. But with mountains of cap space, the Hawks can offer a large, shorter deal and roll the dice on a bruising frontcourt of Bynum and Horford.

Thoughts? I want no part on Bynum.

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/5-on-5-130625/best-fits-five-free-agents

No thanks. The only reason we were mentioned is because we have money to burn? So if you just want to throw $$$ away sure why not, but aren't there plenty of people to do that with? If DF went this route, I would start to question his moves for sure.

June 25, 2013

If there was a big man in FA that had a clear advantage over Jefferson as being a good passer, then assist factor. You feed me the ball, I get buckets. I like that. Now find the pieces to cover weaknesses.

June 25, 2013

WE SHOULD JUST DRAFT PAU GASOL!!!!! That way we get a post presence which is clearly one of our team needs.

June 25, 2013

If you guys will notice I've added an RSS ticker for the draft this year, just below the regular news ticker up top. It's pulling posts from a fantasy leagues sub-forum where I'm copying the draft choices to.

You can also use the following RSS Feed link in case you have a regular RSS feed reader that you prefer. This is updated every 15 minutes or so, which will keep it mostly up to date.

http://hawksquawk.net/community/index.php?app=core&module=global&section=rss&type=forums&id=4

Let me know if you have any trouble with this. It may not be the most elegant thing in the world but it should make the process a little more interesting to look at.

Edit - hang on I'm working on this, it's gone a bit haywire

Edit 2 - alright got it working with a new style that looks better and is easier to control

Best new feature to hawksquawk!!!! Biggup Dolfan. Now if you can make me a gif of Vick on a Mexican beach being handed a coolada as he winks at the screen........

June 25, 2013

I still contend that an Al Jefferson / Tyreke Evans type team is on a road to first and second round exits just like our last 5 years but I would be hoping I was wrong if that is where we end up.

Evans? when did he get in the mix

June 24, 2013

Just logged on and saw my entire team strategy has been ruined as I planned it all around LBJ falling to me!

My bad homie. You can trade me your first and some futures....

June 24, 2013

I suspect the concern is less Jefferson's height and weight per se and more that he isn't a rim protector.

My logic: Is it easier to find a backup center that you can have to protect the rim through the draft or FA(many are in this years draft, some who aren't considered an offensive option at all but their defensive skill set is their bead and butter) or find a quality big man that can score at will?

I've seen several people declare their vote of confidence to players like Dalembert. Why can't we acquire Daly and Jefferson? Some even keep mentioning Bynum who's career is in question as to wither he will be able to play effectively again(no thanks) but your only knock against Jefferson is his defense? Where would a team like Memphis be if they didn't take a chance on Z-bo because of his defense, rather than saying hey, he's a beast in the post, let's just pair someone with defensive skillset next to him?

June 24, 2013

He is a top 10 rebounder.He is top 5 center offensively which is something the hawks have never. For a team that won't have a star, points will be a commodity. having both the Als would give us the highest scoring front court in the league. Not being 7 foot doesn't take away from what this duo could accomplish

What more do you want from a quality big? He may not be the best answer defensively but when you are in the position the hawks are in, you can find another player to give your blocks.

June 24, 2013

Been hearing this one more and more lately: Rising sense out there that Jazz might simply let big man Al Jefferson walk in free agency http://po.st/CjW91G via @po_st

I am all aboard this train of thought!!! Give me Al, two defensive/pass minded big men in the the draft, and our front court would be set for years. Save the rest of the money to fill out roster and make bigger play along FA in the future. Would be even sweeter if we acquire a higher/lower pick than ours to ensure we acquire two bigs and two swing players in the draft I would consider this the best off season the hawks have had in a long time.

June 24, 2013

Just read somewhere that the Bucks have invited him to their summer camp. Could this be old Drew working?? Maybe he knew about this kid from his dealings with DF

June 24, 2013

chinky_eyed_hawk:LEBRON JAMES

Center piece that will contribute across the board offensively and defensively.

June 24, 2013

I'd take the Bynum risk over Splitter, at least Bynum has the potential to be a top 5 center in the league (if not already when healthy) and he's only 25. I can deal with that if we aren't getting Dwight or Jefferson

Isn't his Knee injury degenerative? Never going to get better if he continues to play? Or am I thinking of the wrong Andrew Bynum? Ask Philly if they would bring him back for 1 year? Spend your money elsewhere.

June 24, 2013

Just like the NBA punished the teams who tried to tank to get Oden, they will punish the teams who try to tank for Wiggins.

??? what teams are you speaking of getting punished? What was the penalty?

June 24, 2013

Also, I've been wondering, with all these reports of the Lakers/Clippers talking to Howard/Paul daily can be occurring? How can these teams go on record stating this without being reprimanded?? Anyone care to chime in?

June 24, 2013

Ok.. So everyone is on board with the fact that the Clippers and Lakers will pull out all the stops.

If CP3 and D12 are open to boarding a plane to Atlanta, we still have a chance. Once they are in Atlanta, get Ferry, Bud, D12, AL, and CP3 all on the court and let them imagine them playing together.. then get a bad-ass limo and take them to a nice restaurant and rent the whole joint out. Let them bring their entourage too. Let them bring their families.. who cares.. just go ALL OUT. I hope Ferry spends the big bucks and gets the owners to do this.

That is the best scenario. When has Atlanta ever done that? I hope Ferry is thinking the same thing. Take that little ounce of hope and turn it into reality like Pat Riley. Hell, call PR up and ask him how he did it.. was it all D. Wade or was it just Pat?

Take all potential FA's to D.O.A./Magic City/etc to show them how much $$$ they gonna be trickin out hanging with T.I. and Jeezy.

June 24, 2013

Watching the 85 Draft on NBAtV. I didn't know it was that bad. I know hindsight is 20/20 but godd@mn. The three picks at 7-9 are bad enough, but even the last pick of the draft would've turned out better than what we did with the 5th selection. Gerald's defense maybe would've rubbed off on his brother a little, which would be better than anything Koncak did for us. It's pretty cool that the 13th, yet by far most historic player taken cried when he was drafted. You rarely see that type of gratitude nowadays.

haha I saw that too. How they were saying they would hope he would translate to the nba like Hakeem did since Konkak owned the conference rebounding record. LOL they interview Nique and he didn't seem convinced.

Man, you guys have some great names on here like Esteban Garret Siller and Pig Miller. my oh my. I don't even know who to vote honestly.

Some people are getting scrubs mixed up with highway robbers though.

June 24, 2013

Thanks PSH for the logic. I was borderline panicking a hour ago. Dwight is the main prize anyway IMO.

I wonder if we can attain Rondo-Iggy-Dwight. That will be an elite defensive team. Need A LOT of shooters though.

Word out here in Denver, Nuggets are going to do everything possible to retain Iggy. They really like him out here.

I would be a dream to have Rondo in a hawks jersey. I have to admit I was hoping that when the rumors of the KG to Clippers deal was breaking down and needed a third team to get involved, It would be us. But I can't ever recall the hawks being involved in a blockbuster trade. Matter of fact, all the hawks "big deals" have come from left field wouldn't you agree? Like oh they took that?

Okayden

June 24, 2013

No.

He's constantly been on record saying he doesn't want to play he in the first place. Paul was just a tease. Does Paul burn the clippers now that they've jumped through hoops? Doubt it. Who knows, stranger things have happened. Coaches were flying left and right the year of the decision. This is a interesting dynamic. Doc is good in any hood.

June 24, 2013

I'd rather take a chance on Bynum in all honesty.

I've noticed a few people on this board mention Bynum. Why is that? Why take on damaged goods? His knees are done. He is just a name now. For all that you might as well be mentioning Oden. No thanks.

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