DrReality

Stats against Sheldon Williams in the tourney:

28 points

9 rebounds

7 BLOCKS

3 steals

One of the few bigs men in the draft who can play facing the basket or with his back to it. Big kid. Saw him play Tech and he had his way with them.

AI is a gangsta.

DISH THE DAMN PICTURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I mentioned this possibility a while back when his coach left. Very interesting prospect.

Sources told NBADraft.net Tuesday that North Carolina State bigman Cedric Simmons will declare for the draft and sign with agent Bill Duffy. No word on when the announcement will be made, but it appears imminent.

Simmons is one of the most athletic bigmen in the country. His agility and quickness in transition make him a tremendous prospect.

Considered a virtual lock first rounder, Simmons is seen by scouts to have a good chance to be a lottery pick with positive workouts. He's still raw offensively, but is showing nice touch around the basket and improved offensive skills to go along with his tremendous athleticism, rebounding and defense.

Simmons averaged 11.8 points and 6.3 rebounds as a sophomore. His statistics were limited by minutes (27 per game) and NC State's conservative offensive style.

Cedric finished the year with 2.5 blocks per game and will be a presence on the defensive end on the next level with his great timing and 7'4" wingspan.

This is turning into a huge year for

From today's AJC blog.

The most intriguing thing I’ve read or heard so far is that Indiana All-Star big man Jermaine O’Neal might be available this summer. I know people have talked about Kevin Garnett, Allen Iverson and of course just about every player on the Knicks’ roster being available. But O’Neal is the guy that could really be the linchpin for a summer free for all if the Pacers are serious about moving him. In my estimation O’Neal, like Garnett and Iverson, is too valuable to move because there is absolutely no way to receive adequate compensation in return. He’s still a young guy that can elevate a team trying to get to the next level, a team like maybe the Hawks.

He goes on to say that he is likely more marketable than KG or AI.

Why do you keep that picture when it perpetuates one of the worst moments in the whole history of the franchise. what possibly can you find redeeming in this god awful picture?

GIVE ME A BREAK.

I don't think the issue is Delk vs. Ivey. It's as you suggest . . . . Knights attitude. And we have seen it stick its ugly head out a few times. It is routinely there with the press, and that's an owner's nightmare. He comes across as bullheaded and in the business world that's a liability.

They need to send him to Dale Carnegy.

Talk out of Portland sounds like Splitter's contract may be more reasonable to buy out. He is more mature, has defensive presence and is a legit 6'11" or 7 ft. If some of the guys above him don't come out . . . . he could be a decent pick for us.

From another board. Some interesting options. Depending upon who comes out for the draft, trading down may be a viable option. Any of these you guys like?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

PHX trades: Leandro Barbosa, 20th pick, 27th pick

PHX recieves: 4th pick

ATL trades: 4th pick

ATL recieves: Leandro Barbosa, 20th pick, 27th pick

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SEA trades: Earl Watson, 8th pick

SEA recieves: 4th pick

ATL trades: 4th pick

ATL recieves: Earl Watson, 8th pick

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CHI trades: Chris Duhon, 12th pick

CHI recieves: 4th pick

ATL trades: 4th pick

ATL recieves: Chris Duhon, 12th pick

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POR trades: Jarrett Jack, 30th, 33rd

POR recieves: 4th pick

ATL trades: 4th pick

ATL recieves: Jarrett Jack, 30th, 33rd

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the Portland idea i think is the most realistic.

i also think if the Hawks get the #1 or #2, a decent offer for Bosh could come up.

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Don't thing Williams will be there at that pick. The attention he is getting sounds like he may be at the bottom of the lottery.

Rumors yesterday indicated that Tiago Splitter's buy out will be more reasonable than first thought. Given that his defensive game is one of his strengths, I think he could be a suitable option at that pick. He is a little more mature and NBA ready? I also would not rule out Bargnani.

Second round pick of Sean Dockery might be an option.

What's your take on Drew Gooden? He's restricted FA. Young guy with some upside.

same article talked of a more reasonable buy out of Splitter's contract with Tau. Heretofor it was thought this would not be possible. If this is the case, he could be a vialble option for the Hawks. Lots of good stuff said about his defense, needs to work on his offense. A legi 6'11', is 21 and has lots of room for growth.

I would hate to part with one of them without first evaluating the players we add. Someone recently posted that our offense is more productive when we go small. And I think combinations could evolve when Al is gone that would make both first and second string dynamic. Long and short of it . . . . it's too early to part with one of these guys unless we get an offer too good to refuse.

I don't think JT would come back on principle. Left here with a bad taste in his mouth?!

The value of Cassel as a leader to the young guys would be huge. Even if he was in reduced minutes. We could pick up a young pg in the second round and let Cassel mentor him. Be a good addition.

I think the chances of signing JT are between slim and none.

Also a gree that if Chi lost their mind to trade TC, they wouldn't throw in their draft pick.

It's going to be harder and harder to get a bargain with a big man like we did with ZaZa. You gotta believe the price tag of bigs is gonna be high. Guys like Pryzbela and Nazr are going to cash in. But the good news is that Shaq is slowing down which will make these other guys better.

If anyone has access to the Insider top 25 . . . . how about posting them.

Frye and Crawfard are least likely to be traded. They are guys they want to build around and dump some of the huge contracts they have. At some point their owner has to wake up??????????????

I like Jackie Butler as either a FA or in a trade. I think he is a Ben Wallace type of player. Could play the 5 spot when they run the floor. Could be the center of our defensive efforts that we are supposedly commited to.

Send Ivey to the salt and pepper league for more seasoning. He's a wanna be. Grundy's play is refreshing.

I think you guys have run amuck and gone beyond the scope of this blog. Sounds like it belongs on the history channel or something.

Seems as the year has progressed and the record digressed, the conflict on the board has done anything but regress.

I agree with one think Al said: We need to keep it a game and have fun. Same for the blog. Peace.

It was good to see Woody put in the reserves tonight and let them play. Donta made a couple great plays, Batista had moxy and Grundy drove fearlessly. For the sake of the team, Woody has to have more players involved for their development and to save the starters. Hope he continues to let them play through the end of the year.

You gotta think that this has really worn on JJ this year, given that he was on the other end of these calls last year in Phx. You could see it in his face after he was called for the offensive foul right at the end. It was a foul, but it depends on who the player is whether they call it or not. Refs suck.

With all the talk of NY's GM in trouble, there is no telling what will happen. More than likely the next GM won't be so trigger happy to 'give' player away and take on so much cap.

I read where Noah was compared to Rasheed Wallace. I saw that more tonight. I think he would be a dynamic addition to play with the young talent we have.

If he a Aldridge come out, there will be 3-4 big guys come out that will ensure we get a decent one.

It's good to hear they are evaluating everything. As new owners their learning curve has to be steep and the only way that can be done is by going outside the organization. It was refreshing to get an answer that was real.

There is the issue of BK getting the right pieces, but there is also the part of him creating the image they want for the Hawks. They have to have some concern given his lack on connection with the press, his appearance at the recent game. BK is the complete opposite of the Falcon's GM and they have to feel some sting as a result.

Good to hear from them. Makes me hopeful that they don't have blind trust.

Since UNC's coach is leaving, you wonder if Cedric Simmons will declare. Described as an intriging prospect, listed at 6'10" he might be an interesting second round pick. Can run the floor, block shots.