Swatguy

Swat... I see this as a transitional team. I don't think 80% of these guys make it to next years squad. Therefore, I'm not so stoked about these guys. I think what we will see will be a lot of Jockeying for a spot and a contract. Ferry right here shoots it out there there's no leader on this team. Why would he do that?? because nobody's spot (going forward) is guaranteed. Not even Horf's. Generally, the GM turn over leadership to his coach. However, the coach is not even guaranteed. We have a lame duck franchise. These are the Cleveland Indians from Major League (the movie).

Of course you're right it is a transitional team and they will be hoping to have career seasons. That is the rouse. Ferry and staff will have to establish an environment for the guys to be loose and feel good about each other for how temporary their stays are. They want to enjoy there times here and get the next contract. Winning without a doubt fosters that environment. If LD is successful in managing this motley group he will get a new contract somewhere.

Jeff Teague, Devin Harris, Louis Williams

Anthony Morrow, Louis Williams, John Jenkins, DeShawn Stevenson (a James)

Josh Smith, Kyle Korver, Anthony Tolliver, DeShawn Stevenson ( a James)

Al Horford, Josh Smith, Anthony Tolliver, Ivan Johnson, Mike Scott

Zaza Pachulia, Al Horford, Ivan Johnson, Johan Petro

Jeff Teague, Devin Harris, Louis Williams

John Jenkins, Anthony Morrow, Louis Williams, DeShawn Stevenson (a James)

Anthony Tolliver/Josh Smith, Kyle Korver, DeShawn Stevenson ( a James)

Josh Smith/Anthony Tolliver, Al Horford, Ivan Jonhson, Mike Scott

Al Horford, Zaza Pachulia, Ivan Johnson, Johan Petro, Anthony Tolliver

Could be the starters!!

Devin Harris

Louis Williams

Kyle Korver

Anthony Tolliver

Ivan Johnson

If this is our bench mob we are a deep and formidable team. Not even mentioning our rookies John Jenkins and Mike Scott along with Damian James and James Anderson fighting for that final spot. I also can't forget to include a training camp roster that can surprise and over take that last spot like Ivan Johnson did last year.

Well the problem is, if Zaza starts there is NO BACKUP CENTER!

Al can hold his own with ant center not named Dwight, so Zaza is that backup center. I start Deshawn at the 3 and Mr. Automatic Morrow at the two.

I do this because when I bring in the beastes it is an uptick against every 2nd unit.

2nd Unit: Zaza and Ivan get rebounds and sets picks for Lou and Harris as these guards go bonkers with a continual and 1 drill(Korver is shooting outside the arc).

This roster has redundancy, not enough "Bigs". I look for a move/trade in camp bringing in a 6'10-7 footer as a center. If James and Toliver can make the coaches believers Korver is bait. Otherwise my man Stevenson may be cut. I dont want to see that. I see Lou and Harris being the big difference makers on this team (other than Josh and Al).

" The guys in the locker room create that. The coaches create that.”

This may be the edgiest, flavorful tough minded guys in a while. I feel we need one more hard-nosed guy in the fold. One more. Mike Scott might be that guy. I love what Ivan, Deshawn, Zaza, Harris and Lou bring. Teague is aggressive and Korver gives up his body for the cause. Josh and Al be challenged. One thing thou, Ferry gave me pause guaranteeing Scott a spot in the roster. I see Lou elevating this group the most. I'm getting excited.

Super-Slueth Mac http://blogs.ajc.com...24/handing-off/ MC has moved on to a corner office at the AJC.

I don't think it was a promotion for MC.

I like Deshawn but I'd move him and Petro for Maggette.

I like it. With Ivan and Stevenson we have attitude on the court and the locker room. Al will have to get grown around those guys. We are moving towards a tough team. Josh will be playing some 3. DS can play the 3 and Korver is a gritty man defender at the three. Anderson and James may force a trade but I like DS and Ivan both on this team.

I'm disagreeing with that. This team might score some but it would be a layup drill for the opposition.

Harris

Lou

Korver

Ivan

Zaza

In Dallas and New Jersey Harris was better than average defensively. Korver always gives up his body defensively. Lou is and athlete and defense is effort. Lou is fine.

Off subject i know but that 2nd team could beat that 1st team on a lot of nights. Back court is much better. Teague is overrated at this point in his career. I believe he will develop but right now he gets way to much praise from you guys. Just sayin.

I kinda agree however, Harris is a better combo with Lou. Teague and Lou (together) are smaller and may not be able to defend many of the two's in this league. Lou is the bench beast and is a reason Teague starts. Another reason is for Teague to develop he may need to start to give him the confidence edge. Morrow and Teague's upside needs to be exploited as quickly as can to strengthen their tradabilty. At the end of the game, AL, Josh, Harris and Lou will probably be on the court. But setting the table with Teague and Morrow may bring dividends in February.

First thought is the top of the lineup. We do not have a bonafide backup behind Zaza. Thus Zaza is the backup center. Lou with Harris coming of the bench could be nasty, I like that combo. I like the leadership piece at SF with Stevenson along with Josh and Al. So, Morrow has the 2 position to lose. I want Jenkins to find his way, no starter job given to him before earning it (ala Marvin). So with Lou and Harris bring in the noise with Zaza and hopefully Ivan.As it settles Morrow or Korver will probably moved at some point if Jenkins shows a baller.TeagueMorrowStevensonJoshAlHarrisLouKorverIvanZaza

Hey man, the front desk told me room 527. But, but but when I got there some Dennis Rodman lookin woman was smokin a blunt. IAINTGOINBACKUPTHERE!!

http://hangtime.blog...ls=iref:nbahpt1 Smith said that if Howard were to join the Hawks, it’d be “icing on the cake.”

A.T. is top shelf. Often he is the smartest cat in that FULL room. And smart enough to not let everybody know. No doubt Ferry has a crony lined up for the position. Arthur got skills and know how, he is in good shape. I imagine ASG had a non-compete in his contract and AT gets a huge check to walk with.

This is no simple task for Ferry. The two previous gm's did not seem to make conscious efforts to create a different culture. And there was little hope while they were in the midst of the court battle. Ferry seems to have taken a few positive steps. What other steps can be taken? Cuz cultures aren't hatched overnight but the falcons seem to have accomplished it ...many thanks to Blank

Leadership,Leadership, Leadership. That is what have been missing. There has to be a bonafide leader on the court and at the end of the bench. The rotation players have to be good to very good to superstar. Above average means a hole. The bonafide (see alphadog) leader does not even have to start (see Zo) but he and the HC have to be on accord. Ah, what have Blank done especially. He fired the smartest football guy he has had (Reeves), hire Mora and took all of Vicks guards off (real smart considering millions were invested). Bought into a mediocre QB and sold us to an impact QB. Matty meltdown is neither impact and of course not franchise. What is the Falcons playoff record? We better be going after Chris Paul and Dwight strong. That would change the culture.

No we aren't. Horford - 12 million Williams - 5 million Jenkins - 1 million Teague is on his option - 3 million. Stephenson (not guaranteed) 2.5 million not nitpicking but we have about 23.5 million committed next year....just count Teague's he isn't going anywhere unless it's part of a trade. So we are 34.5 under the cap...not 48 million.

I forgot about Lou. Teague has a "Qualifying Offer", he can be renounced. So we have 18.3 committed. The cap will be about 60 mil. So we are closer to 42 mil. under next offseason.

We are scheduled to be around 48mil. under the cap next summer. Maybe another 10-12 to the LT. If we invest into Al,Josh, D12 and CP3, every penny over the LT is well worth that championship team. Philips is packed on Christmas day and every other game. Every weekend game is soldout. The average points given up is 83. 'Nique will be talking to the national guys at halftimes.

It may be enough cap space next season to keep Al and Teague and sign Josh, Dwight and CP3.

2 words: Vegas Baby

75% of NBA players spend significant time in Vegas in the summer. The other stops are LA, Miami and the Carribean. Ballers love Vegas period.

Don't like the backpack, but to each his own I guess. I honestly don't think that Joe cares what team he plays on, or atleast he won't show it. The guy is the epitome of a true professional, despite what logo he has on his chest he will play 100% everytime.

I believe you are right. He will be professional and it will be electric in Brooklyn. Joe got good players around him on the court, a good coach and loads of support upstairs. But Joe, the speed of the city is your challenge. Choose your friends wisely Joe.

It only matters what CP3 thinks and who he wants to coach.

I am telling you guys it is inevitable for Howard to wear the Lakers uniform.. The NBA wants that

I believe he will wind up in LA too. If I were him I would.

On Dolfan's behalf (not that he needs it) It is known and been reported (not rumors) here in Orlando that Howard doesn't pass up any type of P*(&y (read between the letters) when he gets a chance. He has been seen with numerous women at various times. Apparently it is his one vice or should I say kryptonite. Regardless hope he comes to the ATL for the long haul.

That is just plain stupid to say. Even if it true, what is a man's business what another man's sex appetite? Why do you care?

Mind your own damn business. How about that. Thanks.

Precisely

From what we've heard of Dwight, and of course it's just rumor, but he'd probably enjoy being left in a room with former Hawks cheerleader turned porn actress Briana.

That is twice you insult Dwight personally. Keep your rumor our ban yourself smarty. When Dwight comes back to play he will be even more beastly than imagined. This past year will make him stronger.

Beat me to this topic... but I have my take. My take is the same as Danny Ferry.. If we just get him here, he will resign.. My guess is the team will be Harris, Morrow, Richardson, Smoove, and Howard. That five is definite talented enough to compete in the East. With the expectation that we might be a player for CP3... Might... Here's the deal. IF we are competitive in the EC.. say we make it to the finals... Howard nor Smoove are the type of persons who can look Atlanta (the City) in the Eye and say.. we're going ___________. I doubt Lebron ever dreamed of playing for Cleveland. It was just close to Akron. Smoove and Howard dreamed of playing together for the Hawks. If we make that happen for 1 yr and prove to be successful.. Both guys will resign.

I agree D. Also, if we bring in Nate McMillian Paul will come.