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[Plastic Man]

this is their second Hawks "insider" article within a week!

Last Updated: Sep 21st, 2006 - 18:20:37

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The Next Hawk into the Hall of Fame

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By Jason "Jump Shot" Negri

for HOOPSWORLD.com

Sep 21, 2006, 18:18

As the Atlanta Hawks gear up for the upcoming season with a fractured management structure tied up in legal courts along with trying to improve from a 26-56 record the thought of a current Hawk player making it into the Hall of Fame seems as absurd Shaq hitting a perfect 10-of-10 from the free throw line.

But if the Hawks have one positive on their side it is time and the future which ponders the question; Can a current member of the Hawks one day enter the Hall of Fame?

While the majority of the Hawks might be younger then a Drivers Education class, of the current roster Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, and Josh Smith would seem to be the most likeable candidates. But all three are still way too early in their careers to even be considered or mentioned with the words Hall of Fame.

With the addition of Speedy Claxton to run the point, Johnson will move to his natural position of shooting guard where he will more then likely be the leader of the Hawks now that Al Harrington is gone. Playing out of position last season, Johnson basically went underneath the radar and became one of the most versatile talents in the game and earning rave reviews including USA Team Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski who stated, "I don't know if there can be a more solid player." The $20 million dollar Hawk was also one of only six players in NBA to average more than 20 points and six assists last season. While Johnson has become one of the most versatile players in the game, possibly Johnson best shot into earning entry into the Hall would be to make a march on the 3 point record. While Johnson is known as a shooter, Johnson is not to far away to put up Hall of Fame numbers in that department. In his first five seasons Johnson has a total of 501 three pointer, just a little behind the all-time leader Reggie Miller's total of 550 through five seasons. But, Johnson is way behind Seattle Supersonics sharpshooter Ray Allen who had a total of 699 three pointers in his first five seasons and more then likely will surpass the Pacer great as the all time three point king. Now at shooting guard and with the Hawks looking to possibly run and gun can Johnson shoot his way into the Hall and become an All-Star in the process?

One player who looked like an All-Star this summer was Marvin Williams. The 6'9 forward out of North Carolina was considered somewhat of a disappointment in his rookie year and Hawks fans wonder out loud "What if?" when Chris Paul seemed to have cemented his plaque at the Hall with an incredible rookie season. But, don't give up on Williams yet. Williams has all the tools to be a star in the league. Case in point; Williams dominated the Rocky Mountain Revue Summer League averaging 23

points while shooting 55 percent from the field and easily earning MVP honors. A major key to the Hawks improving this season will be on Williams who will earn more playing time from the departure of Harrington. Can Williams deliver? When Williams’s career his done, will Hawks fans forget Paul was drafted behind him?

The Hawks have gone into the season labeling Phillips Arena "The Highlight Factor," and leading the highlights will be Josh Smith. The swingman had a breakout season with the Hawks and managed to separate himself from former New Orleans Hornets player JR Smith with tremendous hops and impressive dunks. The 2005 Slam Dunk champ, Smith might be one of the big sleepers of the upcoming year ready to explode especially on the defensive end where the Hawks swingman is becoming a force in blocking shots. Ask the Knicks. Smith swatted away eight of the Knicks shots in one game last season. But, for all the positives of Smith, the swingman still struggles with shot and has trouble when opposing teams run a screen at him. Like Williams, Smith is emerging talent who still has plenty of productive years ahead of him.

But, if no current member of the team makes it to the Hall of the Fame it will be intriguing to see if former Hawk Dikeme Mutombo will make the Hall once he retires. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year spent five seasons in Atlanta and established himself as a defensive

force. Will the Hall overlook Mutombo's almost non-existent offensive game? It will be interesting to see.

But, while the Hall of Fame is years if not decades away, the Hawks, as a team this season, will be improved, intriguing, and competitive.

As they say "Rome wasn't built in a day," and a Hall of Fame career is not built in a season either.

[Plastic Man]

looks like this article was written before speedy's injury. ironically he used the word "fracture" in the first sentence.

[joannes3000]

Quote:

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looks like this article was written before speedy's injury. ironically he used the word "fracture" in the first sentence.

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I thought that was an ironic word choice as well. It's only a matter of time before we dig out of the cellar and all the naysayers are the ones that start crowding the Hawks bandwagon.

[DrReality]

There has been an ongoing debate about Josh Smith playing the 3 or 4. Ironically, as his game has developed it has taken on the appearance of a PF. Making his presence knownn inside with blocks, rebounding, etc. But it does not seem that he thinks of himself as a PF, but rather a SF. With the addition of another 15 lbs, his body is looking more like a 4. Maybe Lo Wright can help him with some of the mental toughness needed to play PF. It is good to know that he is so respected around the league.

[KB21]

I like the article, but I wish people would quit saying that Joe Johnson "became" one of the league's most versatile players last season. He didn't just suddenly become a versatile player. He has always been a versatile player. The only difference between last year and his previous years is that he had more of a starring role this past season.

To me, saying that Joe Johnson "became" one of the league's most versatile players would be like saying Steve Smith became one of the league's most versatile players back when he was traded to the Hawks. Both already had the versatile ability. There's no telling how much better Steve Smith would have been had he not had so many knee problems.