If appears OE is something Billy Knight likes

[Plainview1981]

http://www.ajc.com/hawks/content/sports/ha...554903207759362

I say there is a reason he hasn't got a chance to play.

[Diesel]

Well if you are realistic...

Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler have looked like sorry Jokers when they haven't had playing time. This guy has the size, he needs to get out there and mix it up. I think actually going to Yugo where he could play may have helped his game more than sitting on the bench.

I think he may be a great find and with the lack of good health in our front court, I would much rather have his size and power than say Mikkie Moore or Maceo Baston or even Ivano Newbill!!!

[Plainview1981]

The difference is that this guy is 28 years old already

and was a 37th pick in the draft. How do you say scrub

were this dude is from?

[swolehawk2]

He is [censored] sure better than bringing in Mark Strickland or Mikki Moore when Naz or Hendu gets hurt. At the very least he can rebound and knock the dam helll out of someone.

[Diesel]

Than Mikki Moore or Mark Strickland...

He's a big body who can play Physical basketball. NOBODY is claiming him to be the next SHAQ or the next best Unfound allstar... He's a guy who can play C or PF, can add size to our lineup, give us a measure of Physicality, and Present us with another option when our small frontcourt suffers injury.

[Plainview1981]

The Hawks need alot more than a 1PPG spare part.

[Gray Mule]

Just having turned 28, he is still not THAT old.

So, he wasn't picked high in the draft. What does that

have to do with anything? Nothing at all, that's what.

He wasn't a great player when they drafted that year.

He has had time to mature, improve his game, get stronger

and learn the many small things that are necessary to

play successfully in the N.B.A.

Only one point per game average? That means nothing?

It does if he stops the opposition from scoring 5 by

playing strong defense and stops them from scoring

4 by grabbing rebounds -- 1+5+4 = a 10 point swing.

I'll take that every game, wouldn't you ??

In reality, what his draft position was means nothing.

What his scoring average is now, as an N.B.A. player,

up to this point, means nothing. That he was considerd

a scrub and not used by his former N.B.A. team, means

nothing at all.

What really matters is, how will he do in this season?

Can he play with the Hawks? Will he fit in with the other

players? Is he coachable and can the Hawks coaching staff

make use of his talents and size and improve his game?

The past is gone -- It can't be changed. What he was,

as a player, before he became a Hawk, is in the past.

So, the only question that remains is, can he produce

the results that the Hawks need? He did it for one

pre-season game, that's true. But, can he continue to

produce this type of game? Only time will tell.

[Boondocks]

right on mule

he seems to be a defensive stopper and what more would you want to bring off the bench since he'll come really cheap.

[TheDude]

The way to determine if we could use him or not is easy. Any better options for the price?

probably not so if he shows it, sign him. otherwise why even give the guys a shot in the preseason?

ben wallace was a scrub.

[Weez]

Admittedly, I didn't know much about this guy before now, esp. that he was from Nigeria...which makes you wonder at what age he actually started playing basketball? Did he grow up in the states or over there? If he started late, he could be finding his stride now...and it certinaly wouldn't hurt to give him a shot...and he'd fill the role that many have pleaded for, a Tractor Traylor like player to fill the middle on occassion (many have said "regardless of skill level").

[Gray Mule]

Fellows, we're not talking about a new starter here.

We're talking about a role player, a bench player, one of

the seven who don't start.

I, for one, have maintained we need one BIG player, and

yes, I have, on numerous occasions said, "A Tractor

Trailer" type of player. One who can come in for a few

minutes and really "Bang" with the big boys without being

pushed around or being intimidated.

If the "Price is Right" and he is the best available, let's just

hope that things work out for him AND for the Hawks.

[drzachary]

We need someone to come in and bounce on-fire guards off the lane like Don Reid did JT. *WHAP!*

[OGRat]

I'm not convinced this guy is worth all of the discussion yet. Show me some consistency.

Even a broken clock will be right twice a day.

[Gray Mule]

But, you have to start somewhere. I have repeatedly

said, "Was this one game a fluke, or was that the real thing?"

Only time will tell -- If he is as good as the first impression

then we may have found our man. We can only hope at

this point in time.

[drzachary]

Ekezie is "proving the critics wrong!"

Hopefully he can string a bunch of noteworthy performances together. From what I've read, many of his problems were of the mental variety (too 'nice'), and he seems to have a more ferocious attitude?

You're right, though; it's just like us Hawks fans to look for silver linings when the sky is grey and overcast. (Unless you're Hotlantadude, in which case you spot tornado funnels on a clear day.)

[KB21]

There is a rule that says if a player doesn't immediately contribute for his team, he is no good. At least that's a rule according to Hotlanta.

Based on this rule, guys like John Starks and Anthony Mason were scrubs.

We all should know this.

Sarcasm aside, the fact remains is this. A lot of young players don't get an opportunity in the league early on because of the guaranteed contracts. Teams are not going to cut a player with a guaranteed contract to make room for a guy like Ekezie, no matter how well he is playing.

[Plainview1981]

If this guy was good enough someone would know about

it by now. The guy is approaching 29 years old.

[Gray Mule]

Lucky Kid to be only 29 --Take it from one who knows.

Actually Dude, he has just recently turned 28 -- He won't

be 29 untill late in the summer next year.

At 28, he probably doesn't have more than 5 or 6 really good

years left to excell in the N.B.A.....!!!!

Dude, I realize that 28/29 is old to you. I've got three

kids older than that! I can remember being 28/29 a long

time ago and, believe me, looking back, it's great!!

Seriously, being a 28 year old just getting a real chance

in the N.B.A. isn't bad at all. Dude, you'll have to find

something else about him to carp about.

I hope he makes it, does well and helps lead us to the

playoffs this year. That would be great.

[beav]

"Dude, you'll have to find

something else about him to carp about."

Don't worry GM... if he can't find anything to pi$$ and moan about he'll make something up. Soon.