PT: Hawks v.s. Cavaliers - ECF

[PandaKidd]

Yeah I mean, its obvious our team needs serious talent upgrades

[Rip2137]

Idk if serious is the word. We had 2 injuries.at one position. We definatley need to.upgrade the backup 4-5 although I like Muscala. Dennis Schroder is not ready to contribute consistently as a backup, so maybe another off season will get him closer. I am still all in on Matthews though.

But don't get me wrong...i think this series is over yet. Yeah...im still that guy.

[Yungsta404]

Being completely honest, we haven't been particularly impressive these entire playoffs.

Now we've run into a player simply better than anyone we have...

No excuses or caveats. We peaked in January and aren't playing well in May.

The Cleveland LeBrons are better than we are.

our lack luster play dates all the way back to the game that ended our 19 game winning streak against the pelicans where we got blown out. we have looked unimpressive since. I also remember blowing a huge lead against the celtics before the all star break. we all hoped that they simply needed to the all star break to rejuvenate and there play would turn around. Then our very FIRST game post all star break against the raptors we got blown out at home.

Then I remember laughable performances against the sixers then getting destroyed on the road against the nuggets, losing to the knicks at home, and going on 2 three game losing streaks. Our post all star game record is around .500 but we were so far ahead of everyone else that it didnt matter and we still maintained the 1 seed. We only had 2 signature wins in the whole 2nd half the season and that was against the warriors and cavs at home. we all hoped that they were coasting and would turn it on during the playoffs, but it never happened.

our play isnt because we are slumping or because we are banged up, its just who we are. Its really a miracle this team was able to make the ECFs.

[LeMasta]

I'm more interested in the draft at this point.

[Jamaaliver]

Yeah I mean, its obvious our team needs serious talent upgrades

We need a Defensive Center. Whether he starts or comes off the bench is a debate for another time. But we need the physicality and variety of having a tough, blue collar guy who wants to body up, rebound, block shots and simply punish opposing players.

I'm torn on re-signing Millsap. He's been great, but do we really see him as the linchpin in a championship caliber frontcourt? Will we see enough increase in production to warrant a 75% raise in pay?

We also need a perimeter player with size capable of creating his own shot and knocking down outside shots.

And I'm more convinced than ever we need to trade Teague. His trade value largely stayed the same this year. With two years left on his contract and him in his prime...there won't be a better time to do it.

He is far and away our most valuable trade chip.

[Hawks champs]

Yeah I mean, its obvious our team needs serious talent upgrades

We need a Defensive Center. Whether he starts or comes off the bench is a debate for another time. But we need the physicality and variety of having a tough, blue collar guy who wants to body up, rebound, block shots and simply punish opposing players.

I'm torn on re-signing Millsap. He's been great, but do we really see him as the linchpin in a championship caliber frontcourt? Will we see enough increase in production to warrant a 75% raise in pay?

We also need a perimeter player with size capable of creating his own shot and knocking down outside shots.

And I'm more convinced than ever we need to trade Teague. His trade value largely stayed this year. With two years left on his contract and him in his prime...there won't be a better time to do it.

He is far and away our most valuable trade chip.

I think trading Teague would be a mistake. Just because a guy has the most value doesn't mean he's the guy to move. He's clearly been one of the best players on this team and his contract will let us have extra space when the cap goes up to actually get the guys we want in free agency. Plus I think that if we are going to move anyone it's a forward and a backup guard, probably Mack, added together for a vet or an expiring and a young player or pick.

[ATL Boy]

I'll still watch and support, but don't have any more expectations for this season. This season was a major plus, and we took a few steps forward, but still need to upgrade in the offseason.

Now he question becomes, will we keep Danny Ferry to continue building what really is his project, or do we get another GM? I'm in favor of keeping DF, but it'll ultimately be our new owner's call.

[Yungsta404]

Yeah I mean, its obvious our team needs serious talent upgrades

We need a Defensive Center. Whether he starts or comes off the bench is a debate for another time. But we need the physicality and variety of having a tough, blue collar guy who wants to body up, rebound, block shots and simply punish opposing players.

I'm torn on re-signing Millsap. He's been great, but do we really see him as the linchpin in a championship caliber frontcourt? Will we see enough increase in production to warrant a 75% raise in pay?

We also need a perimeter player with size capable of creating his own shot and knocking down outside shots.

And I'm more convinced than ever we need to trade Teague. His trade value largely stayed the same this year. With two years left on his contract and him in his prime...there won't be a better time to do it.

He is far and away our most valuable trade chip.

I agree with need both. IMO i would put a wing scorer as a a higher priority than a Center. Watching us go on major scoring droughts and having our "all star" sg who is suppose to be our main cog on offense be rendered virtually useless during the whole playoffs is unacceptable.

Ferry really put us in a hole whiffing on 3 of our 4 1st round picks because those picks will most likely be the highest picks we will have for awhile unless we go in rebuild mode.

[Luciferswings]

Please resist the urge to start criticising a team who just had the best season in Atlanta's history. They're against freaking Lebron, and they're banged up. Did you see today's game? Horford left the game hurt, Korver left the game hurt, Carroll is playing on one leg, Teague and Milsap have been hurt all postseason, Thabo is out, Scott is hurt. It would have been tough to beat the Cavs in any event, but these injuries have made it impossible, and that was perfectly foreseeable in advance (which is why I said before this series started that we should all just enjoy the Hawks great season, and anything else was gravy). They're a team without a lot of time in the post-season together yet, and even if they are swept in this series they've still had a great year. They will get nothing but praise from me. They can look at how to address their shortcomings, and get healthy, in the offseason.

And the Cavs aren't?

Lebron is awesome. I knew this already. This has been the best Hawks season in the history of Atlanta. I'm not going to start hating on the team or coach, it's ridiculous. They should do what they can to fight out the series, and they can address the rest in the offseason.

[PandaKidd]

I'm not giving up, they have to win 2 on the road which they have done before. But I'll be honest I have zero confidence in their shooting and execution and Buds rotations.

Missing kyle hurts but hes played terrible so ......

DMC is backbreaker.

But they have injuries too, they could rest KI to be safe in game 3 .

They HAVE to execute and shoot better. AH And PM can't be mediocre they have to score for us to have any shot.

Looking ahead Jamal is right and he and I have always said that, WE NEED A CENTER. Right now if you put a gun to my head I wouldn't resign Millsap unless its for the same money. He and Horford cannot get it done UNLESS we sign or trade for a huge upgrade at SG. Korver goes to the bench and we get a 18-20ppg SG scorer (how many of those exist??)

In the playoffs you need rim protection and rebounding. Our big men do neither well . that area has to be addressed and I think Millsap is the piece to let go. Just my .02

[Rip2137]

I can't fathom someone still saying trade Teague after the abysmal showing from Schroder. That kid is clearly 2 years away from being counted on as a starter...at least.

[PandaKidd]

I would trade teague for the right piece. But it would have to include us getting another signed veteran pg to start.

[Jamaaliver]

I can't fathom someone still saying trade Teague after the abysmal showing from Schroder. That kid is clearly 2 years away from being counted on as a starter...at least.

Schroder has been underwhelming these playoffs, no debate there.

But I've seen nothing in 5 years to convince me Teague is the guy to lead this team to a title. He's a good player, and on a more talented team he'd be a good fit.

But if we can't get great players in the draft. And we can't get great players in Free Agency...

Trade is the best chance to bring in top players. We already have a decent low-cost, alternative at PG. We can get a vet replacement fairly easily.

Doing so could even free up cap space or allow us to bring in Kofous, Wes Mathews and other upgrades.

[Goudelock]

I'm not giving up, they have to win 2 on the road which they have done before. But I'll be honest I have zero confidence in their shooting and execution and Buds rotations.

Missing kyle hurts but hes played terrible so ......

DMC is backbreaker.

But they have injuries too, they could rest KI to be safe in game 3 .

They HAVE to execute and shoot better. AH And PM can't be mediocre they have to score for us to have any shot.

Looking ahead Jamal is right and he and I have always said that, WE NEED A CENTER. Right now if you put a gun to my head I wouldn't resign Millsap unless its for the same money. He and Horford cannot get it done UNLESS we sign or trade for a huge upgrade at SG. Korver goes to the bench and we get a 18-20ppg SG scorer (how many of those exist??)

In the playoffs you need rim protection and rebounding. Our big men do neither well . that area has to be addressed and I think Millsap is the piece to let go. Just my .02

So the Hawks need a guy like Bogut inside snd a Joe Johnson-esque 2-guard. Ins't Tavares coming over next year? So that may solve their big man problems (or at least help). And maybe they can get a guy like Devin Booker or RJ Hunter and hope that they develop into a 18 ppg scorer. Or they could draft some guy that we've never heard of with ridiculous physical gifts (like Caboclo and Toronto) and hope that he turns into a superstar.

[PandaKidd]

Tavares will replace pero. Hes not going to be a starter. I've seen 5 years of teague and the problems hes always had are still there. His regular season play was very good this year, but same problems in the playoffs, lack of aggression. Teague can stay, IF we seriously upgrade SG/C. If not , hes our best shot at trading for a legit player.

[Hawk Eye]

Resigning Millsap is a must.

Not for the sake of him being in our plans going forward but for the sake of losing him for nothing. Resign him and then trade him around the trade deadline for one of our many needs. Letting him walk in free agency would be a huge loss for us because I think he would have some serious trade value on the market depending on what we can sign him for this off-season.

[Luciferswings]

The Hawks could use a player like Asik to be their Splitter for 20mpg, but they need that guy in addition to Milsap and Horford, not instead of them.

[PandaKidd]

Our starting 5 needs improvement IMO. Tavares and Muscala our the "bigs of the future" according to Bud.

So that means our backup C And PF is there. Asik would be another backup hopefully for cheap maybe but he won't want to play 3rd string.

I look at our weaknesses and to me, Millsap doesn't fit with making this a championship team. Hes a great player , but he and AH aren't big enough. They get worked by Mozgov/TT . Lopez and whoever their PF was (forgot his name he torched us). PM is not a SF and AH is not a C. They can play the bigger positions with help but not together.

IE I'd rather pair AH with DJ or PM with DJ than both together. We need rim protecting and rebounds. If we had a big you could contest LBJ at the rim. We can't now and that is a serious problem.

[PandaKidd]

Look at EVERY team left on the playoffs. We are the odd men out. No legit big. No dominating post player. How many years do we need to see us get worked by big men and PFs before we realize its not working.

This team made the ECF yes, but it had a red carpet to the finals and a team without Love and KI may sweep them. CLE will only get better.

I'd spend all I could to get DJ if hes interested, and I'd make a favorable offer to LMA as a backup plan.

I'd rather resign DMC than Millsap right now accept I think DMC is gonna get $$$$

[Rip2137]

It's game day so I would like to reiterate that I don't think this is over and we need a good performance now.

I will say you guys are mischaracterizing alot of our problems to fit what you guys want to happen and not what is really happening.