RealGM

http://blogs.ajc.com/hawks/2011/05/27/a ... logs_hawks

Highlights: Sund sounds pretty noncommittal about everything except the progress his team made this season. He's quick to shutdown any trade or draft talk because of the CBA. He also doesn't concur with the perceptions from fans and media that moves are necessary. He states that we are 1 of 3 teams to make it to the 2nd round each of the last 3 years. He also compares us to Dallas in that they've had disappointing playoffs 3 years in a row but have broken through to the finals this season.

I think he is hoping to bring this team back at least one more year with some possible improvements depending on the CBA. He likely thinks we are in the process of moving past Orlando and Boston, and kept everyone but Chicago and Miami from leapfrogging us. I'm not sure what to think. Part of me wants to see some changes, the other realizes that we are one of the top teams in the East if we keep things together. I do believe we have to improve this team, but I don't know that it has to be a major move that puts us over the edge.

The difference with Dallas is they do in fact have a star in Dirk (better than anyone we have) and they did address a need with trading for Chandler...I honestly don't see how we are that similar.

If in fact we are like Dallas, then Sund really should address our need for a solid C. I think Dalembert could be our version of Chandler if he can swing it.

I'd love to try for Chandler 1st. DAL is getting old and may lose many of it's older players if they win the championship. Chandler may decide we would give him more of a future.

Dalembert's always been frustrating, so far as basketball IQ is concerned. He'd be okay but I think he's being overhyped by too many around here.

I would certainly be fine with Chandler! Basically, I see him and Dalembert as being very similar players. Both are athletic and long, defense-oriented centers who can contribute on offense (albeit they aren't very consistent at that end of the floor). I checked Samuel's numbers earlier, and I was surprised to see he had a number of games where he scored 20-25 and grabbed around 15 rbs. While Chandler had a number of good games, he was less consistent than Dalembert. I would honestly be happy with either of them on this team.

Dalembert is going to NY or Miami. Marc Gasol is staying in Memphis
::::
So at what point do we rebuild and realize "certain" lineups and players have peaked? this draft or next draft?

Pape Sy + Al Horford + 2 picks (#14 <Motiejunas> & #23 <Leslie>)


Jeff Teague/Joe Johnson/Josh Smith/Donatas Motiejunas*/Hasheem Thabeet+
Kirk Hinrich+Travis Leslie*+(Marvin Williams)+Jordan Hill+Zaza Pachulia

Thabeet+

Do we realize that because you went to college you have less upside unless you can attack the rim? He developed for 3 years in college winning two championships.
What power forward can Horford compare too? He's big with a slow release and mediocre armspan? He'd be good next to a Dirk or a Bosh but not on defense and we ddon't have a 20 and 10 guy who can create. Motiejunas is that. Markieff Morris is not that.

Jordan Hill's PER is similar to a rookie Amare and could get up to 18.0 is good to come off the bench.

As could Travis Leslie who has the same tools and abilities of a Dwyane Wade/Tony Allen. He just defends and attacks off cuts and layups and post ups. He could be brought along slowly.
I'm thinking Williams will be amnesty claused and we get a budget SF.

16ppg 6apg/ 18ppg 5apg/17 ppg 9rpg/17ppg 8rpg/8ppg 8ppg
Jeff Teague/Joe Johnson/Josh Smith*/Donatas Motiejunas*/Hasheem Thabeet+
Kirk Hinrich+Travis Leslie*+(Marvin Williams)+Jordan Hill+Zaza Pachulia

*"organization" tells Smith to lose 10 pounds and whole team focuses on attacking the interior whether it be by cross screening/pushing the tempo off a defensive stop and then identifying numbers or early post opportunities with guys like Smith or Leslie or Joe trailing. In halfcourt we have post mismatches, dribble hand offs to nimble capable ball handlers or finishers off of pick and roll clear outs.

2008 Championship Celtics
11ppg 5apg17ppg 3apg/20ppg 5rpg/19ppg 9rpg/7ppg 6rpg
Rajon Rondo/Ray Allen/Paul Pierce/Kevin Garnett/Kendrick Perkins
Eddie House/Tony Allen/James Posey/Leon Powe/Glen Davis

In a manner of speaking, we ARE close. Just one example, we have the 11th-best and 17th-best rebounders in the NBA, yet, as a team, we are 22nd in rebound differential (a good indicator of relative rebounding, with all factors more likely to be even). One good Center ADDED to this and we're pretty tough.

I use rebounding because it indicates - completely my opinion - team defense and offensive efficiency AND how likely a team is to perform well in the 4th qtr and in the playoffs.

If Smith and Horford can raise their game a little or if we can add a good Center (or both), we can make another jump.

Mind you Dallas made adjustments to their roster and didn't stand pat. Nowitzki, Terry, Kidd, and Barea are the same, but Marion, Chandler, Haywood, Stojakovvich, Stevenson, and even several of the guys who haven't played much are new since Carlisle's first year with the team. If we keep a core (Joe, Josh, Al, Jeff) and add 2 centers, a shut down defender, a veteran SF who can guard multiple positions, a long distance shooter, and a few other pieces to get through the rigors of a long season then yep we could possible take the next step as well. Of course that's a lot of pieces.

^You're saying we pretty much need to add $13 million in contracts and hope we get the mix right. That would probably work but I could only see a new owner doing that.

You know, he gets excited...

parson wrote:^You're saying we pretty much need to add $13 million in contracts and hope we get the mix right. That would probably work but I could only see a new owner doing that.

You know, he gets excited...

Basically, Hawks are f***d but keep hope alive or at least keep lining the organization's pockets in exchange for a shoddy product.
This is a train wreck, I cant help but watch will it be 12 and 9 Al Horford and Sy for Leslie + Motiejunas + Hill + Thabeet or do they think a center will just fall into their laps?
Will Josh Smith leave via trade or free agency?
What weight will Smith show up at? Will Horford become Dirk this offseason?