Hawks sign Randolph Morris

[D21]

He's the 3rd center. 4th if you consider Jones a center.

For the minimum, it's a good deal.

Is there any chance that we might sign Kwame in addition to Morris? I would think that would be one big man too many though unless we are planning on trading Zaza's expiring contract.

Financially, and at this moment, it doesn't change anything to sign minimum players, both on Smith contract and the possibility to add a 3M player. The only thing that can't ATL not signing players for more than minimum contract is now the first year salary of Smith.

We still have 3M as part of the MLE (already signed Evans), but to use it on a player without going in tax zone, Smith first year has to be lesser than 11.5M. But even if he signs for more, you can at least add 2 minimum contract players while staying lower the tax threshold.

So since Morris i signed, (and saying Kwame wants to sign for 3M), only the numbers of big men can push ASG to not pursuing Kwame, but not money.

[cavsfan_osiris]

Isn't Randolph Morris a restricted free agent? How can this be a done deal unless the Knicks already said they aren't matching? Did the Knicks not extend a QO to him? I think it's a mistake for the Knicks to let him go.

[gurpilo]

I have only seen him play once, at Madison Square Garden and against the Hawks. He scored on the paint but was awful on FT and not looking good on defense. However he showed a nice touch near the rim and is still young and can improve. If he could improve specially his defense he would become a serviceable player. I think is a good signing, let´s give him some time and wait.

About Solomon I don´t know what to think, the guy has some nice tools but has failed to provide value till now thought has not had opportunities. I definately would sign Hunter and if we still have room give Solo his last chance but only if we don´t sign Kwame Brown. Anyway we must sign Hunter, the guy has great upside, I have a feeling he could become a steal as Udonis Haslem should have been the summer he played in Atlanta, he finally signed on Miami and look now.

[Harry10]

^ D'Antoni doesn't like slow players at any position

[killbuckner]

The Knicks didn't offer Morris a QO.

[HoopsGuru25]

I think Morris can become a decent offensive player(based on what I saw in college). The problem is that his defense will be below average which is not what we need in a backup center. The best case scenario is that he has a breakout 3rd year and gives us what Zaza gave us in 06 & 07 on a minimum deal. Kwame would have been a better option though.

[cavsfan_osiris]

The Knicks made a mistake not retaining him. I don't care what system you run Morris has solid NBA potential at a cheap price.

[tjm384]

http://www.ajc.com/services/content/spo ... 7&cxcat=21

[MikeRice]

solid, cheap signing... hopefully he will do better closer to home

[MikeRice]

also, does anyone know if he and Josh Smith are friends? Weren't the on the Atlanta Celtics together back in the day? Maybe this will help a little (I know very very little just trying to stay optimistic)...

[td00]

I would think it would help, but if Smoove truly wants to be here, Morris won't be the determining factor.
Yes, they are friends and have stayed in touch over the years along with Dwight Howard.

I hope for good things from Randolph in that he has some offensive moves and can rebound the ball.
Can he defend the interior? Remains to be seen at this level.

[CWell]

also, does anyone know if he and Josh Smith are friends? Weren't the on the Atlanta Celtics together back in the day? Maybe this will help a little (I know very very little just trying to stay optimistic)...

yeah he played with Dwight Howard and Smoove back in the day

[Rod700]

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archi ... ith_hawks/

[evildallas]

The sad thing is that signings like this should be positive events for the Hawks but because of the unresolved Josh Smith situation they are lost in the sea of despair.

[TheBigBoss]

Randolph Morris is a **** beast!!! Don't be surprised if he develops into your starting center eventually.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFO-cTbttPI

[Luv those Knicks]

Morris is a terrible, terrible player and may have the slowest feet I've ever seen of any player in the NBA. That said, he's young so he has potential, but I'm not excited by this.

I don't know if I'd go that far. The Knicks were a pretty deep team last year with so many guys who can play PF/C (isiah often used PFs like Lee & Zach at center last year).

Morris never really got a good look.

That being said, he's a little slow, a bit unathletic and flat footed, and a little too small for the NBA given his lack of speed. He's maybe 6'9 1/2 at best actual hight.

He didn't show anything to indicate he's a legitimate NBA player - truth is Jackie Butler looked twice as good as Morris in a Knicks uniform, but Morris didn't look awful either. I'm not sure he's a legit NBA bench player, but he might be, given time. He's an OK rebounder and he has a jumper and he's definitly worth a look, but he might be the worst big man on your team next year.


Don't get me wrong, I wish Morris well. I don't have any bad feelings towards him & I wish the hawks well too. I'm just not sold on Morris as a legit NBA bench player. He'll never be a starter.