Good News: We can't sign Shelden Williams

[evildallas]

Just my opinion, but I think Siler and Williams were and should be considered for different roster spots. To me Siler is the 14th man. By that I mean a raw guy employed because of his size that you are hoping with coaching becomes a 10 minute man the following season. Siler's competition for 14th man, should be the likes of John Bryant or Randolph Morris (although you hope after sitting a year that Morris is further along). You're making the investment because size isn't easy to find and takes time to develop. Shelden doesn't qualify for this role because he's not got the upside to merit waiting for. Another thing is that initially the 14th player doesn't getting hired for that role, he wins it in camp getting a contract.

I always thought the suggestion of Shelden Williams was for the 9th or 10th man. Essentially the 4th big behind Josh, Al, and Zaza. This role is for 10 - 20 minutes a night now. I'm talking about more than replacing Solomon Jones. I mean actually getting reliable minutes. The competition for this spot would be Joe Smith or many of the free agents that signed elsewhere like Diogu, Gooden, or McDyess. This is the role that I though Shelden was be pitched for and personally I thought was a weak choice. Not that he can't do it, but he's so limited because of bad hands that a lot of people would fill it better. If we signed Shelden, I still want another PF ahead of him on the bench because I wouldn't feel safe relying on him. He might be an okay 5th or 6th big which is kind of what Boston signed him to be. In this role he might step up to 10 minutes a night in the event of injuries other than that he'll only see the court in garbage situations. IMO, we've already got Morris under contract in that kind of role.

Comparing the 2 is an apples and oranges type thing. In was not a case of choosing Siler or Williams. Siler is getting a camp invite not a guaranteed deal. We still have room for a guaranteed deal for a rotation player. The question is whether they actually commit the money while worthwhile candidates are still on the market.

[killbuckner]

Dallas- and my point is that you don't worry about the 14th man on the roster while you still haven't signed the 9th or 10th man. As I have said- if the team signs both Joe Smith and Siler then I have zero problem with Siler. I have a problem with it if Siler is the only big signed this offseason. or if Lo wright and Siler are signed. I regret not pursuing Shelden because I think he would do a better job as the 9th or 10th man than anyone else the hawks end up signing this offseason.

Seriously- lets say that Joe Smith signs somewhere else. Who else do you think would be a good signing in the 9th or 10th man role? We agree that someone needs to be signed for that spot- I just don't see who else you see as an option that would be better than Shelden.

[JoshB914]

Shelden Williams was a useful player when he played here. He wasn't worth the 5th pick but he can actually be a useful player as long as he is not asked to do too much. I'll absolutely take a scrub who can be useful in specific circumstances over a guy who I think would be a disaster to have on the court in any situation. Shelden Williams is a legitimate NBA defender and rebounder- there are times when he could be useful.

If a 7 footer cannot be a dominant defender and rebounder in division 2 then he doesn't have a place in the league as far as I am concerned.

I know I am repeating myself here, but how is a "legitimate NBA defender and rebounder" unable to get off the pine for two of the worst teams in the league last year?

[lunarblues]

Shelden Williams was a useful player when he played here. He wasn't worth the 5th pick but he can actually be a useful player as long as he is not asked to do too much. I'll absolutely take a scrub who can be useful in specific circumstances over a guy who I think would be a disaster to have on the court in any situation. Shelden Williams is a legitimate NBA defender and rebounder- there are times when he could be useful.

If a 7 footer cannot be a dominant defender and rebounder in division 2 then he doesn't have a place in the league as far as I am concerned.

I know I am repeating myself here, but how is a "legitimate NBA defender and rebounder" unable to get off the pine for two of the worst teams in the league last year?

because the two worst teams aren't worrying about defense and rebounding when they are getting blown out every other game. sheldon shouldn't be on the court for more than 10-15 min a game because he is a liability on offense. you know sheldon isn't going to beat you. if he came on for spot duty for a team that knows how to win, he might just be servicable.

at this point people need to stop looking at the draft number and start looking at him for what he really is, a journeyman big who can help in small doses which is what we and alot of contenders need right now. it's the same reason why we are looking for joe smith right now.

[raleigh]

Has anyone given thought to the idea that perhaps Shelden didn't WANT to play in Atlanta for Mike Woodson again?

[raleigh]

BTW, I searched B-R.com for the following:

Players between 6'7 and 6'9 since the beginning of the 3-pt era
Solid rebounders (20%+ DReb, 9%+ OReb)
Poor offensive efficiency (46% eFG or worse)
Above average foul rates (4.5+ PF/36)

Only four players have gotten more minutes or games than Shelden:

Sidney Green
Jayson Williams
Harvey Catchings
Kris Humphries

Catchings was a good shotblocker, so I believe you have to rule him out. Not a whole lot of precedent there for a prolonged NBA career for Shelden...

[Mumbles]

I hope you guys stick with my man Othello Hunter. He improves each year he plays. I know he's a bit of a tweener size wise. But his length allows him to bother some of those stronger fours, and he has enough athleticism to stay with finesse/face up pfs. Decent J, runs the floor, but he is most importantly a hard worker who could possibly provide some minutes if needed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfdf7cLN2mI

-Brief clips of Othello with the GS summer league team & at the Hawks Mini-Camp.

[shortstuff5023]

siler is clearly not being looked at to contribute immediately, but i think he's a very good investment. remember, he only played one year of high school ball at ARC. he has a lot of basketball left to learn, and i think that if he continues to work and learn his footwork and instincts could improve to where maybe he's a viable NBA player. if he's not, what have we lost?

i'd still rather have joe smith.

[killbuckner]

Everyone would rather have Joe Smith. The question is who the Hawks sign if Joe Smith goes somewhere else. Thats the disconnect in this conversation- you guys are hoping that the Hawks sign someone much better than Shelden- I am worried that the Hawks aren't going to bring someone in that can match even Shelden's level.

JOe Smith I'll be happy with. Leon Powe I'd be thrilled with even if he misses half the season. Siler as the only big signed is a disaster.

Like I have said- why don't we wait until we see who the Hawks actually sign before people get happy that the team didn't sign Shelden.

[Prue]

OMG this thread is too funny... I'm a C's fan and I wanted to come to your board to ask what to expect out of him lol.... guess you answered the questions already.

[twinthunder3]

dolphins dont belong with Hawks.

[LL Cool Scott]

dolphins dont belong with Hawks.

He look more like Admiral Akbar from the original Star Wars than a dolphin. He also kind of looks like a cross between a sperm whale and an alien being.