James Nunnally

[Great]

Good pick up by the Hawks.

[Jamaaliver]

The 6-foot-7 forward, who played collegiately at UC Santa Barbara, averaged 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 19 games for the Bakersfield Jam this season. The Jam are scheduled to play Reno tonight.

1. Can he play Center?

2. Is Jared Cunningham really so terrible that we leave him out there and bring in another D-League swingman instead?

[Great]

Signing Ty Walker would a good next move after they cut Cunningham.

Nunnally is bigger and better than Cunningham. I think that is why they made this move.

[theatlfan]

The 6-foot-7 forward, who played collegiately at UC Santa Barbara, averaged 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 19 games for the Bakersfield Jam this season. The Jam are scheduled to play Reno tonight.

1. Can he play Center?

2. Is Jared Cunningham really so terrible that we leave him out there and bring in another D-League swingman instead?

I think the acquisition was more seen as a possible upgrade to Cartier Martin rather than bringing in a replacement for Horford. IF Nunnally is the backup grade 3-and-D guy that his scouting report seems to suggest he can be then he could be a really good pickup - not just this year, but going forward as well.

As far as Cunningham, he wouldn't be on the team right now if his contract wasn't guaranteed. If we haven't dealt by the deadline, then I'd guess we'd cut him for another D-Leaguer.

[DirtybirdGA]

At least you have some decent sized wing depth behind Kyle & Demarr when they wanna use him.

[Jamaaliver]

As far as Cunningham, he wouldn't be on the team right now if his contract wasn't guaranteed. If we haven't dealt by the deadline, then I'd guess we'd cut him for another D-Leaguer.

I totally agree and understand what you're saying. But it aggravates/annoys/mystifies me that teams go bananas over the prospect of 1st round picks, but so often we see 1st/2nd year players tossed aside when they don't work out.

Cunningham is an asset, would it not behoove us to either let him play (even sparingly) in the hope we might be able to parlay him into a future asset? His development could benefit us more long term than Cartier martin's or Shelvin mack's. Two guys who likely won't even be on our roster next year.

[PandaKidd]

NO CENTER, NO CARE

[theatlfan]

I totally agree and understand what you're saying. But it aggravates/annoys/mystifies me that teams go bananas over the prospect of 1st round picks, but so often we see 1st/2nd year players tossed aside when they don't work out.

Cunningham is an asset, would it not behoove us to either let him play (even sparingly) in the hope we might be able to parlay him into a future asset? His development could benefit us more long term than Cartier martin's or Shelvin mack's. Two guys who likely won't even be on our roster next year.

Not totally sure where you're going here. We've given Cunningham multiple chances to prove he deserves a shot. In his 1st stint in the D-League, he shot 30% from the floor. His return engagement has been more impressive, but it's still a bit far from what I 'd call "impressive". At some point, it's on the kid to prove he belongs - not on the team to continuously give a chance... Especially when that team didn't even draft him...

[Jamaaliver]

I totally agree and understand what you're saying. But it aggravates/annoys/mystifies me that teams go bananas over the prospect of 1st round picks, but so often we see 1st/2nd year players tossed aside when they don't work out.

Cunningham is an asset, would it not behoove us to either let him play (even sparingly) in the hope we might be able to parlay him into a future asset? His development could benefit us more long term than Cartier martin's or Shelvin mack's. Two guys who likely won't even be on our roster next year.

Not totally sure where you're going here. We've given Cunningham multiple chances to prove he deserves a shot. In his 1st stint in the D-League, he shot 30% from the floor. His return engagement has been more impressive, but it's still a bit far from what I 'd call "impressive". At some point, it's on the kid to prove he belongs - not on the team to continuously give a chance... Especially when that team didn't even draft him...

Again, totally get what you're saying. Two things:

1. Somebody, somewhere saw enough of this kid to believe he warranted drafting in the first round and thusly, was worth at least a modest commitment to development/utilize. Seems foolish for the entire league to give up such a player after 11 career games played. He's 22 friggin' years old.

2. If he's absolute garbage and we want nothing to do with him....trade him. Cut him. Don't waste a roster spot on him. Let him go overseas, or get picked up by another team; just buy him out and don't even waste the roster spot in the D-League (where he's putting up solid stats, BTW).

I just think that if a kid is a 1st ROUNDER, he is a long term, million dollar investment. Simply ignoring said investment after 11 career games in favor of gutter trash like Cartier Martin and James Nunnally is short sighted. Even moreso when garbage players like Nunnally and Martin don't even play.

[Rip2137]

dude, he was the 24th pick. He was BARELY a first rounder. And he is averaging nearly 5 turnovers a game in 32 minutes a game in the D-League while barely shooting 40%. That's not solid.

I honestly think you just think really low of guys from the D-League. That's the only way I can explain how you don't like a guy like Sheldon Mack, who is the same age as Cunningham, has played better(4th in the NBA in assist to turnover ratio by the way) but see Cunningham as some guy that deserves a chance. "Gutter trash" like Cartier Martin played better in the real NBA than Cunningham played in the minors and actually was key to some wins for us this year. . James Nunnally is putting up better numbers across the board as Cunningham in basically the same number of minutes. You have to drop this whole "first rounder" thing. Guys who perform, perform, guys who don't, don't. I don't see how you can call guys who perform well gutter trash just because they weren't drafted in the first round. Jeff Hornececk, Michael Redd, Carlos Boozer, Paul Millsap...These guys shouldn't have touched the court using that theory.

[Jamaaliver]

dude, he was the 24th pick. He was BARELY a first rounder. And he is averaging nearly 5 turnovers a game in 32 minutes a game in the D-League while barely shooting 40%. That's not solid.

I honestly think you just think really low of guys from the D-League. That's the only way I can explain how you don't like a guy like Sheldon Mack, who is the same age as Cunningham, has played better(4th in the NBA in assist to turnover ratio by the way) but see Cunningham as some guy that deserves a chance. "Gutter trash" like Cartier Martin played better in the real NBA than Cunningham played in the minors and actually was key to some wins for us this year. . James Nunnally is putting up better numbers across the board as Cunningham in basically the same number of minutes. You have to drop this whole "first rounder" thing. Guys who perform, perform, guys who don't, don't. I don't see how you can call guys who perform well gutter trash just because they weren't drafted in the first round. Jeff Hornececk, Michael Redd, Carlos Boozer, Paul Millsap...These guys shouldn't have touched the court using that theory.

RIP, you gotta stop putting words in my mouth. theatlfan and I are having a very civil, respectful conversation. If you want to participate, that's fine, but you gotta chill out. 'My problem' is simply that I have a different opinion than you. But we are adults and DO NOT have to attack each other when someone makes an argument that differs from your own.


1. I think all draft picks are gold. You don't just throw away an investment after a few games unless it is absolutely toxic. In which case you dispose of it immediately. Either way, keep & develop, get rid of immediately...I think it's a waste of resources to train an employee who clearly serves no purpose in short or long term. Fire them and move on.

2. I absolutely believe in playing guys who perform. But I believe in giving young players time to develop. Eleven career games is not NEARLY enough time to determine if he has any chance at a long term career. But if we don't want him, trade him. If we can't, at least let him learn at the feet of our head coach who has A GREAT REPUTATION FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG PLAYERS. We have 15 roster spots, but only 12 active players per game. he doesn't have to even play, but what does it hurt letting Cunningham rot on the bench as opposed to letting Nunnally rot on the bench?

3. Shelvin Mack was absolute garbage last year, but we gave him an opportunity to learn, to develop, to grow as a young player and now he is contributing. Why can't we do that with our own young talent base?

4. And RIP, what have told you about stats only man? Or are you going to tell me that, in addition to watching every NBA game, every night you also watch D-League games, too? I DON'T BELIEVE YOU!

5. Last year you compared Josh Smith to Kevin Garnett and Karl Malone, now you're comparing Nunnally, Cartier and Mack to Paul Millsap, Michael Redd and Carlos Boozer? C'mon man! That's the very definition of hyperbole, rhetoric, nonsense.

[theatlfan]

You've clearly got one of my points, but I don't know about the 2nd...

At some point, a young kid becomes responsible to earn his own opportunities. Now, I'm not saying that a consensus #1 overall pick should earn his stripes in the D-League before he sniffs an NBA court, but for someone who's already completely burned the 1st person who used an asset to acquire him, the situation is just not similar. For our part, we've given him plenty of time in the D-League and sat him with the big club enough that if he wanted the extra burn then he's had plenty of opportunity to determine a niche and fill it. It's on him to prove the value of that role...

As far as why not just cut him, I don't know for sure, but a couple of reasons it could be are 1) do we know that Cunningham isn't the guy we want? I mean, he has done very well in this latest round if D-League. Maybe there just isn't anyone else out there right now. 2) I suspect that we're looking to be players come the deadline and having a small expiring contract could be invaluable in the right deal.

[Jamaaliver]

You've clearly got one of my points, but I don't know about the 2nd...

At some point, a young kid becomes responsible to earn his own opportunities. Now, I'm not saying that a consensus #1 overall pick should earn his stripes in the D-League before he sniffs an NBA court, but for someone who's already completely burned the 1st person who used an asset to acquire him, the situation is just not similar. For our part, we've given him plenty of time in the D-League and sat him with the big club enough that if he wanted the extra burn then he's had plenty of opportunity to determine a niche and fill it. It's on him to prove the value of that role...

As far as why not just cut him, I don't know for sure, but a couple of reasons it could be are 1) do we know that Cunningham isn't the guy we want? I mean, he has done very well in this latest round if D-League. Maybe there just isn't anyone else out there right now. 2) I suspect that we're looking to be players come the deadline and having a small expiring contract could be invaluable in the right deal.

Fair points all, friend.

But Bud has had a very short leash with pretty much all our young talent. Mike Scott is the only young player (with a future here) he regularly gives PT to. he sent Jenkins and Schroeder to the D-League, banished Cunningham from the active roster. Told Ferry to send Muscala and Bebe overseas in favor of Gustavo and Pero (a31 y/o rookie).

Clearly he favors older players over young ones. I wonder if he has a win now mandate from ownership....

If Nunnally comes here and gives 0 on the court contributions over the next 10 days, I hope C-Viv calls him (or Ferry) out on it.

[Rip2137]

RIP, you gotta stop putting words in my mouth. theatlfan and I are having a very civil, respectful conversation. If you want to participate, that's fine, but you gotta chill out. 'My problem' is simply that I have a different opinion than you. But we are adults and DO NOT have to attack each other when someone makes an argument that differs from your own.


1. I think all draft picks are gold. You don't just throw away an investment after a few games unless it is absolutely toxic. In which case you dispose of it immediately. Either way, keep & develop, get rid of immediately...I think it's a waste of resources to train an employee who clearly serves no purpose in short or long term. Fire them and move on.

2. I absolutely believe in playing guys who perform. But I believe in giving young players time to develop. Eleven career games is not NEARLY enough time to determine if he has any chance at a long term career. But if we don't want him, trade him. If we can't, at least let him learn at the feet of our head coach who has A GREAT REPUTATION FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG PLAYERS. We have 15 roster spots, but only 12 active players per game. he doesn't have to even play, but what does it hurt letting Cunningham rot on the bench as opposed to letting Nunnally rot on the bench?

3. Shelvin Mack was absolute garbage last year, but we gave him an opportunity to learn, to develop, to grow as a young player and now he is contributing. Why can't we do that with our own young talent base?

4. And RIP, what have told you about stats only man? Or are you going to tell me that, in addition to watching every NBA game, every night you also watch D-League games, too? I DON'T BELIEVE YOU!

5. Last year you compared Josh Smith to Kevin Garnett and Karl Malone, now you're comparing Nunnally, Cartier and Mack to Paul Millsap, Michael Redd and Carlos Boozer? C'mon man! That's the very definition of hyperbole, rhetoric, nonsense.

First, nothing I said was "chill out" worthy. I was making the a point that didn't contain any personal attack or over the top statement. If you feel something there was over the top, point it out to me so I can know going forward how you are taking things(and I mean that seriously, I don't want there to be any miscommunication or reading tone where there isn't )

2: Nunally represents a need. He is a backup small forward. He and Cunningham have played at the same level and Nunally outperformed him. I, again, don't understand how he doesn't count as giving young talent a chance(if he gets on the court that is) as a 23 year old that has earned his chance in the big league so to speak but 22 Jared Cunningham who has been disappointing in the SAME league not playing is a big deal.

3. Mack got a chance because Lou and Devin Harris got hurt and was spectacularly mediocre as the backup. He wasn't guaranteed coming in but earned his spot on the team in the offseason. AND Mack played great in the D-league(something Cunningham has not done) to get a extended look in the NBA.

4: I am generally the speaker against stats only, but come on dude. Cunningham couldn't even get playing time with the D League as a rookie and this year hasn't played well with 30 minutes a game. Playing the same competition, Nunally and Mack played better. Its simple as that.

5: I didn't compare anyone to anyone. Comparing a player would be me saying Cartier Martin is like Michael Redd because of xy and z. I didn't compare anyone. I pointed out that your seemingly concrete view of not first rounder = garbage heap player. I pointed out late picks where that view would disprove the legitimacy of that theory.

You have called a guy that is LITERALLY playing for the team and playing well "garbage" because he was "kicked around the league" yet are bemoaning the lack of playing time for a former first round pick who has done nothing to distinguish himself at any professional level. Cartier Martin did. Shelvon Mack did. So did James Nunnally. But you are calling them garbage based NOT on their performance but solely on their draft(or lack thereof) position. You are saying that the 22 year old Cunningham is "young talent we should develop" but get mad that we have a 23 year old actually contributing and just signed another 23 year old that was getting major looks due to his performance in the D-League. Where is the logic in that?

[Jamaaliver]

You have called a guy that is LITERALLY playing for the team and playing well "garbage" because he was "kicked around the league"

Call me a skeptic. I have seen Shelvin Mack be garbage for a number of years. Him having a solid two months is not enough to change my mind. Again, he was given opportunity after opportunity for multiple years. Under multiple coaches, under multiple offensive schemes. He was terrible last year. so why does he get yet another shot with the team after being smoking garbage for months last year. But Cunningham gets banished to NO Man's land after a few games?

Despite the fact we are obligated to pay him millions?

Does it hurt anyone to have him at least sit and learn from Bud?

We saw Teague, a first rounder sit for years. But he earned his stripes after years of development. Playing behind vets. Practicing with All Stars. My whole point; what does it hurt to leave him active?

[Rip2137]

Jamal...Shelvin Mack is in his 3rd year. He wasn't garbage his rookie year in Washington, so that basically leaves last year. You are exaggerating a bit to say a guy that was a rookie in 2011-2012 has been "garbage for a number of years". Also, in what way was he "smoking garbage" for months last year. He was a mediocre, inconsistent at times player last year and this year has been more consistent. He was drafted at 34 in the draft and became the top ranked prospect in the D-League last year.

http://www.nba.com/dleague/news/philade ... 01_17.html

That "smoking garbage" proved himself. At the same time, Jared Cunningham was playing in the same league and shooting 33 percent from the field.

We also aren't going to pay Cunningham "millions". He is going to make 1.2 million dollars this year and I HIGHLY doubt we are going to pick up his option.



I think you are exaggerating a BIT here, man. I'm gonna stop talking about it tough because I think we can both agree we have given way too much talking time to Shelvin Mack and Jared Cunningham.

[SBM]

Never question Ferry he is smarter than you

[theatlfan]

Fair points all, friend.

But Bud has had a very short leash with pretty much all our young talent. Mike Scott is the only young player (with a future here) he regularly gives PT to. he sent Jenkins and Schroeder to the D-League, banished Cunningham from the active roster. Told Ferry to send Muscala and Bebe overseas in favor of Gustavo and Pero (a31 y/o rookie).

Clearly he favors older players over young ones. I wonder if he has a win now mandate from ownership....

If Nunnally comes here and gives 0 on the court contributions over the next 10 days, I hope C-Viv calls him (or Ferry) out on it.

I agree that we should be seeing more out of DF's 5 draft choices, but I can't for the life of me figure out why we'd chose to put Cunningham in that group of disappointment. The team who spent a 1st on him thought something was badly wrong and gave up assets to get rid of him. We've given up nothing for him and have given him space to develop and it's not like he's lighting it up in D-League. Maybe we should be more aggressive in getting him off the roster, but it's not like he's a cancer who has to be cut out. Why not let him play a season in the D-League and have stories of his NBA days to tell his grandkids? I mean we pay him he same regardless of whether we keep him or cut him, so why not keep him until something better comes along?

As far as the 5 draft picks, I'm not sure if there is a pattern developing that's any greater than the norm, but still, DF's plan has always been to beat the norm with the draft, so if all we can do is league standard, it 'a a problem. I'm willing to give this area some leeway to determine how far off we are, but it's definitely something to keep an eye on.

[parson]

Cunningham is signed for 2 more years after this one. I imagine our patience will last about that long.

[theatlfan]

Cunningham is signed for 2 more years after this one. I imagine our patience will last about that long.

Are you sure we haven't already declined his option? I'm pretty sure that our commitment to him is extinguished after this season.