| Atlanta Hawks Offseason Plan Authored by Patrick J. Austin - May 30, 2005 - 3:26 pm
Everyone has an opinion on what the Hawks should do this offseason. Who we should draft, who we should sign, and who we should trade. I figure now is as good a time as any to add my two cents.
This plan, of course, relies on the hope that the NBA and it’s Players Association workout a new collective bargaining agreement (that’s similar to the deal in place) and avoid a lockout. So, without further ado, I present to you my offseason plan for the Hawks…
DRAFT:
Trade #1(between Atlanta & Charlotte)
Hawks receive:
#5 pick (rights to Deron Williams-6’4 PG)
#13 pick (rights to Johan Petro-7’0 C)
Bobcats receive:
#2 pick (rights to Marvin Williams-6’9 SF/PF)
Why?
I’ve discussed this deal previously and still think it makes a lot of sense. It provides us with two extremely talented players at positions we’re weakest at. Deron Williams is a pure point guard with the experience and maturity to step in and run our offense immediately. People have compared his court vision and passing skills to Jason Kidd. The only negative I’ve heard about him is a supposed lack of quickness(due to his thick frame). Though, it’s been reported Deron hired a personal trainer and has already shed a substantial amount of weight. I believe he and Josh Childress would make a dynamic backcourt.
Johan Petro is a raw, but promising center. He has a fantastic body(7’0 260) and is only nineteen years old. Scouts often compare him to Samuel Dalembert(a player we’re supposed to court heavily this summer). Petro might not be able to produce right away, but in two years he could be a draft-day steal.
Trade #2(between Atlanta & Seattle)
Hawks receive:
#25 pick(rights to Ike Diogu-6’8 PF)
Sonics receive:
Boris Diaw
Why?
The Hawks need an enforcer in the paint. Diogu would fit perfectly. He’s got an NBA-ready body and the experience to produce immediately. If he continues to improve his midrange jump shot, we could have a new Carlos Boozer on our hands.
The Sonics would seriously consider this trade since it’s a lock Antonio Daniels will leave via free agency. Diaw could step in and replace him in the rotation. He’s a legit 6’8 and can play point guard. The Sonics have so many scorers they could use an unselfish player like Diaw. He’s also showed flashes of being a defensive stopper(another facet the Sonics need from a guard).
2nd Round Draft Selections
#31 pick-Julius Hodge (6’7, PG/SG/SF)
Why?
He’d replace Diaw as the multi-talented guard off the bench. The difference is, Hodge can score the ball. He has a reliable midrange jumper and is improving his three point shot.
#59 pick-Eduardo Hernandez-Sonseca(7’0 C)
Why?
This rugged big man could turn into a decent backup center one day. He’ll probably spend the next few years overseas, but that’s acceptable for the Hawks.
FREE AGENCY:
The Hawks will have around twenty million dollars in cap space. I don’t believe it’d be wise to spend all of that money this summer. We need to be fiscally responsible in order to prevent the mistakes of the past(i.e. Jon Konkack, Alan Henderson, Chris Crawford, etc.). With that in mind, I propose signing these free agents:
Stromile Swift-6 years/50 million with a starting salary of 7.5 million
Why?
Billy Knight is a big Swift fan. He drafted Stro with the second overall pick back when he was with Vancouver. I think he’ll make a major push for him this summer. Swift is one of the most athletically gifted big men currently in the league. With more playing
time and an increased role on offense, I believe he could turn into a star.
David Andersen-3 years/5 million with a starting salary of 1.5 million.
Why?
Andersen is putting up impressive numbers overseas. He’d add some offense to our frontline.
*Note:
Andersen technically isn’t a free agent. The Hawks selected him in the 2nd round back in 2002. But, he’ll be eligible to sign a free agent contract since 2nd round picks have no specified salary.
2005/2006 HAWKS ROSTER:
Starting Unit
PG-Deron Williams
SG-Josh Childress
SF-Josh Smith
PF-Al Harrington
C-Stromile Swift
Bench
G-Julius Hodge
G-Tony Delk
G/F-Donta Smith
F-Ike Diogu
F/C-David Andersen
C-Peja Drobjnak
C-Johan Petro
IR:
Royal Ivey
Jason Collier
ANALYSIS:
This team has a very bright future. It would certainly be one of the youngest squads in the league, but also one of the most talented. The core would be in place with Deron, Chill, Smoove, Swift, and Petro.
With regards to Al Harrington, I believe it’d be best to keep him at least until the all-star break. At that point, if we’re not in playoff contention, we can trade him to a team for draft picks or additional young players. If we’re playing well and have a chance to make the postseason, we should keep him and then try to get value through a sign and trade next summer.
If Deron Williams is the real deal and Stromile Swift turns into a stud, then I believe this team could surprise many next year.
If you disagree with this plan or have a better player to sign/draft/trade for, then please e-mail me at pja123@hotmail.com. I’d love to hear some feedback from you. |
