| Hawks Making The Moves Authored by Patrick J. Austin - September 7, 2005 - 9:18 am
Now that Steve Belkin is gone and management has been re-organized, the Hawks have finally started to make some moves. You can see the roster starting to take shape. Though, we still need to make a few minor adjustments before the season begins.
After we finally consummated the Joe Johnson trade, Billy Knight continued to cement the backcourt by re-signing Tyronn Lue and officially signing Salim Stoudamire to a three year contract. Bringing Lue back was a very smart move. He posted career numbers after being dealt to the Hawks last season. He’ll provide a steady hand at the point guard position, and has proven to be an effective starter (just in case Joe Johnson struggles).
Salim Stoudamire displayed his perimeter talents in the summer league. He’s definitely one of the best shooters to play for the Hawks in a long time. I expect him to be a major contributor off the bench; a spark plug similar to that of a Juan Dixon or Bobby Jackson.
Billy Knight added some much needed depth to the frontline by signing Zaza Pachulia, John Edwards, and Esteban Baustista. I know everyone (including myself) wanted to go after a bigger name player like Eddy Curry or Tyson Chandler, but their price tags were way too high (Chandler) and/or they just weren’t worth the risk (Curry). Signing Pachulia was smart considering he was one of the more productive centers in the league last year. He just had the unfortunate luck of playing in Milwaukee. He’s penciled in as our starting center and I see him putting up career numbers. He’s not your typical foreign big man who likes to play on the perimeter. Pachulia plays exclusively in the paint and likes to mix things up.
John Edwards adds some bulk to the center position. He’s not a very skilled player, but provides a massive frame to clog the lane. I liken him to our very own Jason Collier, but without the mid-range jumper and more of a mean streak.
Esteban Baustista was certainly a surprising pickup. Though, he could be a diamond in the rough. During the 2005 FIBA Americas Championship, he averaged 18ppg and 15rpg. Obviously, you shouldn’t expect this kind of production with the Hawks, but it’s nice to know we’re bringing in someone who can actually produce. He’s only 22 years old, so he’ll fit in nicely with our young core.
What other moves will the Hawks make this offseason? That’s a good question. I believe you’ll see Tony Delk traded before the ‘05-‘06 campaign begins. Now that we have Salim Stoudamire, Delk doesn’t really have a place on the team. He’s in the final year of his contract, so you know there are teams who’d have interest; if only to shed salary.
I’d like to see us sign Reggie Evans. The guy is a ferocious rebounder who leaves it all out on the court every night. His blue collar style would be a great example for the young guys like Marvin Williams and Josh Smith. I think a 4 year/12 million dollar offer sheet would be enough to dissuade the Sonics from matching (Evans is a restricted free agent). Or, we could potentially deal Delk in exchange for Evans. The Sonics could use a good sixth man to replace Antonio Daniels. It makes perfect sense.
It’s good to see the Hawks returning to some semblance of normalcy. The stain from the Belkin debacle hasn’t been lifted yet, but we’re finally moving forward. |
