| Getting Rid Of The Current Regime And More In Point - Counterpoint Authored by Patrick Austin/Zettler Clay - April 3, 2006 - 7:25 pm
| Current Featured Columns | | The First Three Weeks of 2008-09 Now that we’ve had a little time to watch free agency unfold, along with the usual accompaniment of trades, let’s look at some of the key moves and how they impact the teams involved.
Grading The Deal: W's Sign Maggette And TuriafThe Boom Dizzle era is over, and the Warriors quickly recovered by signing two nice pieces to complement their young core.
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Patrick Austin: It's been long over-due, but Dominique Wilkens was finally elected to the Hall of Fame. Don't you think Dominique is the most over-looked superstar of the past 25 years?
Zettler Clay: Well Pat, I don't know about that. I don't know why there was really ANY question about his legitimacy, and he is certainly underrated... but Alex English as the most overlooked. His game was dominant for years, and I don't think he gets nearly the credit he deserves. But don’t be mistaken, Nique should have been on that 50 GREATEST PLAYERS list.
Patrick Austin: Indeed. I think we can both agree that's he the greatest Hawk of all time, right?
Zettley Clay: Oh of course...his playoff performances against Bird in the 80's were classics. Barkley says it all the time, "I don't know why Nique gets the shaft"
Patrick Austin: Well, it's good to see he's finally getting some recognition.
Zettler Clay: Yeah, and I just want to say Congratulations and hopefully he won’t be the last Hawk inducted in the Hall…
Topic #2: The 2006 Draft
Patrick Austin: We're currently slated to have the 4th pick in the draft. Z, who would you take at that spot considering the performances in the NCAA tournmanet. Would you consider Tyrus Thomas or Joakim Noah at that spot?
Zettley Clay: I really like Marcus Williams...very clutch, good vision, can shoot...but Tyrus Thomas or Noah....there is something very "mature" about Noah's game. Noah runs the floor like a guard, and he plays with great passion.
Patrick Austin: His ball handling abilities impress me the most. He’s got great hands for a big guy; alot like Bogut. But personally, if we wind up with the 4th pick, I'd consider trading down and getting the player you mentioned--Marcus Williams
Patrick Austin: Now here's the big question--who would you take with the No.1 pick? Is Aldridge still the guy?
Zettler Clay: Whooo.... honestly, I would trade down for Marcus Williams. Aldridge is good, but he doesn't seem to have the tenacity needed to be a superstar. I don’t like him as # 1
Patrick Austin: I agree. His performance in the tourney was disappointing. Overall, this draft doesn't really impress me. If we landed the #1 pick, I too would consider dealing it
Zettler Clay: I've been saying all year we need inside help the most...so we should take Tyrus Thomas. I just REALLY like Marcus Williams…a fellow lefty like myself.
Patrick Austin: But Ty Thomas reminds me too much of Josh Smith…similar size, playing style, etc.
Zettler Clay: I agree, but his game is strictly inside and two J-Smooves on D ain’t bad.
Topic #3: Free Agency
Zettler Clay: One word…weak
Patrick Austin: Very true. The Hawks are going to have nearly 20 million dollars to spend on free agents. Should the Hawks go after a guy like Nene?
Zettler Clay: Why not? He has some proving to do, coming off knee surgery, but if he proves capable then yes. We need to sign a minimum of 3 big men this off-season
Patrick Austin: It all depends on the price tag of big men this summer. We shouldn't overpay for mediocre players (i.e. Dampier, Foyle, Blount). Hopefully, we can find another Pachulia-like free agent steal
Zettler Clay: Of course. Pachulia has indeed been a steal. I know I get on him a lot, but he really does play 100% inside, and that’s all you can ask for. Billy Knight really has to do his homework. Defensive minded big men, nothing more, nothing less.
Patrick Austin: I think we should sign a veteran point guard as well
Zettler Clay: A vet point guard would be very helpful, 1 vet point guard.
Zettler Clay: But Pat, let me ask you a question...
Patrick Austin: shoot
Zettler Clay: With Al gone next year, who do you look for to provide the scoring?
Patrick Austin: That's a good question. It's going to be answered one of two ways: (1) we sign/draft an offensive talent. (2)we pray that Marvin Williams or Josh Smith can step it up and become a consistent scorer.
Zettler Clay: J- Smoove has shown flashes of becoming an effective scorer, it's just a matter of how hard he works this offseason... MW, it's strictly a confidence and strength issue with him...he needs a lot of both right now
Patrick Austin: Of course, we could wind up sign and trading Al Harrington for a veteran player.
Obviously the Knicks like him and would have to partake in a sign and trade to obtain Al
Zettler Clay: If we keep Al, where do we go from there?
Patrick Austin: That would be interesting. It would probably mean we'd have to trade one of our three wingmen--Smoove, Chill, or Marvin because we couldn't keep all of them. That would be unproductive and stunt their growth
Zettler Clay: and stupid…Marvin would probably be the first to go.
Patrick Austin: Yeah, we could get the most value for him on the trade market
Zettler Clay: That is a highly unlikely scenario, but interesting conversation
Topic #4: Coach & GM
Patrick Austin: I don't think the owners should keep the combo of Knight/Woodson. I salivate when I think of hiring Kiki Vandeweghe as GM and Stan Van Gundy as coach
Zettler Clay: Oooo... I knew that was coming
Patrick Austin: Hey, it's possible
Zettler Clay: Ok...honestly Pat, I really like what BK has done. The only thing I don't like about him is his lack of media skills—too secretive. As a GM, you have to ingratiate yourself with the public…who pays your bills.
Zettler Clay: Mike Woodson is another story...: I mean, my thing is why does he always have that dumbfounded look on his face after a Hawk miscue?
Patrick Austin: If we want a coaching change Billy Knight will have to go. He'll never fire Woodson
Zettler Clay: BK would fire him...if he had too. But he doesn't have to. Mike Woodson would have to understand if it’s his time to go. So he should be appreciative of EVERYTHING BK has done to save his job (per the owners interview). Mike Woodson is definitely on the clock though. If by Feb 2007, the Hawks show no signs, he is gone.
Patrick Austin: I think if we get off to another horrid start, he's gone
Patrick Austin: I think we can both agree that this is going to be a big off-season for the Hawks.
Zettler Clay: Yes, an off-season to make or break BK...and indirectly Mike Woodson's career. Talk about pressure...but fans won't be forgiving to BK, because he does nothing to appease them. |
