Post by Atlanta Hawks on Nov 18, 2007 17:37:06 GMT -5
The Purging Continues...
Atlanta (AP) -- After a flurry of activity the Hawks GM seems ready to take a step back and take a deep breath. Even though there are still rumors of further dealings, the major roster shaking changes seem to be over at least till free agency.
There have been three trades in less than a week. The first trade sent Kirk Hinrich, a much beloved all-star caliber point guard, to the Toronto Raptors. In exchange the Hawks received Jorge Garbajosa, Joey Graham, Juan Dixon, a 2007 1st Round Pick (#7), and a 2007 2nd Round Pick (#48).
Dixon may not be a Hawk for long as there are rumblings of him being involved in a future trade to continue the youth/potential movement. While still on the Hawks he provides much needed depth at both point guard and shooting guard. He also brings experience to a relatively young team. Dixon may be on his way out but Garbajosa and Graham figure to play a prominent role in the Hawks plans for the future. Garbajosa is a nice young and cheap player with future star potential. Graham has been a big disappointment in Toronto. A combination of limited playing time and coaches frustration have led to him being in the proverbial dog house. He looks to change the path of his career with a change of scenery and an opportunity for big minutes. Graham is also young and still full of potential but his ceiling is shrinking and if he is to make a name for himself he needs to do it soon.
The first round pick, #7 overall, could bring in a starter to an already young and inexperienced team. That pick could determine how good of a trade this really was. The second round pick will also bring in another body but might not contribute right away.Overall, this trade should turn into a great trade for Atlanta.
The second trade the GM made since taking over was a blockbuster. Josh Smith, the heart and sole, of the Hawks was traded for PG Louis Williams, C Andray Blatche, and a 1st Round Pick (#3 overall). This trade will make or break the Hawks future. Williams provides a true point that can score who is also very, very young. He has a ton of upside and is finally going to get some burn in Atlanta. Blatche is another young player with a ton of potential. He has shown flashes in the past when he was given playing time. The Hawks bank on him to continue his progress and earn the starting spot at center. The 1st Round Pick is key. If the player taken with that pick becomes a star the Hawks could be set for a decade long run and if the other pieces of this trade pan out the Hawks could challenge fo a title very soon. This trade also gives the Hawks cap flexibility in the future since Smith will be a FA next year and would have commanded close to a seven figure salary per year. The Atlanta faithful hope this trade proves the new GM a genius for years to come.
The latest trade involves a 1st round pick (#18 overall). That pick was traded to the Utah Jazz for the multi-faceted Ronnie Brewer. It is no secret the new Hawks GM has coveted Brewer and has tried repeatedly to acquire him in the past. Brewer has all the skills to be a beast in this league. His defensive prowess will only get better as he gains experience and a ton of playing time for the Hawks. His offensive game is very raw but he has improved that aspect of his game every year. He could be the superstar that anchors the Hawks backcourt for the next 15 years. The first round pick was hard to give up but bringing in Brewer more than makes up for it. He will be slotted in as the starting SG from Day 1. This trade again shows the trend of trading for young, inexpensive, and full of potential players to hopefully jumpstart the Hawks into winning a few games for a change.
All three trades dramatically reshaped the Hawks lineup. Gone are proven players Hinrich and Smith and in are hopefully even better players (given time). Hawks fans are hungry for any sign of success but they might have to wait a few years before the Hawks make the playoffs.
Atlanta (AP) -- After a flurry of activity the Hawks GM seems ready to take a step back and take a deep breath. Even though there are still rumors of further dealings, the major roster shaking changes seem to be over at least till free agency.
There have been three trades in less than a week. The first trade sent Kirk Hinrich, a much beloved all-star caliber point guard, to the Toronto Raptors. In exchange the Hawks received Jorge Garbajosa, Joey Graham, Juan Dixon, a 2007 1st Round Pick (#7), and a 2007 2nd Round Pick (#48).
Dixon may not be a Hawk for long as there are rumblings of him being involved in a future trade to continue the youth/potential movement. While still on the Hawks he provides much needed depth at both point guard and shooting guard. He also brings experience to a relatively young team. Dixon may be on his way out but Garbajosa and Graham figure to play a prominent role in the Hawks plans for the future. Garbajosa is a nice young and cheap player with future star potential. Graham has been a big disappointment in Toronto. A combination of limited playing time and coaches frustration have led to him being in the proverbial dog house. He looks to change the path of his career with a change of scenery and an opportunity for big minutes. Graham is also young and still full of potential but his ceiling is shrinking and if he is to make a name for himself he needs to do it soon.
The first round pick, #7 overall, could bring in a starter to an already young and inexperienced team. That pick could determine how good of a trade this really was. The second round pick will also bring in another body but might not contribute right away.Overall, this trade should turn into a great trade for Atlanta.
The second trade the GM made since taking over was a blockbuster. Josh Smith, the heart and sole, of the Hawks was traded for PG Louis Williams, C Andray Blatche, and a 1st Round Pick (#3 overall). This trade will make or break the Hawks future. Williams provides a true point that can score who is also very, very young. He has a ton of upside and is finally going to get some burn in Atlanta. Blatche is another young player with a ton of potential. He has shown flashes in the past when he was given playing time. The Hawks bank on him to continue his progress and earn the starting spot at center. The 1st Round Pick is key. If the player taken with that pick becomes a star the Hawks could be set for a decade long run and if the other pieces of this trade pan out the Hawks could challenge fo a title very soon. This trade also gives the Hawks cap flexibility in the future since Smith will be a FA next year and would have commanded close to a seven figure salary per year. The Atlanta faithful hope this trade proves the new GM a genius for years to come.
The latest trade involves a 1st round pick (#18 overall). That pick was traded to the Utah Jazz for the multi-faceted Ronnie Brewer. It is no secret the new Hawks GM has coveted Brewer and has tried repeatedly to acquire him in the past. Brewer has all the skills to be a beast in this league. His defensive prowess will only get better as he gains experience and a ton of playing time for the Hawks. His offensive game is very raw but he has improved that aspect of his game every year. He could be the superstar that anchors the Hawks backcourt for the next 15 years. The first round pick was hard to give up but bringing in Brewer more than makes up for it. He will be slotted in as the starting SG from Day 1. This trade again shows the trend of trading for young, inexpensive, and full of potential players to hopefully jumpstart the Hawks into winning a few games for a change.
All three trades dramatically reshaped the Hawks lineup. Gone are proven players Hinrich and Smith and in are hopefully even better players (given time). Hawks fans are hungry for any sign of success but they might have to wait a few years before the Hawks make the playoffs.