Packfill

I think it is too early to trade now. BK and MW will need at least another 10-15 games to evaluate the talent on this team. I think Walker is a real good player but the reality is, if Josh Smith can play now, we are better off giving him the minutes.

My two cents on this is that a trade of Walker for a draft pick at the deadline makes sense if Josh Smith and Childress continue to progress. I would like to see a lineup somepoint this season of Ivey, Childress, Smith, Harrington and Drobs. Then in the off season BK would need to figure out what to do with the point guard and center position.

I don't think Philly would go for it but I definitely would if I were the Hawks. Quite frankly, I might be happy with either Dalembert or the drft pick since the altentive may be losing Walker for nothing at the end of the season.

I'm with Lascar on this one. The important point to take from this is that each of the rookies has made plays that force the coach to keep them in. That is a good thing, that is old fashion earning your minutes. The fact that each rookie is progressing is a sign that they are being handled correctly. I think some players respond to being thrown to the wolves and just figuring it out on their own - LeBron comes to mind. Others need a little patience to reach their potential, whether that be in the form of showing increased effort, better fundamentals, whatever. There is no clear cut right or wrong way to develop a player because each such player is unique. We should take the fact that the rookies are showing improvements and increasing their contributions as a good thing - i.e., that the approach Woodson is taking works.

I have no problems with Woodson being cautious with Smith's minutes and development. I think he is the type of talent that you want him to earn his minutes so he learns to work a little harder rather then just rely on his natural athletic gifts.

Played big tonight and helped the team to its third win.

Because the team is better off in the long run giving that playing time to Childress and Diaw, both of whom at this point have more upside that Kendall Gill.

From what I have read Hubie and West were leaning towards Watson also. If he was that good West would never let him go, period.

Williams is definitely better than what we have but I don't think he helps long term. I would much rather have Chris Paul, Jarrett Jack, the guy from Illinois, etc. in the draft next year. Again, I rather have Watson who has an even better contract.

I would do the Diaw/Barry for Nene trade in a heart beat but I highly doubt Denver would make that trade because I am sure they can get a bette offer.

Jason Williams is overrated. There is a reason the Grizz want to dump him and it is because is more flash then substance. I rather have Earl Watson.

The Hawks definitely need Walker's scoring, playmaking and leadership right now. What I am not so sure about is where he fits long term. A lot will depend on Josh Smith's development, because if he can play then either Walker or Harrington have to go.

I would love it if Smoove could become a athletic power forward because his game best fits at the 4. But he needs to grow alot for that plan to work. He was measured at the combine at 6'7" without shoes, 6'8" with shoes. I know he is young and could still grow, but there is no guarantee. If he were 6'10" 240 then yes, we do not need a monster at center. He definitely could become a Shawn Marion type but then the Hawks would still need a athletic big ala Stoudamire to make a running plan work. Maybe Swift would be enough in that regard, but I am not sure.

Kwame may be 270 pounds of muscle but he has no heart or tenacity. A change of scenary may do him some good but I am not sure he will ever live up to the potential.

If we get Swift it probably means Walker is gone, so he can start at power forward while Smoove matures.

No to Walker for Jackson.

I am with Nicholas, I think the best unit is Ivey, Childress, Harrington, Walker and Drob.

The problem with getting Josh Smith more playing time is that he backs up the Hawks two best players and primary offensive weapons (you could argue that Al and Antoine are the Hawks only offensive weapons). I agree tha he should get minutes but it is not as easy as that because it means Woodson has to take one of his two primary scorers and playmakers off the floor. I agree with Walker being a skilled player but it will come down to economics and what the Hawks can get for him in a trade. Would you pay him the max? Because someone will, and will due so on a 6 year deal. I could deal with a three year max deal for Walker but not more. As for a trade, if the Hawks can get picks or a young big man for him in a trade, I would consider it because it would mean that Josh Smith would get alot of more playing time after the trade deadline. It would also probably insure a high lottery pick to be used on either a center or point guard.

I think Ivey is better then Delk - because I like it better when I watch the team lose with Ivey and a bunch of other rookies on the floor then lose with Delk and the vets. Ivey does not have Delk's shooting ability, but he is at least his equal in everything else and better defensively. He would not shut down Starbury, no one does, but he could not hurt. I think Ivey is a guy that won't get a lot of stats but will help you win. He may only end up being a real solid back-up but I can live with that.

When Walker is out of the game it does force others to be more assertive. I am definitely not bashing Walker because his playmaking is needed. I think having a good point guard who can set up the offense and get others involved would help limit some of Walker's mistakes (because he tries to do to much) and help others find their game.

I think Swift would work as a power forward but not center - although he is better then what we have. It is tough though because the rest of the team, Harrington and Childress in particular, really need to step up their offensive games before the Hawks can wean themselves off of Walker's offensive game. Neither is a number one scoring option at this point in their careers.

The thing is, some teams can get away with not having a great or even good center. Those that do usually have a power forward though that brings a true low post offensive game, rebounding and some semblence of defense/shotblocking. I am thinking of Indiana w/ O'Neal and Phoenix with Stoudamire in particular. Walker, as gifted and frustrating a playmaker as he is, is not that type of presence. Neither is Harrington - though I think he has potential to be a little tougher in the paint on defense. Josh Smith has potential as a defensive demon, but I am not sure he will ever be big enough to handle a 6'10" 250 lb power forward (he certaintly is not there yet in terms of being able to guard these guys on an extended basis, short term energy notwithstanding). I have not grown an inch since I was 15-16 so not sure if Josh is going to get any larger then the 6'7" he was measured at the combine (w/o shoes). This creates an interesting dilemma for BK. Walker's offense is essential to the teams competitiveness at this point, but unless a defensive center with some size can be added to the roster then the hawks will have problems implementing Woodson's defensive gameplan.

I think the biggest problem with the team right now is the lack of a defensive presence in the middle. Hawks need a center that can rebound, block shots and defend. Getting a player like that is easier said then done though. Also, Kenny, Delk and Diaw cannot guard quick point guards like Starbury. Way to much dribble penetration last night. Ivey has shown the ability to help in that regard.

Rafer Alston is off to a great start is is on his way to being one of the top ten point guards in the league. Probably not their biggest need.

I am not so worried about who starts, it is who finishes that is important. J Chill got starter minutes last night and he will continue to get those minutes as long as he produces, whether that be as a starter or reserve. Same goes for Ivey.