Packfill

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.

Good stuff Jay. Meaningful victory for the Hawks from a overall team standpoint - helps confidence across the board, a buy in to Coach Woodson's defense first game plan and solid contributions from the Rookies.

Tonight will be tough against Indy, but we all need to remember it is a long season.

I hate it when players complain about wanting to be traded because their team is not a winner. Usually the team is not a winner because that very player is not as good as the contract he has or wants. Baron Davis complains that he wants to be traded to a contender - but Baron, you are a max player so you should be able to make your team a contender. Curry is tired of losing but Chicago loses because he has not developed and is too lazy to rebound and play defense.

The veterans can't hit many shots either so I don't think they are purposely not passing him the ball.

Deng has definitely shown more to this point then Childress but given the current structure of the Hawks I would probably take Childress over Deng. Hawks need a quality shooting guard more then then a small forward. Still too early to point fingers though.

Heinrich is the Bulls best player. Deng is putting up numbers though. Diesel has a point though in that the Bull's shooting is almost as bad as the Hawks so that leaves a lot of rebounding opportunities for Deng. Still, I think Deng is going to be a solid player, worst case a Shane Battier type that every team needs.

He is definitely worth a look. I have a sinking sensation that Kenny Anderson will not last the year playing big minutes. Ivey has some potential but Bell is definitely worth the look.

I think that trade is good for depth but the Hawks are left without a legit number 2 scorer. Depth would be good but I wouldn't do it if it eats up all of the teams cap room. I rather make a trade that lands a legit center or point guard because I think we have some home grown talent that will provide good depth at the wing spots in years to come. Dalembert is going to be a pricey addition to whichever team signs him so I would not want to put all my eggs in that basket.

I would do that trade in a heartbeat but I don't think it will work because Davis' biggest gripe with NO is that the team is not a contender. Atlanta, even with Davis, is not a contender unless a big man is added.

I will say this though, I am slightly intrigued by the quality of Royal Ivey's play in the last game. So probably to early to pull the panic button, meaning we are better off waiting for the trade deadline to at least see what we have.

Big part of the Lakers win was the play of Mihm. He is definitely talented but I think it is way too early to say whether he can play even half as well for the rest of the season. If he does, then yes the Lakers have a shot. If he doesn't well, chemistry is their only chance.

That was a pipe dream anyway. Hawks are better off looking to the college ranks for a long term solution at point guard.

I don't think the Hawks will win necessarily, but I think the Hawks match up pretty well against the Suns because the Suns do not have a center that can take advantage of our weak interior defense. Also, Nash is not a great defender at the point so Kenny Anderson should not have a problem getting the Hawks into their sets. Also, the Hawks have the athletes now to run up and down the court.