Draft picks - What kind and how many?

[Gray Mule]

I believe, in all our trading, etc, we have more than one draft

pick this upcoming off season. That includes first and second

round picks. A high second rounder is almost as good as a

late first round pick.

Since, as of now, we have no idea of who is going to re-sign and

who is going to leave, it's hard to know who, right now - - and, we're

not 100% sure who is staying in school and who's leaving.

All this being said, is there a center out there somewhere that the

Hawks might sign as a free agent or draft? Exclude Superman. He's

not available to us, free agent or not. Right now, his team has a lottery

pick unless things improve for them.

Another thing. Hawks need rebounders. Not just one that is maybe good

around the boards. Rodman made a good living just being a rebounder.

Is there any such player out there who rebounds? Either as a free agent

or a draft pick? Some of you who follow college BB should have some

ideas along these lines.

I have lots of questions and no answers. Any one have any ideas? If so,

would you share them with everyone here? Please!

GO HAWKS!

Edited April 8, 2013 by Gray Mule

[PSSSHHHRRR87]

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2013/

All the good centers in this draft will be gone in the top 10. Rest are projects. We need a starting center not a project, so getting one in FA makes the most sense. Also, the Lakers DO NOT have a lottery pick as they traded that to the Suns in the Steve Nash deal. I agree that every day the possibility of Dwight jumping ship get lower and lower, but I wouldn't say the chances are nil. I think Danny puts a max deal on the table for Dwight and if Dwight passes it up, then Danny will move on to Bynum, Peks, and Jefferson. Bynum wouldn't be a bad deal so long as he is motivated to win more championships. We don't need to sign the guy if he is looking to just ride out the rest of his career. A motivated, injury-free Bynum next to Horf would be dominate. Worse to worse, we resign Z-Pac and stay patient. Resign Teague, sign a big PG for the bench, and get a head coach. Bonuses would be to sign Tyreke Evans who can play 1-3 and a 6'8"-6'10" wingman that'll come off of the bench. Need also a SF, some Deng-like SF or Iggy at $10 mil would be a plus.

[coachx]

The Hawks have their own 1st round pick and Houston's 1st round pick (as long as Houston makes the playoffs as that pick is lottery protected). This Houston pick is via the Nets from the Joe Johnson trade.

The Hawks have their own 2nd round pick and coincidentally Houston's 2nd round pick which is to complete the David Anderson trade from a couple of years back.

So expect two 1st round picks between 17 - 21.

Expect two 2nd round picks between 47 - 51.

As far as centers go here are a few names who could be available at #17 - 21:

Kelly Olynyk (Gonzaga) - true center - 22 years old - fundamentally sound post game but not atheltic

Gorgiu Dieng (Louisville)- true center - 23 years old - athletic shot blocking specialist

Jeff Whitney (Kansas) - true center - 23 years old - shot blocking specialist with good motor

Stephen Adams (Pitt) - true center / 19 years old - raw prospect that is atheltically gifted but super raw.

Mitch McGary (Michigan) - PF/C - 19 years old - polished offesive game and gifted passer. May be more of a PF in the NBA.

You can watch McGary and Dieng tonight in the NCAA Championship Game.

Since we have two first round picks I would have no problem taking a swing at center in the 1st round.

Edited April 8, 2013 by coachx

[Kimsey]

They have Houston's top 14 protected (projected to be 17-21 overall) and their top 40 2nd round pick (projected to be 47-50 overall) along with our own picks. Should be the most fun draft night since 2007.

[coachx]

They have Houston's top 14 protected (projected to be 17-21 overall) and their top 40 2nd round pick (projected to be 47-50 overall) along with our own picks. Should be the most fun draft night since 2007.

Ya, 2007 was hard to beat with picks #3 and #11 !

It will be nice having two 1st round picks again......even if they are middle of the 1st round.

[gurpilo]

I disagree with the statement that the good centers are at top 10 and rest are projects, Norel is the best but after him all the rest are projects and I think we could have a good one at 17.

This is a very deep class on Centers, in order: Norel, Zeller, Len, Ollynk, Plumlee, Gobert, Adams, Mc Gary, Dieng, Whithey, Austin. 11 players that could go on the first round.

We will have 17 and 18 th pick, I think we should use one of them on a Center and the other one on a wing player.

Norel, Zeller and Len are supposed to be the best projects and will be gone for sure althought they would be great additions, Ollynk and Plumlee probably will be gone also and I hope so as I don't think they are good fits with Horford. I think we will have a shot to select one of Adams, Gobert, Dieng and Whithey, all shot blocking 7 footers. For me Adams is the player we should select, the chances he will be there are great, a very young and athletic 7 footer, good rebounder, shot blocking ability, runs the floor well, good basketball IQ, improving at a high rate and with a good feel for the game, he has averaged better stats that the others at the same age, exactly what we have lacking the last years.

With the other pick I would go after Glenn Robinson, McCollum, Adekotunbo, Goodwin or Caldwell Pope, hopefully we can select a SF.

On the 2nd round I would trade our 2 2nd round picks for a earlier 2nd round pick 33-38th pick, I think we could select a role player there like Allen Crabbe, Tony Mitchell, McDermott, Franklin, CJ Leslie, Nate Wolters, Adreian Payne, Isaiah Canaan, DeShaun Thomas , this is a weak draft but deep in terms of useful players, the talent after 40-43th pick falls a lot.

About FAs, I would forget about dreams of Paul, Howard, Bynum, Pekovic and even Jefferson... and try to focus on more achievable options that could add a lot to the team like Dalembert, a true shot blocking 7 footer that fits very well with Horford, could be used 2-3 years while we develop our Center Project , Corey Brewer, good defensive SF that can score, on his prime, OJ Mayo or Tyreke Evans, a starting SG that can score and penetrate, of course resign Teague and Korver.

Teague/L. Williams

Mayo/Jenkins/Korver

Brewer/Korver/G. Robinson

Horford/I.Johnson/Scott

Dalembert/Adams/FA

[coachx]

As far as FA goes I like the idea of adding Tyreke Evans and JJ Hickson for the right price, while keeping Teague. I'd gladly pay each one and AAS of $7.5 mill per year. I like Evans defense much more then Mayo due to a drastic difference in length. I like Hickson and Horford as interchangeable pieces at PF /C.

Teague, Evans, and Hickson are all 24 years old with some upside remaining in their games.

[PSSSHHHRRR87]

As I've said in other threads, I want McCollum and Goodwin, but I'd be happy if we drafted a true center in the draft (but I really want McCollom). None of this "he can play center or power forward" mess, but who we draft is really determinate on whether or not Danny is in win-now mode or not. He isn't going to wait on projects if he is looking to get championships now and I'd really think that if this is a rebuild process, then Horf needs to be traded too. I'd hate to see Horf's career wasted on rebuilding projects and continued mediocrity. I still believe that our starting center needs to be a FA pick up.

[coachx]

As I've said in other threads, I want McCollum and Goodwin, but I'd be happy if we drafted a true center in the draft (but I really want McCollom). None of this "he can play center or power forward" mess, but who we draft is really determinate on whether or not Danny is in win-now mode or not. He isn't going to wait on projects if he is looking to get championships now and I'd really think that if this is a rebuild process, then Horf needs to be traded too. I'd hate to see Horf's career wasted on rebuilding projects and continued mediocrity. I still believe that our starting center needs to be a FA pick up.

I don't think you can depend on multiple mid 1st round picks to fill starting positions for a team in "win now mode."

I like McCollum as a Lou Williams / Jason Terry type of scorer off the bench. He looks like an excellent 6th man. I'd be thrilled with him and a center prospect.

[PSSSHHHRRR87]

I don't think you can depend on multiple mid 1st round picks to fill starting positions for a team in "win now mode."

I like McCollum as a Lou Williams / Jason Terry type of scorer off the bench. He looks like an excellent 6th man. I'd be thrilled with him and a center prospect.

I was answering the question as asked. The OP was wanting to know if there were any centers out there in FA or to be drafted... Was just stating that there isn't any Dwight or Shaq-type centers in this draft that can start day one. I like Dieng as he has looked good in March Madness thus far, but I think drafting a center to groom for the future is a waste if we want to win now, especially when we need a proven center to start for us and Zaza is more than likely going to return as a backup. I guess Petro could be dumped and replaced with Dieng. McCollum (or Burke, if available) also gives us the option to not match an over-priced offer sheet on Teague.

[TheFuzz]

I was answering the question as asked. The OP was wanting to know if there were any centers out there in FA or to be drafted... Was just stating that there isn't any Dwight or Shaq-type centers in this draft that can start day one. I like Dieng as he has looked good in March Madness thus far, but I think drafting a center to groom for the future is a waste if we want to win now, especially when we need a proven center to start for us and Zaza is more than likely going to return as a backup. I guess Petro could be dumped and replaced with Dieng. McCollum (or Burke, if available) also gives us the option to not match an over-priced offer sheet on Teague.

No reason we can't draft a project. Heck, developing a project in a winning situation is nice. You're not gonna get too many difference makers right out of the gate. If Adams slips to us, I really hope we pick him. A world of talent.

[PSSSHHHRRR87]

No reason we can't draft a project. Heck, developing a project in a winning situation is nice. You're not gonna get too many difference makers right out of the gate. If Adams slips to us, I really hope we pick him. A world of talent.

I guess I should trust Ferry to draft a center, but I just know the Hawks draft history with centers... Every time I think about the Hawks drafting a center, this pops in my head:

And our last great center played elsewhere before Atlanta:

Hell, even our beloved Z-Pac played in Orlando and Milwaukee before us...

We just seem to be a franchise that signs our centers, not draft and groom them. IDK, maybe I'm just reading too much into the trend...

[thecampster]

Lost in all the free agent talk is an added flexibility the Hawks have this year. The Hawks technically have 6 tradeable commodities this year. The 4 picks this year and 2 picks next year. For the sake of simplicity I'm not going to count future years beyond that.

With the Hawks have tons of cap space it is possible to trade a pick for a player from another team. We have enough room that a 1st for a player like Pau Gasol will work under the cap next year. We are not exclusively tied to free agents.

Under normal circumstances we would have to receive no more than 150% of salary back. But this year we could trade for a player for simply a second round pick. This is very much like what we did to get Korver this past season, except this year we could do that 6 times over.

Assuming a world where Josh walks, lets just consider teams in cap hell.

The Nets are sitting at 85 million committed next year. Kris Humphries is set to make 12 million. Technically Humprhies could be had for a 2nd round pick. The LT hit for the Nets to have Humphries on the roster will approach Kobe like numbers and he isn't even starting anymore.

The Toronto Raptors have 72 million committed next year to 12 players when you include options. They have 28 million committed to 2 players...Gay and Bargnani. Bargnani could be had for one of the 1st.

The Knicks have 77 million committed next year and a big honking problem in Stoudemire soaking up 21.6 million. In order to be free of Stoudemire, they would give up their 1st rounder (or 2) and take back only a 2nd rounder. Stoudemire is signed for 2 more years. Yes you heard me right. I believe that if Ferry took back Stoudemire, the Knicks would trade this year's, 2015's 1sts and take back a second happily.

The Lakers (as I've mentioned) are a mess. They have 79 million committed without Dwight and to only 11 players. They'd let you spend the night with the cheerleading squad to dump Gasol next year.

And now on to my favorite. The Celtics have 76 million committed to 14 players next year (4 million between 3 players not guaranteed). Assuming Garnett and Pierce are back, the Celtics are in danger of not being playoff ready next year. They would potentially trade Rondo for Teague straight up.

The Bulls have 77 million committed next year and Boozer has been perennially shopped.

And now for the premier picks for player target. Golden State has just under 74 million committed next year and Andrew Bogut has been an extreme disappointment. He has 1 year left at 14 million. Biedrins has been such a disappointment and at 9 million dollars, this is another player they would give up a 1st to get rid of.

As you can tell I've given this significant thought and I believe this is the route Ferry expects to take in the off season. I believe he intends to fleece other team's issue contracts while acquiring picks/giving up our 2nds.

Edited April 9, 2013 by thecampster

[yungsta]

If anyone of you watched that national championship game that Dieng kid from louisville was a man downlow. He definitely should be on our draft board. Drafting him would definitely be a step in the right direction of addressing our size and rebounding problem.

Dont know if he can be a full time starter but he can be a very solid back up.

Edited April 9, 2013 by yungsta

[coachx]

I personally hope that is not Ferry plan.......at least not for the players mentioned.

If we trade a 1st round pick for Gasol, Bargani, Humphries, Boozer, or Stoudemire I would be pissed !

I would rather draft a big like Dieng, Whitney, or Adams and keep the cap space to use elsewhere. They have the upside of being top flight defensive center for years to come vs. 2 years of Boozer. Garnett, Gasol and Stoudemire are done as far as I'm concerned. I personally want no part of them as far as the 2013-14 season, and beyond, are concerned.

I would rather use cap space on young veterans like JJ Hickson or Tyreke Evans vs. aging and over paid veterans.

Lost in all the free agent talk is an added flexibility the Hawks have this year. The Hawks technically have 6 tradeable commodities this year. The 4 picks this year and 2 picks next year. For the sake of simplicity I'm not going to count future years beyond that.

With the Hawks have tons of cap space it is possible to trade a pick for a player from another team. We have enough room that a 1st for a player like Pau Gasol will work under the cap next year. We are not exclusively tied to free agents.

Under normal circumstances we would have to receive no more than 150% of salary back. But this year we could trade for a player for simply a second round pick. This is very much like what we did to get Korver this past season, except this year we could do that 6 times over.

Assuming a world where Josh walks, lets just consider teams in cap hell.

The Nets are sitting at 85 million committed next year. Kris Humphries is set to make 12 million. Technically Humprhies could be had for a 2nd round pick. The LT hit for the Nets to have Humphries on the roster will approach Kobe like numbers and he isn't even starting anymore.

The Toronto Raptors have 72 million committed next year to 12 players when you include options. They have 28 million committed to 2 players...Gay and Bargnani. Bargnani could be had for one of the 1st.

The Knicks have 77 million committed next year and a big honking problem in Stoudemire soaking up 21.6 million. In order to be free of Stoudemire, they would give up their 1st rounder (or 2) and take back only a 2nd rounder. Stoudemire is signed for 2 more years. Yes you heard me right. I believe that if Ferry took back Stoudemire, the Knicks would trade this year's, 2015's 1sts and take back a second happily.

The Lakers (as I've mentioned) are a mess. They have 79 million committed without Dwight and to only 11 players. They'd let you spend the night with the cheerleading squad to dump Gasol next year.

And now on to my favorite. The Celtics have 76 million committed to 14 players next year (4 million between 3 players not guaranteed). Assuming Garnett and Pierce are back, the Celtics are in danger of not being playoff ready next year. They would potentially trade Rondo for Teague straight up.

The Bulls have 77 million committed next year and Boozer has been perennially shopped.

And now for the premier picks for player target. Golden State has just under 74 million committed next year and Andrew Bogut has been an extreme disappointment. He has 1 year left at 14 million. Biedrins has been such a disappointment and at 9 million dollars, this is another player they would give up a 1st to get rid of.

As you can tell I've given this significant thought and I believe this is the route Ferry expects to take in the off season. I believe he intends to fleece other team's issue contracts while acquiring picks/giving up our 2nds.

[coachx]

If anyone of you watched that national championship game that Dieng kid from louisville was a man downlow. He definitely should be on our draft board. Drafting him would definitely be a step in the right direction of addressing our size and rebounding problem.

Dont know if he can be a full time starter but he can be a very solid back up.

That was a fantastic game !

Welcome to the party and I fully agree. I've been singing those praises about Dieng since December:

http://hawksquawk.net/community/topic/375013-intrigueing-2013-draft-prospects/

[Gray Mule]

I didn't watch the first half - - - Braves were on, you know. And, they won!

However, I did watch the second half and there was some fierce rebounding

going on under the basket. Made my mouth water for the Hawks. We are

certainly in need or rebounding.

That's one reason I wonder about Mike Scott not playing more. To my

untrained mind, he seems to work hard and get his share of rebounds.

Personally, I believe the two weakest parts of our current team, as constructed,

is rebounding and free throws.

[Randy]

Good news - Houston has clinched a playoff spot - so we get their draft pick!!

http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Cnf.html

[coachx]

Good news - Houston has clinched a playoff spot - so we get their draft pick!!

http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Cnf.html

Great ! Now we can cheer for Houston to lose in hopes they fall back to 8th place.

I hate to say it but I'm rooting for Hawks losses right now. The better draft picks the better future for Atlanta. I'd much rather have picks #17 & #18 then #20 & #21.

As of today Atlanta would own the pick #18 and Houston's pick at #20......assuming both Atlanta and Houston lose their 1st round playoff matchup. However, Atlanta is just 1/2 a game behind Chicago and 1.5 games ahead of Boston. So the draft order is still a very fluid situation. I'd love to see us lose the rest of our games and let Boston jump us in the standings. That would give us pick #16 or #17 depeding on how the Lakers and Jazz finish.

This will be a fun off season for Hawks fans.

Edited April 10, 2013 by coachx

[PSSSHHHRRR87]

The more vids I watch and articles I read on Archie Goodwin, the more I hope Atlanta avoids drafting him... Another example of a guy jumping to the NBA way too soon. Just like his fellow alumni Marquis Teague... McCollum on the other hand, oh boy. Dieng also looks like he could be the next Larry Sanders type break out player. I'll take them both!