Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Free Agency

As the NBA season speeds toward its climatic crescendo, the free agency period is not far behind. The embarrassing loses to Cleveland made it painstakingly clear that Hawks need a coaching change and perhaps some roster changes. Four (4) key Hawks players are eligible for free agency: Mike Bibby, Ronald “Flip” Murray, Zaza Pachulia and Marvin Williams. Realistically, the team probably won’t and shouldn’t keep all of them, but if I were in the general manager, I’d probably try to keep Marvin “Duck” Williams and Ronald “Flip” Murray. Throughout the season Williams averaged 13.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 1.3 APG while Murray averaged 12.2 PPG, 2.0 APG, and 0.3P%. Although Williams doesn’t currently live up to the hype associated with being the #2 overall pick, he’s consistent. Murray is instant offense off the bench and proved his worth during the playoffs.

Key acquisitions this off season should be a starting point guard and center. In order to do this the club may have to trade at least one (1) of the remaining starters – Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Al Horford, or sign and trade Marvin Williams. Although there are lots of free agents available, I think the Birds should focus on the following and perhaps sign one or more:

Kobe Bryant, SG, 26.8 PPG, 4.9 APG, 0.351 3P%
Carlos Boozer, PF, 16.2 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 0.2 BPG
Raymond Felton, PG, 14.2 PPG, 6.7 APG, 1.5 SPG
Zydrunas Ilgauskas, C, 12.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.3 BPG
Jarrett Jack, G, 13.1 PPG, 4.1 APG, 0.353 3P%
Andre Miller, PG, 16.3 PPG, 6.5 APG, 1.3 SPG
Lamar Odom, PF, 8.2 PG , 1.3 BPG
Mehmet Okur, C, 17.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 0.7 BPG

Kobe’s definitely not coming to Atlanta. Boozer’s tough, but the team doesn’t need another power forward as we have both Josh Smith and Al Hoford. Perhaps the Hawks should pursue Miller for the point guard position, but I admittedly haven’t seen him play; however, his numbers are comparable to Bibby and hopefully he plays better defense. Additionally, I think the Birds should pursue a true center, perhaps Mehmet Okur, which would allow Horford to move to his natual position of power forward.
This off season I'd like the Hawks to develop an alternate road jersay that's the same style as this seasons jersay, but red.

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