Bouncing Ball in the Summer

I use to really enjoy watching the NBA draft, especially watching who went in the top ten.  I’d sit and watch with my notepad, writing down player names, height, weight, school, strengths and weaknesses, and their new NBA team.  Once I compiled that information,   I’d then create the new players on my videogame and these players would start their virtual careers in the league.

Unfortunately, last week’s draft didn’t excite me because I hadn’t heard of any of the players.  I realize we won’t find out the true value of any of these players until after year three, but there didn’t appear to be any players who could make an immediate impact.  Although it’s generally a good thing when you team doesn’t have a high draft pick, but it didn’t help matters that the Hawks first pick didn’t occur until the second round.  The Hawks drafted 6’11 and 230 pound center Keith Benson with the 48^th pick.  Scouts describe Benson as a good defender, shot blocker, and consistent rebounder.

I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t expect Benson to do much to help the Birds get to the next level of success.  I hope the Hawks utilize the free agent market to make an impact.  Rumors around the Highlight Factory suggest the Birds may try to move Josh Smith in a sign and trade deal.  This possibility scares me because Smith is the heart and soul of the club.  He’s definitely erratic and his effort is questionable, but he at least tries for the spectacular in the biggest games as compared to Joe Johnson and recently Al Horford.  However, the current roster has unfortunately reached its ceiling and Smith (and Horford) is the only ones with trade value.  Johnson would have trade value if the Birds didn’t sign him to a ridiculous contract.  It’s hard to believe that his contract is worth more money than LeBron James. 

Here are my top five free agents the Hawks should pursue if Smith is dealt:

1. Caron Butler: He averages 15 point per game from the forward position and he could take some of the scoring load off Johnson.
2. Tyson Chandler: The Hawks need a big body that’s willing to play defense and rebound.  Chandler didn’t impress me during the early part of his career, but he showed heart during the finals and the Hawks could use a player with heart.
3. Nene: He’s the only one name guy in the NBA.  His game has come along way and he averages 14.2 points per game and 9 rebounds.
4. Zach Randolph:  “Z-Bo” redeemed himself in Memphis and with averages of 22.2 points per game and 11 rebounds per game, the Hawks could use him.
5. Michael Redd: He didn’t play any games last season, but when he’s healthy he’s an excellent scorer.

I’m disappointed to hear that owners and players have not made progress on the collective bargaining agreement.  The NBA is coming off one of the more memorial finals in recent history; the league doesn’t need a lockout.  America apparently can’t live without the NFL, but the same can’t be said about the NBA.  It’s a different demographic.  According to NBA.com, the players are seeking $500 million in salary givebacks over 5 years.  The owners counter that the league operates a collective loss of $300 million.  I hope the sides can reach an agreement because the league’s previous lockout was a publicity nightmare and only the “un-retiring” of Michael Jordan saved the league from prolonged exposure.