As of yesterday the Atlanta Hawks announced the signing of a new General Manager, Danny Ferry. Ferry served as the General Manager for the Cleveland Cavaliers during most of the Lebron-era, and then became the San Antonio Spurs' Vice President of Basketball Operations. Notably, both of these teams were successful while Danny Ferry was in the front office. The Cavs were 272-138 under Ferry and the Spurs managed a Western Conference Finals birth before they were uprooted by the Oklahoma City Thunder this season.
So, what does Ferry have to offer the Hawks? Earlier an interview with General Manager Ferry was recorded and can be read by clicking on this link: Hawks Blog.
As it seems, Hawks fans can expect an uplift from their newly revitalized front office. Prior to Ferry's hiring it seemed like the only thing anyone had heard from the Hawks organization was that Kevin Garnett is the dirtiest player in the league. Outside of signing Joe Johnson to an abnormally large contract, continually bringing back the same players year in and year out that usually get knocked out in the first or second round of the playoffs, and seemingly formulating empty Josh Smith trade rumors it doesn't seem like the organization has done much in the last few years.
Hopefully, Ferry can put a stop to all of this and get the organization moving. Will Ferry chose to rebuild the team by attempting to create cap room, keep the team the same, or try to build a better team with the pieces they already have in place? Nobody knows the answer, but we are all waiting for the Hawks to do something.
As a side note, I will offer my own gentle suggestions for what the Hawks should do. 1) In this year's draft the Hawks currently pick 23rd. The Hawks need to look into drafting some front court help. Perhaps Syracuse big man, Fab Melo is someone they should consider. Help down low will be crucial after my next suggestion. 2) Trade Josh Smith. Smith seems unhappy in Atlanta and he has decent trade value. Furthermore, Smith's contract is up at the end of next year and he may walk, so why not get something in return? 3) Build up the organization from the team that is left and the returns from the Smith trade. 4) Re-sign Tracy McGrady - Just because he is the man. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with the trading of Josh Smith but I feel Melo is a project who may not pan out. Id rather see them take a player such as Meyers Leonard who has a lower ceiling but a higher floor or even a Tyler Zeller. Josh Smith should easily fetch a low teen lottery pick and possibly a 2nd rounder. I could see a team like Houston giving their 1st rounders or even portland trading one of their lottery picks. Id like to see the Celtics try to make a move for him though. Rondo and him could be a nasty combo. And I agree Tracy McGrady is the man
ReplyDeleteI would agree with the Hawks picking Leonard or Zeller, but I just don't think they will be available at 23. I also think Smith could fetch some serious draft picks and/or active players. As far as draft picks go, the Hawks may have trouble finding a taker. The Rockets after trading the Timberwolves today for the 18th pick, I have to believe are attempting to put together an ultimate package to offer the Magic for Dwight Howard, since they have picks 14, 16, and 18. An offer including all of these picks would have to be an offer the Magic would take.
ReplyDeleteHowever, rumors are now surfacing that Dwight would will not re-sign with the Rockets after this next season. So, do the Rockets believe what Dwight is saying? I know I would not want to deal with his attitude. Do the Rockets think they can convince Dwight to stay after one year? Whatever the case may be, Josh Smith could be a nice consolation prize if the Rockets don't deal for Howard.