Posted by: Widly on May 29, 2007 11:26AM EST ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS THAT IT DEPENDS ON THE TEAM. IF U R A TEAM THAT IS REBUILDING, THEN U GO ON TALENT JUST LIKE THE CLEVELAND DID WHEN THEY DRAFTED LEBRON. BUT IF U R A TEAM LIKE THE ATLANTA HAWKS WHO HAVE TWO GOOD PLAYERS THAT CAN BE OUR FOUNDATION IN JOE JOHNSON AND JOSH SMITH, U HAVE TO DRAFT ON WHAT U NEED SUCH AS DRAFTING A POWERFUL, SHOT BLOCKING CENTER LIKE AL HORTFORD OUT OF FLORIDA, THE 2 TIME CHAMP.

Posted by: Mike from Bama on May 29, 2007 11:27AM EST We have drafted Talent over Need for the past few years and we seem to be at a point now where our needs (PG & C) have to be addressed. I am all for taking the better talent when your team is competing in the playoffs every year but our team's past draft talent is now suffereing as a result of our glaring needs. Time to go with Need over Talent....

Posted by: medayoallday on May 29, 2007 12:00PM EST I like the question. See this draft is quite different it is deep but weak at the point were the hawks need help. To me when you are in the mid rounds or even later in the lottery you draft for need. But with the top 8 picks you should draft on star potential. You have to figure you draft thinking who will become a star in the leauge. Do you think the Sonics are going to draft anyone besides durant. they dont care that they have superstars at the 2 and 3. Wether lewis is a free agent or not they still draft Durant. The hawks need to do the same draft YI at three and draft for need at the #11

Posted by: medayoallday on May 29, 2007 12:02PM EST Truth be told the Hawks picked Sheldon way to high last year. That dosent mean take the wrong guy this year because of that

Posted by: Jones on May 29, 2007 12:39PM EST Someone threw out the idea of offering our #3 and #11 picks bundled with Sheldon and Marvin Williams to the Trailblazers for the #1 pick. Extremely unlikely I realize, but our lottery picks can and should be used whether in a trade with some of our extra swingmen, or just by themselves to strictly acquire what we need. We need a decent point guard, but most importantly a significant big man. If not barred by injuries late this past season, the Hawks had a serious shot of making the playoffs, any one who watched them all this past season knows this. So as far as I'm concerned we are already a "playoff caliber" team with the talent we have now. So, SHORE UP OUR WEAKNESS'! The Hawks will have the ability to really shock the NBA if we can get a big man to play with Johnson and Smith.

Posted by: harry the Hawk on May 29, 2007 12:58PM EST The Hawks should trade Childress and #11 TO Toronto for Jose Calderon and a future pick, Then they will have a pg, and can take the BPA.

Posted by: jwk on May 29, 2007 1:02PM EST in the hawks case it would be best to take the players that we need. the hawks have two great talents in josh smith and joe johnson so we need to draft players that can benefit from their spectacular play. so that means draft what we need, not what player si the best left. but in the case of detroit they should draft the best talent because they are always competing for the championship. if you are in the lottery more than likely you should draft the player that you need instead of the player with the biggest talent. but if you make it to the playoffs you are probably going to want to draft the player with most talent. but since the hawks have two picks in the lottery and do not have a second rounder this year or a first rounder next year i would look to trade one or both of this years picks for veterans and or picks.

Posted by: medayoallday on May 29, 2007 1:09PM EST Are you serious the only time the hawks looked like a playoff team was when they started the season 4-1. they are in the lottery for a reason. If Marvin dosent start looking like a potential all star soon they need to really start shoping him around.

Posted by: medayoallday on May 29, 2007 1:25PM EST the hawks have a couple of players that they could pakage with one of there draft picks. They have Lue,claxton,childress,stoudami... basically anyone who isnt johnson or smith.

Posted by: Brandon Wellborn on May 29, 2007 1:34PM EST Try to work a three team trade with Portland and Chicago. Chicago wants Zach Randolph... Portland Receives: #3 Pk, PF-Solomon Jones, PG-Speedy Claxton Chicago Receives: PF-Zach Randolph, PG-Dan Dickau, Portland Future 1st Rounder Atlanta Receives: PG-Kurt Hinrich, #9 Pk, C-Joel Pzrybelli It prob. would not be this easy, with money concerns, but I like it... Draft best players available for depth at #9 and 11.

Posted by: Jarvis on May 29, 2007 2:06PM EST It all depends on the talent being drafted. If the talent is a Lebron James, Dwight Howard, Michael Jordan, Kobe, or Tim Duncan type of talent then of course take the talent regardless of needs. But if the talent isn't a sure shot superstar then needs should be addressed with any team. But in the case of the Hawks this year, the team should draft for needs. But considering that the need of a good Center won't be filled through the draft, the only position we could fill would be the pg position by drafting Conley. But we need both a center and pg to make us serious contenders. Law will probably have a career as a back up. And

Posted by: TP on May 29, 2007 2:11PM EST You always draft for team's needs. Year to year statistics will determine where the weaknesses are on every team. They should improve every catagory in their team's stats until they reach the top 5 in the league. If a team is last in rebounds, they should draft a center or power forward who has a strong career in rebounds like a Moses Malone, Dennis Rodman and Ben Wallace. On the other hand, if a team is last in FG%, they should take a point guard who has the ability the ability to create scoring opportunities for his team like a Magic Jonhson, John Stockton, Steve Nash and Jason Kidd.

Posted by: Kendrix on May 29, 2007 2:13PM EST Here s just a thought.Send no. #3 plus a player to be named later to Minnesota for KG.Then at the #11 pick take the Law;as in Acie Law.Becuase as everyone Knows you have got to have 2 All-stars to get anywhere these days.Or you ve got to have 5 guys on the same page.Ask Chicago Micheal/Scotty,San Antonio Duncan/Parker,Even though they say or the media say that they didn t like each other Lakers Shaq/Kobe.Can you imagine Atlanta Joe/Garnett.POW! there s your inside outside connection.Plus with the players that we already have!All those guys that I just named together have won championships together.(except for the Atl. connection)

Posted by: Larry on May 29, 2007 2:50PM EST In the case of the Hawks, thats a tought question like others I like Conley but 3 is high for a small point remember Rumuel Robinson, Jason Terry, Pearl Washington and Mateen Cleeves great college points but not NBA ready thats were I classify Conley; but I perfer post play toughness in the paint thats why i'd have to go Horford at 3 and Law/ Crittenton at 11. I think Speedy will recover. So to answer your question i'd say talent.

Posted by: Larry on May 29, 2007 3:26PM EST Realgm is reporting Zack and Jack for 3rd pick do it Billy Zack can man the post in east. True PF playing center in NBA now anyway. Ex. J.O'Neal @ Indy, Chris Webber, Mcdyess, Rasheed @ Detroit, Ben Wallace @ Chicago, Only Center in east is SHAQ and he's almost done yea and Howard but he and Randolph are about the same push Zach in the east would be a beast more examples of PF playing center Stoudimire and Duncan 6'11" players like Zack. DO IT BILLY MAKE THE DEAL

Posted by: Kacy on May 29, 2007 4:01PM EST Please take our needs over talent. What we need is a true point guard and a center. I would love to see Mike Conley Jr. in a Hawks uniform and as for the center how about Al Horford. Oden and Conley Jr. together again in the NBA would be awesome but that is highly unlikely. Whatever you do, please don't trade Joe Johnson or Josh Smith. They have talent we can build around.

Posted by: billy on May 29, 2007 4:33PM EST what we need is to decide where we want to go: be a lottery team for years to come or a contender. contenders need to play defense. so bring in a coach first who teaches all the guys to play defense. and then i´d go for talent if you want, because we need to get corey brewer. he´s gonna be our defensive motor, and together with conley will create so many fastbreaks. try to trade picks (throw marvin in there) and get a nice big men in the mix, and we´ll be set for years with this nice team..

Posted by: jd on May 29, 2007 4:46PM EST billy is right. a starting five with brewer, conley, jj, j-smoove, and any athletic defensive center will be so exciting to watch. and the way it is in the east right now, we´d be a lock for the playoffs!!! bring in some veterans that have been on winning teams and this will be an exciting season!! (and unfortunately, he is also right about mike woodson. sorry, but get a coach who emphazises defense and can bring the players to listen to him!!)

Posted by: birger on May 29, 2007 5:04PM EST i think our coach is great! woody rocks! he just needs the players that can play a defensive style like they did when he was an assistant with the pistons. that´s why i agree with yall to pick brewer. he would be an important piece in a real awesome defensive team. our guys have shown that they can run the break, they just need more opportunities to run. about conley, jr. i´m not sure. he is great defensively because of his quickness, but his size screams mismatch! i would be happy to get him at #11 but maybe a bigger point isn´t too bad either. and don´t forget that we have to get interior help, defending and rebounding. but a veteran role player will do. (though marcus camby or tyson chandler would be nice ;) ) but please, don´t waste the picks in this once in a lifetime draft for trading for veterans that are past their prime! we´ll have to grow into a real contender for 2-3 years. they would be too old then. corey brewer is gonna be a star in this league!! take him. make a deal to move to the right spot.

Posted by: roy on May 29, 2007 5:16PM EST who tells you who the best player available is? can anybody predict if horford or wright are going to be better than conley. or brewer. could be the next scottie pippen. who would have thought that deron williams was by far the biggest star of the 05 draft class? go for need, nobody can promise how the players turn out.

Posted by: HAWKS FAN FROM DAY ONE on May 29, 2007 5:26PM EST First, let me answer the question. The Hawks should draft for need this year. Now, onto sniping the idiots and their silly responses.... Here we go again with the Al Horford crap.....STOP IT!!! The guy isn't a true 7 footer, so why would we even GO for him??? He's another PF at best! ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF THE TEAM!! We are talented enough with players like Smith and Johnson and Zaza (POWER FORWARD) is a great offensive rebounder. Larry wants to report erroneous information about what the Blazers are trying to do with our #3 pick. Larry, how can you with a straight face compare Zach Randolph to Tim Duncan? You actually want to give up our #3 for Randolph and Jack?? Put the crack pipe down, son. NO BILLY, DO NOT MAKE THAT DEAL. WE WILL RUN YOU AND YOUR COACH OUT OF ATLANTA......AND WE WILL SEND LARRY WITH YOU BOTH!! Just because there are an overwhelming number of PF playing center in the East MEANS NOTHING. Brandon Wellborn is CRAZY!! That scenario is by far the WORST one I have read thus far!! Give up the #3 for Kirk Hinrich??? Trade Solomon Jones??? He had a better year than Sheldon Williams! What team were YOU watching? medayoallday is my dude! He's the only one yet that said the same thing I said.....DRAFT YI JIANLIAN. Do it at the #3 pick because I GUARAN-DAMN-TEE that he will NOT be around for the #11. We can then address our PG need with the #11, whether that is Conley, Jr. or Law remains to be seen. In the past, I can't say WHAT we drafted for....talent or need. Clearly draft picks like Adam Keefe, Jon Koncak, Ed Gray, Stacey Augmon ( I could go on forever) were not drafted because they were exceptionally talented. To be honest, we haven't drafted a player that we NEEDED in a long time! Let's make this our year for MUCH NEEDED change!!!!

Posted by: jwk on May 29, 2007 5:34PM EST ALL OF THE TRADE THE THIRD PICK THAT I HAVE POSTED I TAKE IT WAY, UNLESS WE GET DWIGHT HOWARD(SOLO), GILBERT ARENAS(SOLO),OR ALDRIDGE RANDOLPH,AND JACK (IN A PACKAGE). I JUST GOT OFF YOUTUBE AND I WAS LOOKING AT YI JIANLIAN AND HE IS A GREAT BIG MAN. HE CAN SHOOT THE JUMPER, DRIVE TO THE BASKET, DUNK ON PEOPLE, GET OFFENSIVE AND DEFENSIVE REBOUNDS, AND BLOCK SHOTS. HE IS THE GUY THAT CAN BRING OUR CLUB TO THE NEXT LEVEL. IF HE IS LEFT ON THE BOARD AT THREE WE HAVE TO TAKE HIM. IF ODEN AND DURANT DID NOT COME OUT EARLY HE WOULD DEFINATLEY BE THE # 1 PICK. HANDS DOWN. I KNOW IF WE PASS ON HIM IT WOULD BE A HUGE MISTAKE, HE IS PLAYER THAT HAS GREAT TALENT AND HE FILLS OUR NEEDS. HE WILL NOT BE THERE AT 11 WE HAVE TO GET HIM AT 3. HE WILL BE A GREAT FIT IT WILL ALLOW THE GROWTH OF SHELDON AND SOLOMON JONES, WHO I FEEL WILL BE A GREAT CENTER IN THE NBA. BILLY PLEASE DO NOT PASS ON HIM UNLESS WE GET A BIG TIME NAME BUT THAT DEPENDS ON HOW MUCH WE WILL HAVE TO GIVE UP. IF WE GET HIM I DONT REALLY CARE WHAT WE DO WITH THE 11TH, NEVER MIND YEAH I DO. THERE IS STILL A WAY WE CAN GET BARON DAVIS. TRADE THE 11TH CHILDRESS AND SALIM TO GOLDEN STATE FO BARON DAVIS AND SYRUNAS YESICHAVICHUS. BUT IF WE DONT DO THAT(I DONT THINK THAT IT WILL HAPPEN) TAKE LAW HE CAN SHOOT AND HE CAN CREATE OFFENSE FOR OUR TEAM. OR TAKE CRITTENTON HE IS MORE A OF A DRIVER THAN A SHOOTER SO HE MIGHT BE ABLE TO CREATE OPEN SHOTS FOR THE OTHERS EITHER IS A SOLID PICK UP I THINK.

Posted by: medayoallday on May 29, 2007 5:42PM EST I'm telling you dont trade the pick. There is no vet that wants to go to the hawks. And are you for real taking Jack and Randolph. First off Jack isnt much of an upgrade to whats there now. And Randolph man thats a chemistry problem waiting to happen. I'm not saying hes not good but hes a bit of a ball hog. YO my man Hawks fan from day one is mad funny. YO theres mad dummies saying dummy sh....

Posted by: medayoallday on May 29, 2007 5:45PM EST YO I said it from day one YI is the truth. Its nice to know everyone who was hating was talking out of there ass wtihout seeing YI.

Posted by: jd on May 29, 2007 5:53PM EST YI is just another dirk! at best! a soft 7footer who cant take it inside, and will be shoved around at will by all other big man. he can only dunk when he runs the fastbreak!

Posted by: medayoallday on May 29, 2007 5:54PM EST I have heard the most ridiculass trade scenerios. Some how we have the hawks geting Baron davis Arenas, Garnett,Yao...... Man

Posted by: medayoallday on May 29, 2007 5:58PM EST Yo jd you see what YI did to one of the leauges best F/C Gasol. Gasol is renouned for his atleticism and speed and YI left him planted with his first step and dunked it. YO once again he is no Dirk he is aggressive and dunks and is fast. YO i cant wait to see him in the high post.

Posted by: jd on May 29, 2007 6:13PM EST i´d rather see yi shoot it as good as dirk does. ok, yi ist fast, and can dunk like a beast (man, he´s 7´0) but he will get his skinny soft ass kicked in the nba day in and day out! we need intimidation and defense!

Posted by: BWA on May 29, 2007 6:36PM EST Okay, I agree with Hawks Fan From Day One on what players we should pick. However I disagree with his philosophy. We should pick THE BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE and fill needs in free agency and/or by trade. It makes no since to do otherwise. Why pick a player that is inferior, just so you can fill a position. There is no guarantee that the player you choose will measure up to other NBA talent. The best players available at #3 is Yi Jianlian and Brandan Wright. I, also a Hawk fan from day one, will be very excited if we get either one of these players on this team. If we select on need, then we will pick Mike Conley #3. THIS WILL BE A HUGE MISTAKE! We selected on need last year didn't we?! "With the 5th pick in the 2006 NBA Draft the Atlanta Hawks pick............... Sheldon Williams?" We all remember these depressing words. Not that I believe Sheldon is a horrible player, I, as well as many other Hawks fans, believe he was a streach at #5. Just because BK passed on Deron, Chris Paul and Roy does not mean we need to jump for Conley when there is better talent on the board! I hope the Terence Moores and all you delusional "bandwaggon fans" are reading this post. YOU MUST MAKE DESCISIONS BASED ON LOGIC AND NOT ON EMOTION! Everyone saying pick Mike Conley at 3 is either absolutely CRAZY, or not very knowledgable on what they will be missing out on. Do your research: Yi is the next Dirk, and Brandan Wright (and you can quote me on this!) will be the next CHRIS BOSH. Where will these players fit in the lineup? I am so glad you asked! First, MARVIN WILLIAMS IS NOT A PF, he is a natural 3. He can back up Josh Smith, a 3/4, and start Yi or Brandan at the 4. Solomon can play the backup 4, and Sheldon SHINES at the 5 spot. Yes, he is undersized, but Zaza will help to match up with bigger centers. Trade the #11 and a player (maybe Salim) for Devin Harris. OR draft Acie Law with the #11 pick.

Posted by: medayoallday on May 29, 2007 6:46PM EST truth be told there arent to many bigs now a days that truley play that back you down style of play. once in the leauge he'll put on more musle. Hes got all the tools to become an all star. besides you have williams as a banger he is a good rebounder and a good low post defender.

Posted by: medayoallday on May 29, 2007 6:58PM EST Another thing is, I hate to talk about next year because I think if the hawks make the right moves next season they wont be in the lottery but next seasons draft is guard deep.

Posted by: medayoallday on May 29, 2007 7:01PM EST YO bigup to Bwa. I agree with what you are saying i like the bosh comparison

Posted by: BWA on May 29, 2007 7:43PM EST PEOPLE, MARVIN WILLIAMS IS NOT A POWER FORWARD!!! HE PLAYS THE 3! AND SHELDON IS MORE A CENTER THAN A POWER FORWARD. Last season, when Sheldon played the 5, he was way more productive. There are many 6'8", 6'9" centers in today's NBA. Pick #3: Yi Jianlian (an athletic Dirk) or Brandan Wright (the next Chris Bosh!) Pick #11: Acie Law, OR trade it and Salim for Devin Harris if possible. Here's the lineup: 5- Zaza, Sheldon 4- Yi/Brandan, Solomon 3- Josh Smith, Marvin 2- JJ, Childress 1- Acie Law, Speedy, Lue GO HAWKS!

Posted by: hawknbaghdad on May 29, 2007 7:47PM EST There is no discussion. Li at #3, Critt at #11. DONE DEAL!!!

Posted by: JonJ on May 29, 2007 9:08PM EST I almost want to guarantee Tyron Lue will never be traded he is here because he wants to be here and i think i have read several times that it is understood that Lue will not be traded. To the the question. Drafting based off of need and talent is all depends on draft position. Lottery Picks- YOu draft off of talent. That is what the picks are for to gain the best available players. Later in the first round it all depends on your team. You can draft off of need or on projects. The second round is where you draft off of need. In the cases where the draft is loaded with talent and the team is loaded at that position you look to trade if possible. since everyone else is... i think Jianlin and Acie Law would be amazing I mean LAw was a senior and a big time player and Jianlin would just be that guy

Posted by: Tehe on May 29, 2007 9:46PM EST How about this...Yi Jianlian with the #3 pick...an athletic 7 footer who plays the euro style center. and at #11 crittenton...rangy pg with scoring and defensive skills.

Posted by: jwk on May 29, 2007 10:29PM EST LI WOULD NOT ONLY BE THE BEST PLAYER LEFT ON THE BOARD AT THREE BUT HE WOULD ALSO FILL IN A SPOT THAT THE HAWKS NEED. HE IS AN ATHLETIC BIG MAN THAT CAN OPEN UP THE FLOOR FOR JOE AND JOSH. HE IS POSSIBLY THE MOST TALENTED PLAYER IN THE DRAFT. IT WOULD BE STUPID FOR THE HAWKS NOT TO TAKE HIM. NOW WITH THE 11TH PICK WE COULD ALSO FILL A NEED BY TAKING ACIE LAW OR JAVARUS CITTENTON. BOTH COULD BE A GREAT ADDITION TO THE TEAM BUT BOTH COULD BE A LITTLE RISKY. THE REASON WHY I SAY THAT IS THAT LAW ONLY HAD ONE GOOD SEASON WITH A&M AND CRITTENTON STILL NEEDS A LITTLE BIT OF WORK WITH HIS SKILLS. I DONT THINK THAT IT WOULD BE A BAD MOVE TAKING EITHER OF THESE GUYS BUT IF THERE IS A CHANCE TO GET A PROVEN VETERAN PG IT MIGHT BE A SAFER DECISION. BUT LAW AND CRITTENTON COULD BOTH BE SOME BALLAS. I ALSO THINK THAT SHELDON WOULD MORE LIKELY PLAY BETTER AT CENTER THAN POWER FORWARD. THIS TEAM HAS THE CHANCE TO BE PLAYOFF CONTENDORS. THE SQUAD(STARTERS): PG: LAW/CRITTENTON SG: JOE JOHNSON SF: JOSH SMITH PF: YI JIANLIAN C: ZAZA PACHULIA THE BENCH PG: LUE, CLAXTON SG: CHILDRESS, STOUDAMIRE SF: MARVIN, CHILDRESS PF: JONES, SMITH, MARVIN C: SHELDON, WRIGHT, JIANLIAN, JONES THIS STARTING FIVE AND WITH THE TALENT ON THE BENCH HAS THE POSSIBILITY TO WIN IT ALL. AS LONG AS GET TEAM CHEMISTRY.

Posted by: Obsa on May 29, 2007 11:46PM EST Man we need to get daniel gibson, he was sick in the nba final tonight, i think we could trade for him and a back up center, for the 11th, and draft a center, some1 needs to talk 2 hibbert to come here, or trade with portland, but i would love to see gibson here, he seemed to have alot of talent, and he could be a great star.

Posted by: DoTheRightThing on May 30, 2007 12:12AM EST Beware, as the draft gets closer ACIE LAW'S STOCK WILL RISE making him no lock to be on the boards for the 11th pick, but thats the Hawks need!!!!!! IF YOU HAVE A LOTTERY PICK YOU ALWAYS TAKE THE BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE SIMPLE AS THAT. IF YOU HAVE NO USE FOR THE BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE YOU TRADE OUT OF THAT SPOT. THERE WILL BE A WORTHY BIG MAN AVAILABLE WITH THE 3RD PICK ALONG WITH MANY TRADE OPTIONS (BETTER THAN THE GARBAGE PORTLAND IS OFFERING).

Posted by: Obsa on May 30, 2007 12:42AM EST We should trade to get fred gibson, he has been amazing so far in his rookie year, and we need to trade the 3rd to get a vet center, no1 special, just a guy that can block shots and help us get points in the paint. BILLY KNIGHT GET FRED GIBSON FROM CAVS, we could trade our 11th, for Gibson and thier 1st( this year or next), that way we get gibson and a 1st. GET BOOBIE(GIBSON)

Posted by: Jones on May 30, 2007 1:31AM EST On the surface, if you were unwilling to really flesh out any possibilities that trading our picks could offer, it seems that Yi at #3 and Law at #11 would be the logical picks for the Hawks. What to keep in mind, and what can be achieved with a well organized trade is less question marks with drafting Yi at #3. The NBA is a completely different league than what Yi has been "dominating" in. He may turn out to be phenomenal in the NBA, or he may turn out to be too soft, and a complete dud of a pick, and we will all be bemoaning the fact that BK has struck again. SO, why not try to acquire someone who is more proven? And of course, not a rundown back up veteran, but someone like Gasol at center. (of course the irony, would be that we traded him to get shariff, when we initially drafted him at #3, *note, BK was the GM that brought Gasol to the grizzlies) I would much rather have Gasol who averaged 10 rebounds and 20 points a game last season IN THE NBA, than whatever "potential" Yi could bring us. I hope someone in management is considering these things.

Posted by: J on May 30, 2007 1:34AM EST As this year's draft is known for its big mans, we should pick the best one left on board with the 3rd pick for talent plus need (like Yi or B.Wright). With the 11th pick, i think we should go for needs and it can either be a bigger sized point guard like Law or another hard working and athletic big man like Jokim Noah (if available). Personally, I would pick another big man because we are actually full of point guards and JJ can handle the ball too. Mock roster for 2007 - 2008 season C: Zaza, Noah, Williams PF: Wright, M/S Williams SF: Smith, M. Williams, Childress SG: Johnson, Childress, Stoudmire PG: Claxton, Lue, A/J Johnson *Remember: a potential championship contender needs powerful interior forces, so plan for the future! (the Hawks are young) and we still have next year's playmakers waiting for us if we're still missing a appropriate point guard.

Posted by: BWA on May 30, 2007 5:44AM EST I agree with JonJ. You should draft on talent and not need with the lottery picks. Michael Jordan was passed over by 2 teams because they felt MJ duplicated a position that they did not need. I also like the idea of considering Crittenton or Noah for the 11 pick. I suppose the Hawks will bring in these players, Law, Hawes, and many others, to find out who is the best of the bunch. My only question is what position does Noah play? Can he play the 5 in this league? Beware BK on not drafting a pg this year. Billy will be crucified by the media and all the criticizing, non-loyal fans who think Conley is the Hawk's savior. Because of this, I see BK picking a point guard with the #11 just to appease the mob. So I think #11 will be Law or Crittenton. Who knows, Conley may fall to the #11 pick, but I wouldn't hold my breath on that!

Posted by: HAWKS FAN FROM DAY ONE on May 30, 2007 6:17AM EST OMG.....ROFLMAO!!! I'm STILL chuckling over the one dude's comment to start Zaza (a PF) at CENTER, and have Yi (a REAL 7 footer!!) start at PF!! WOW!! I really wonder just how many people on this board ACTUALLY watched a Hawks game, or any other team in the NBA for that matter! Invest in NBA League Pass, please! Get caught up on these other teams that most of you swear you know. Somebody ask my man WHO is FRED GIBSON....then ask him if he meant DANIEL GIBSON. Boy, I swear...... Listen up, fellas. It took me to do the search on Yi before I hopped on his bandwagon. I think that most of you are scared to look, too. One cat said that he was another Dirk.....oh yea? Dirk's a 7 footer THAT DOESN'T EVEN DUNK, MUCH LESS HAVE ANY INTERIOR SKILLS (that he shows consistently, at least). Stop crying for Roy Hibbert.....to hell with Hibbert....he tucked his tail, took his ball and went home. Let that be the last thing said about him until next year, or whenever he sees a draft that is suitable enough for him to come out AND stay out. BWA, after reading your comment, I will rescind mine because I happen to agree with you in that lottery picks should be spent on the best player available. Worse case scenario is, you get a player that you can utilize either on the court, or as trade bait to get what you need. So it goes back to what you need, right? Anyhoo, I will disagree with you in that I don't believe that we drafted for need last year, or that Sheldon was the best player at that pick. Who needs an undersized center? We sure as hell didn't. Sheldon was a mistake. I'll be the first one to eat those words, SHOULD he ever come around and develop. You also make a solid point about Conley, Jr., although I am sure the Hawks will be thinking about Deron and CP (the ones that they let get away), and overplay their hand with Conley, Jr. Before I sign off for the night.....management even THINKING about going for Pau Gasol is a slap in the faces of everyone that considers themselves a Hawks fan. Why? Didn't we draft him YEARS ago? I rest my case.....but not before making a request to kill the mustard yellow jerseys and bring back the alternative black ones!!

Posted by: medayoallday on May 30, 2007 7:09AM EST i'm glad people are finally starting to see what i've beensaying all along YI and Law

Posted by: Obsa on May 30, 2007 8:31AM EST IM saying Yi is going to be a bust, Yao needed a healthy enviroment to become what he is now, and the same is going to be nessary for Y, also he is small is shape, and people like thomas, shaq, and Howard are going to kill him. we need some1 that is atleast 245 and 7'0, also needs to be a block specialist, because i would rather him block 10shots a night and get 12ppg, than a guy gettin 20ppg, and 3/4 blocks

Posted by: Rob on May 30, 2007 8:34AM EST Please select Mike Conley Jr. in the Draft. Either trade down and get another piece or take him with the 3rd pick. He will not be available with the 11th pick. There are other teams in need of a future All Star point guard. Look at all the teams still in the playoffs (the Cavs are the exception), they all have a future Hall of Fame PG. Conley will be in the same mold as Deron Williams and Chris Paul (who were available a couple years ago). I have been watching Atlanta since I moved here in 2000 and we have been lacking a true PG who can penetrate this whole time. Jason Terry was great but not a true PG. With the 11th pick pick the best center (or post presence) available. If you do this, I would guarantee the Hawks will make the playoffs next year. Just remember we do not need another swingman. Joe Johnson and Josh Smith are already great at filling this need (Josh Childress off the bench). At PF you are set with Marvin Williams and Sheldon Williams. Zaza Pachulia is good as well (maybee better off the bench if you draft a big man).

Posted by: Larry on May 30, 2007 8:37AM EST (Hawks fan from Day 1) all you have done is critque others but you have not made one decent suggestion yourself the question was need or best available I was getting both for an untested college player. Hell who's to say you couldn't package him before the allstar game with other pieces if it doesn't work; only comparison I made with Duncan and Zack was Height and Weight size comparisons for Center position in todays NBA and Conley is to high for 3rd pick and 3 is also to high for Yi you guys never heard his name until 3 or 4 months ago . READ MY MEMORIAL DAY COMMENTS FOR IMPROVEMENT OF THIS TEAM.

Posted by: drew on May 30, 2007 8:41AM EST I think that you should draft for the best player available if u have high first round picks. And worry about what you need in the 2nd round. Im also on the Yi bandwagan brining him in will helps the hawks orginization alot. If we get him at the #3 spot and law/crinttenton at the #11 spot will be straigth at the 1 and 5.

Posted by: BWA on May 30, 2007 11:34AM EST (Rob) MARVIN WILLIAMS IS NOT A STARTING PF IN THIS LEAGUE!! Are you crazy, or maybe you haven't been watching the Hawks. Sheldon Williams is better suited as a undersized center. Last year, he struggled playing against and defending more atheletic PFs. They started Sheldon at the 5 at the end of the season, and he was awarded rookie of the month. I also disagree with you that Conley is an All-Star PG to be. You say we are in desperate need of a PG, but if you look at the roster, we have many PGs. Speedy, A Johnson, T Lue, and Ivey. This may not be the best point guard talent in the NBA, but nevertheless they are true PGs! The point is we have greater needs than at the PG position, believe it or not. The misconception everywhere is that the Hawks are in desperate need of a PG, when really we are in need of a scoring/ aggressive PF. Yi fits that mold and so does Brandan Wright. (Hawks Fan...) Do you really think Yi can be successful at the 5? He is a real 7 footer, but he's rail thin at 210 lbs.

Posted by: Mark on May 30, 2007 12:11PM EST The portland media is reporting talks between the hawks and Blazers were unsuccessful because the hawks were asking for Jack Aldrige and their 2008 First rounder. I like that creativity on our end but thats not going to happen. Hawks fans, this is THE definative course of action that should be taken to build us into a championship team. One of the biggest errors of this current administration is failing to get Marcus williams in a draft day freefall that saw him end up with the New jersey nets. His per 48 numbers are among the best in the league and with a year under his belt with a future hall of famer and a trip to the playoffs, he has experiences that are invaluable to a young team such as ours. The plan is simple. OFFER JOSH CHILDRESS AND THE 11 PICK FOR MARCUS WILLIAMS AND THE 17th PICK. DRAFT BRANDON WRIGHT. SIGN/TRADE FOR A SHOT BLOCKER. Simple as that. Jamaal Magloire is a free agent, look into him. EVERYTHING CHANGES WITH A PURE PG LIKE MARCUS WILLIAMS.... DO IT KNIGHT. DO IT NOW.

Posted by: J-mill on May 30, 2007 12:26PM EST Need is most important this year. This yeas draft is the only chance we have of living up to the potiental to get in the playoffs. this is the year and we can't mess up! this may be the year if we stay healthy HAWKS FANS! the playoffs in Atlanta may come down to the Highlight factory and not just Blueland.

Posted by: B_McDOWELL on May 30, 2007 1:41PM EST The Atl needs to get that powerforward out of china i think to mix up the draft then get A.C law or trade for a point

Posted by: Nader Rafidi on May 30, 2007 2:19PM EST I believe the Hawks should go after a big man at number 3. At number 11 the Hawks should get Jeff Green, and go after veterens that are going to be Free Agents.

Posted by: HAWKS FAN FROM DAY ONE on May 30, 2007 2:21PM EST SO.......all I do is critique others, huh? I believe you said that because you threw yourself under the bus with that ridiculous comment you made earlier that prompted my response. See, I READ. All of my "decent" suggestions were made on the appropriate blogs, plus, I answered this blog's question already. You never once made any height/weight comparisons with Zach and Tim Duncan. This is what you said: Only Center in east is SHAQ and he's almost done yea and Howard but he and Randolph are about the same push Zach in the east would be a beast more examples of PF playing center Stoudimire and Duncan 6'11" players like Zack. Where were these height/weight comparisons you spoke about in that comment?? Don't start crying because you tried to roll up some BS, serve it to us, and I called you out on it! You're the same person that has been making STUPID comments like Speedy Claxton will recover?!? Do you remember Speedy in Philadelphia? No, I didn't think so. As far as WHEN someone head about Yi Jianlian......WHO CARES WHEN WE HEARD ABOUT HIM?? We just heard about a number of these players 3 or 4 months ago, so what was your point?! I'm not trying to clown you, homie.....just saying. And I read your memorial day comments. BWA, tell the people ONE MORE TIME......MARVIN WILLIAMS IS NOT A DANG PF!!! That cat Rob clearly was not watching any Hawks games at all. He's talking Marvin and Sheldon at the 4. Sheldon was getting DRUG AROUND at the 4 until he was moved to the 5. Let me answer your question, too. Yi will be ok...that's why we have strength and conditioning coaches. They'll bulk him up, once they get him over to the states and get him off of that rice diet....LOL My man Obsa.....all I need to ask you homie is, WHO IN THE LEAGUE BLOCKS 10 SHOTS A GAME??? WHAT CAN "MR. JOURNEYMAN" JAMAAL MAGLOIRE DO?? Sit a couple of seasons on the bench, then it's onto another team! He plays like he's running in quick-drying concrete. Bruh, stop the madness!

Posted by: HAWKS FAN FROM DAY ONE on May 30, 2007 2:26PM EST I know this has NOTHING to do with the point of this blog, but........ KOBE BRYANT JUST MADE AN ANNOUNCEMENT ON ESPN THAT HE IS DEMANDING A TRADE FROM THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS. This is in strict contradiction to what he said just yesterday, so folks...this news is REAL. NOW, what do we do with our picks? LOL

Posted by: frank chang on May 30, 2007 3:08PM EST trade josh smith and third pick or if thats giving too much then marvin and third pick for kobe. i love the idea of teaming up kobe and joe johnson. joe at the 2 and kobe at the 3. that would be sweet. pick acie law at 11 or Yi. this would be a great scenario. ya know, the teams i see having the best shots at kobe if they are interested are atlanta, indiana, new jersey, phoenix, dallas, and maybe chicago or new york. i cant see los angelos trading him anywhere in the west. we have draft picks to offer. indiana has jermaine oneal. id love to see kobe here and id like to see what u all think. pg-acie law/claxton/lue sg-joe johnson/childress sf-kobe bryant/marvin williams pf-marvin/sheldon c... team if u ask me specially with kobe and joe hittin threes, gettin off to fast breaks. it would be off the heazy.

Posted by: Tha King on May 30, 2007 3:13PM EST First of all. I've lived in atlanta all my life and ive been a basketball (Hawks) fan since i,ve learned to speak... Since ive been here, the hawks have not been any good without a legit point guard (1998 Mookie).. I see there are a lot of people for and against the PG with the 3 spot... I watched this Yi cat on you tube and he looks legit.... BUT.. His moves looked pre-meditated and rather weak.. In the division with Brendan Haywood, Dwight Howard, Emeka Okafor, and Shaq... Who will this Yi kid dominate? I dont see it.. I like the Brandan Wright Selection because he is a freak athlete and his potential is ridiculious.. Im a huge Conley fan, but i dont see him being at 11.. The hawks do need a tru PG.. With 11, I would go with Javaris Crittenton and I'll Tell you Why... 1. He is a 6-5 freak who has the quickness to blow by you and he gets off the floor in the blink of an eye... 2. He is a natural PG.. His vision is a close 2nd to Conley.. 3. With the Hawks Backcourt standing 6-5 & 6-8, it will create serious matchup broblems for the SE division.. PS.. Atlanta is already home for Crittenton who went to SACA and GA Tech... With Wright at 3 and Crittenton at 11, the Hawks will be bringing in two freak athletes who can score, defend, and who feed off exciting, crowd pleasing plays............ Throw them in with JJ's 25 points per and Josh Smith's 10 highlights per.... We look like we can smile again in the Home of the Brave!!!

Posted by: Dominique Wilkins on May 30, 2007 3:19PM EST Frank Chang, dude we're on the same page, and if we can't go after Kobe which I mean WE HAVE TO, I really feel the need to go best overall at 3 which will more than likely be Yi Jilian sp, unless (THE HOUSTON TEXANS/ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS REGGIE BUSH SWITCHARRO OCCURS AND WE GET DURANT), instead of Mike Conley for the simple fact ACIE LAW IV AT 11 WILL BE SITTING, is a leader, played all four years at TEXAS A&M, SHOT 50% from the field his collegiate career. My thing is, why don't we play salim more and I mean dammit, we could've had CHRIS PAUL but my colleagues didn't believe in him, STILL TRIPPIN ON THAT ONE, PEACE!

Posted by: olly on May 30, 2007 3:41PM EST hmmmm i very much doubt you are really 'nique, seeing as on a nother blog there is a transcriipt of 'nique saying that the hawks would/ should draft for need.... brendan wright looks great! but we really do need a PG and a tough centre, sheldon williams looked promising when he started playing centre so zaza and him would be good enough for me i think, onto the PG though... get rid of speedy... i know thats not constructive as i dont really have a viable suggestion as who to replace him with, but i really hate injury risk players...

Posted by: Josh Smith on May 30, 2007 4:05PM EST You're right Dominique, Acie Law IV did dominate Durant head to head three times last season, and I mean TEXAS A&M, LOL YEAH BASEBALL BUT THAT'S ABOUT IT, TURNED THE SCHOOL INTO BASKETBALL TOWN! At 11 can't go wrong, what is interesting to me, is at 3 if we go Ji Y, there are 3 maybe four pg's who are very legit 4 Memphis Our only scare if you really want Conley Jr. 5 Boston S. Telfair 6 Milwaukee M. Williams 7 Minnesota M. James 8 Charlotte R. Felton 9 Chicago K. Hinrich 10 Sacremento M. Bibby 11 HELLO, WE'RE HERE, WE CAN DO WITHOUT CONLEY FOR THE 3 BECAUSE HE WILL BE HERE IF YOU REALLY WANT TO GET HIM BUT I DISAGREE WITH HIM EVEN AT 11, U GOTTA GO ACIE LAW IV. I THINK SACREMENTO WILL GIVE IS BIBBY FOR THE 11TH PICK AND SHIP SPEEDY ALONG WITH THE PICK PG BIBBY SG JOHNSON SF M. WILLIAMS/SMITH/LEWIS (FA FROM SEATTLE) PF YI J C S. WILLIAMS 6TH MAN JOSH SMITH (USE HIM LIKE BARBOSA) BENCH LUE, STOUDAMIRE, WILLIAMS, MO PETE(FA) OR M.WILLIAMS (DEPENDING ON RASHARD LEWIS WHO IS ALSO A (FA)), CHILDRESS, ZAZA, LAW IV

Posted by: Jones on May 30, 2007 4:10PM EST Get the thought of Kobe in a hawks jersey out of your head right now, because there is no way in hell he would ever ever want to play for the hawks. No chance in hell Kobe's $17,718,750 a year will fit in our payroll either.

Posted by: ToeKnee on May 30, 2007 4:27PM EST Corey Brewer Baby!!! Follow the dream baby, a court full of the most versatile 6-9 guys in the game!! It's like 2 Josh Smiths. Not only would they win, they would be one of THE most exciting teams to watch with brewer and aerosmith flying all over the place getting steals and blocks. take conley or acie at 11. if not take noah. point guard really isnt our biggest problem, but we could still use a young gun who can run with us

Posted by: Pablo Escobar12 on May 30, 2007 4:32PM EST Okay Everybody listen to this im the first to say this cause i just saw it but the hawks don't need oden or durant all they need to get is conley at #11 because the number 3 ppick is going to be traded for a superstar named kobe bryant.... yes thats right kobe he wants to be traded so we give them speedy, josh childress, and Lorenzo wright and the number 3 pick for kobe, and we have gotten ourselfs a playoff bound team. with a suporting cast behind kobe he will be right in the mix for a playoff spot. kobe wants to leave and he wants to go to the east. we have the money to pay him and the ammo to trade so the lineup will be this.... 1. Conley Jr.---back Up T-lue 2. Braynt----back up salim 3. Joe johnson----Back Up Josh smith 4. marvin----back up solomon 5. Sheldon---- Back up zaza pachula And we could try to get the laker pick and move up to get joakim noah because he could fall to them. but long as we get kobe and conley can you say playoff run esspecially in the east. iknow i know im a genius right!!!! don't thank me just learn from me Pablo Escobar!!!!