[rquoter]ORLANDO – The re-signing of Joe Johnson might not be the only big splash the Atlanta Hawks make this summer. Free-agent center Shaquille O'Neal is seriously considering a two-year deal with the Hawks that starts at the mid-level exception of $5.8 million, according to NBA sources close to both the team and the future Hall of Fame player. ... Johnson was told by management that the Hawks intended to make significant changes to their roster, including the possible addition of O'Neal. "I think he wants to see how everything shakes out with all the free agents, but he's seriously considering Atlanta's offer,'' said the source who asked that his name not be used. "He wants to play two more years, and he wants it to be with a contender. He thinks he can help them become a serious one.'' The Hawks, who lost in the second round of the playoffs for the second consecutive year, have a glaring need for a bigger, stronger center with a low-post game. They have been using undersized Al Horford, who could slide smoothly to power forward to make room for O'Neal. The Hawks have recently been exploring the possibility of trading power forward Josh Smith as part of their summertime makeover, according to sources around the league. O'Neal, 38, played 53 games for the Cavs last season, averaging 12 points and 6.7 rebounds in 23.4 minutes. Although he isn't the force he once was, he could solidify Atlanta defensively. The Cavaliers traded for him last summer, believing he could be their answer to rival Orlando and Dwight Howard, but they never reached that matchup after losing to Boston. The Hawks are thinking along the same lines after being swept by the Magic in the second round this spring. They had no answer for Howard around the basket, something that O'Neal still could provide. They also could use O'Neal's star appeal to help create some much needed interest in the franchise. ... ... "He wants to make sure he finishes with a contender, and in a city he likes,'' said the source.[/rquoter] http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/07/05/shaq-weighing-offer-from-hawks-to-join-johnson/
Sorry for the double post but seriously how are we not better than the Hawks? If they're contenders then we've got to be at least a level higher. If Shaq is looking to play in a city that he likes, isn't Houston one of them? Doesn't he have several business ventures here? A gym and a nightclub I believe. Anywho maybe he would be interested except that we haven't extended an offer to him, too busy trying to bring Brad Miller I suppose.
If signing Shaq to the MLE is considered a significant roster change by the Hawks, that franchise is doomed and has zero chance to actually contend for the Finals.
Actually getting Shaq makes them a strong team. Getting Shaq allows them to put Horford in his natural position at the pf slot, which means Josh Smith can move back to his SF position. Mike Bibby Joe Johnson Josh Smith Al Horford Shaq Bench Zaza Crawford Jeff Teague Damion Jones ^That's a pretty solid team right there, good enough to reach the Eastern conf. finals, esp. if Perkins' injury is serious and the Celt's Big 3 continue getting older. They'll probably lose to the Bulls, Nets or Miami though, depending on where LBJ and Wade end up.
A few things: (1) Josh Smith is not a small forward. Both he and the Hawks realized this the year before last. He simply cannot shoot the basketball. Once he moved to power forward, his game took off. (2) Where is Marvin Williams? (3) Who is Damion Jones? If you mean Damion JAMES, he was traded to the Nets on draft night for the rights to Jordan Crawford.
I'd stay away from the Hawks for a while.....they just extended their Johnson!....Anybody? No?...awesome.
I guess you have forgotten Shaq is now pathetic. The Cavs played their best ball with him on the bench. It's almost a shame watching him lumber out there, not being able to finish at the basket within 5 feet. Next season, Shaq could probably play about 10 effective minutes per game if he's lucky. The starting lineup and rotation you mention above is nothing special at all. As much as I don't like Marvin Williams, it would be smarter for the Hawks to keep him in the lineup than replace him with Shaq. Also, if the Hawks actually keep Bibby as a starter, they are insane. He is worse than Derek Fisher and JJ isn't good enough cover up his sorriness. If the Hawks don't make a trade for an impact player to carry the water when JJ fails, the best they can do is tread water. I also agree with BimaThug's comments on Josh Smith at SF. He can't play the position very well because he doesn't have enough skills to be a SF.
If this goes down and for the contract mentioned, it's to sell tickets, pure and simple. The Hawks have a hard time in that department and obviously hope (assuming this is true) that their fans are clueless as to how effective Shaq is these days.
Shaq was 18/8, a deserving west allstar before traded to Cavs. LeBron needs the paint to be vacant to get his numbers, that's not Shaq's fault. I was calling this from a mile away. Shaq can do better in Hawk than in Cavs, that's almost a lock.
Bring a ring for Smith just doesn't sound right If he does sign there, he knows that he won't win another championship again.
