Hawks and Pacers Get Together
By Cory Elfrink Email Cory

With the Atlanta Hawks coming up more and more often in trade scenarios prior to this Thursday’s NBA Draft, it’s only fitting to try and explore one that might actually work for both teams.  Most recently Marcus Camby, Andre Miller, Jermaine O’Neal, Kevin Garnett and Pau Gasol have been rumored targets.

Atlanta has the #3 and #11 picks in this Thursday’s NBA Draft.  These spots look to command players at the SG, SF, or PF positions.  But the Hawks are already loaded at SG, SF, and even PF.  They have unmatched levels of youth and friendly contracts.  Where could Atlanta find minutes for their new rookies?  They are deep at SG with All-Star Joe Johnson and the highly effective Josh Childress.  At the forward spots they run the talented and future All-Star, Josh Smith next to still-developing high lottery picks, Marvin and Shelden Williams.

In Tyronn Lue, Speedy Claxton and Anthony Johnson they have three point guards who are all serviceable backups but couldn’t get the job done as starters last season. 

Atlanta also has a bit of cap space to work with.  This off-season they need to address a lack of veteran leadership, a starting point guard to distribute to their talent, and their interior toughness.

WHAT TO DO WITH THE THIRD PICK?

It’s the question on most Atlanta fans’ and front office personnel’s minds.  At first glance, many thought it was a logical choice to select Ohio State’s 19 year-old PG Mike Conley with this pick.  But as scouts have begun comparing Conley to other prospects who are in the draft, it is becoming more and more evident that he barely cracks the top 10. 

Many fans are declaring that Conley will be the fastest player in the NBA.  That he has natural leadership skills, his ball handling is superior, and so is his ability to get to the rim.

I have no problem saying he's fast, poised, possesses a good basketball IQ for his age and experience, and handled collegiate defenses well.  But what are these fans basing these statements on? Shouldn't he have to play Tony Parker, T.J. Ford, Chris Paul, Allen Iverson, Dwyane Wade and the rest of the guards in the League before we call him the fastest? What grown men has he ever led? When is he planning to unveil a decent jump shot?  What NBA quality player has Conley taken to the rim? Remember, he played in a Big 10 that was stripped of NBA talent.

Being fast doesn't make you good. It's thru changing speeds and using misdirection that speed and quickness become dangerous. Let him play a season before we crown him an elite NBA PG.

Guys like Al Horford and Corey Brewer seem like much surer picks.  They have developed nicely in their years with Billy Donovan and the Florida Gators.  We also have read that the Hawks are high on PF Brendan Wright and are giving serious consideration to Yi Jianlian.  

Even if they do take Conley at #3, the #11 pick would figure to be another wing player.

Bottom line is this:  Atlanta needs to make a trade to free up some minutes.

MISSING PIECES IN INDIANA?

It’s no secret that Jermaine O’Neal wants out of Indiana.  The problem is that he will average over $21 million for the next three seasons.  That’s too much to pay anyone in this league, especially a guy who’s averaged 20.8 points, 10.07 rebounds, and 2.43 blocks over the past six seasons.

Indiana has recently put itself in a tough spot regarding contracts and they are seeking a makeover.  Marquis Daniels has not worked out for them.  The acquisitions of Troy Murphy and Mike Dunleavy are still being evaluated, but early response is not good. 

Jamaal Tinsley has been the headache that won’t go away.  To make matters worse, Indiana is committed to him by contract for the next four seasons at a combined $27.75 million.  While it may be easy to focus on the negative, Tinsley’ 6.9 assists per game was good enough for 11th in the league despite average minutes in his starts.  He also managed 12.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.6 steals.  At 6’3” he is a good sized PG.

Jermaine and Jamaal want out and the feeling is mutual in Indiana.

Atlanta has too many parts at forward and shooting guard and they are desperate for a PG and veteran star.

It's really simple.

THIS TRADE SHOULD HAPPEN

Atlanta gets Jermaine O'Neal and Jamaal Tinsley
Indiana gets Joe Johnson, Shelden Williams, Tyronn Lue and Lorenzen Wright



photos courtesy of iml.jou.ufl.edu and kfba.net, respectively

CAN ATLANTA REALLY GIVE UP ON JOE?

They have to give up on someone because there are just not enough minutes in the game for the depth they have at those three positions.  Moving Shelden also opens up the PF spot for the better Al Horford, who could be landed with the third pick.

In Joe Johnson’s two seasons with ATL he won 26 and 30 games.  Last season he managed to play in just 57 games (12 less than O’Neal).  In the games he played the Hawks posted .377 winning percentage.  In the games he sat, they won at a .360 clip.  That’s a negligible difference.  So to say they can’t win without him would be a gross misconception.

Although Jermaine O’Neal is vastly more expensive than JJ, he also plays a position where it has become increasingly difficult to find high levels of skill.  When O’Neal is driven, he is one of the best post options in the East.  When JJ is driven, he can barely sniff all-star status because of how many good SGs there are in the League.

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