*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (6 Viewers)

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Kudos to the Pistons for cutting the cord on the cancer. How long now until Jennings shown the door?

Dallas makes sense. Whether the ball dominant, no shoot buffoon can translate to the concept of playing within a team for the first time in a bench role with lesser minutes, who knows. Odds are against it at 29.

 

[thecatch]

I thought the Kings were interested in him a few weeks back?

Apparently they and the Mavs are interested. Maybe Houston. Don't know why he'd consider the Kings if those are his other options.

That said, I don't mind my team taking a minimum deal-type flier on him.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Why would a contending team want to add him? He's a lunatic and he sucks.

That's the best part about this thread. He's one of the most bashed players here, right or wrong, but now that's he's released all these contenders will benefit from all the baggage he brings with him.

He's bashed because he sucks up $14 million/year of salary space and takes terrible shots. The first problem is now totally eliminated; the second can be eliminated with the right coach and system, which makes for an interesting conversation since he can also now be benched or even jettisoned given the elimination of the first problem. Not sure I see the conflict there.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Why would a contending team want to add him? He's a lunatic and he sucks.

That's the best part about this thread. He's one of the most bashed players here, right or wrong, but now that's he's released all these contenders will benefit from all the baggage he brings with him.

He's great if he can just stick to what he can do. Play defense, rebound and attack the rim. Million dollar talent with a.10c head.

 

[SWC]

smith has always been able to jump out of the gym and go hard to the rim the problem is he would rather jack stupid threes and what sometimes should be called fours it is going to take one hell of a coach and veteran locker room to rain him in in my opinion take that to the bank

 

[AAABatteries]

Why would a contending team want to add him? He's a lunatic and he sucks.

He's a talented defender and rebounder and he's cheap. If it doesn't work out, no harm done.

That actually kind of makes me wonder if one of the 5 Eastern Conference playoff locks should take a shot on him, since they really have very little at stake in the regular season. Not sure he fits with any of them, though. Need a veteran coach, a strong locker room and room in the frontcourt. Unfortunately that only leaves the Wiz, which would be a nightmare pairing. Smith on a team with poor shot selection is not what either side needs.

If the Hawks bring him back I vow to never watch the NBA again.

 

[thecatch]

Rockets the only team that can offer him more than the minimum, so they are the favorites.

 

[Bobcat10]

Why would a contending team want to add him? He's a lunatic and he sucks.

That's the best part about this thread. He's one of the most bashed players here, right or wrong, but now that's he's released all these contenders will benefit from all the baggage he brings with him.

He's great if he can just stick to what he can do. Play defense, rebound and attack the rim. Million dollar talent with a.10c head.

Right and now after how many years, 8 or 10?, that's going to change? I'm not dismissing a contender taking a shot on him. As mentioned there are really no strings attached. And the risk is, well, ####### up your team. Hell I'd like to see him and Waiters play offense for a small stretch of each half and see what happens. Just don't think that will work out...I'm sure he thinks he's a superstar.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Why would a contending team want to add him? He's a lunatic and he sucks.

He's a talented defender and rebounder and he's cheap. If it doesn't work out, no harm done.

That actually kind of makes me wonder if one of the 5 Eastern Conference playoff locks should take a shot on him, since they really have very little at stake in the regular season. Not sure he fits with any of them, though. Need a veteran coach, a strong locker room and room in the frontcourt. Unfortunately that only leaves the Wiz, which would be a nightmare pairing. Smith on a team with poor shot selection is not what either side needs.

If the Hawks bring him back I vow to never watch the NBA again.

As I went through them one by one I literally laughed out loud when I got to the Hawks.

Great win Saturday night, BTW. They looked incredible. At Houston without Teague might be the most impressive Eastern Conference win of the season.

 

[Jules Winnfield]

So...Josh to the T-Pups isn't happening?

Wasn't this guy really good a few years back?

tia as I don't know much about NBA

 

[No. 16]

Josh Smith would fit right in Dallas basically taking the place of Wright.

We know Sacramento has been in love with him. So you figure they're trying to make cap space.

With the ability to set the price I can see each team that is trying to contend trying to add him. A big who can defend, rebound, and finish can be an asset.

 

[AAABatteries]

Why would a contending team want to add him? He's a lunatic and he sucks.

He's a talented defender and rebounder and he's cheap. If it doesn't work out, no harm done.

That actually kind of makes me wonder if one of the 5 Eastern Conference playoff locks should take a shot on him, since they really have very little at stake in the regular season. Not sure he fits with any of them, though. Need a veteran coach, a strong locker room and room in the frontcourt. Unfortunately that only leaves the Wiz, which would be a nightmare pairing. Smith on a team with poor shot selection is not what either side needs.

If the Hawks bring him back I vow to never watch the NBA again.

As I went through them one by one I literally laughed out loud when I got to the Hawks.

Great win Saturday night, BTW. They looked incredible. At Houston without Teague might be the most impressive Eastern Conference win of the season.

Coach Bud really has them playing well. They contained Howard pretty well and made Harden work for his points. The most impressive part to me was that they gave up the double-digit lead and maintained their composure and closed it out - all without Teague. Hawks had a pretty good week - beating Chicago, Cleveland and Houston. They are 1st in assist, 5th in points allowed and 8th in points scored. I'm sure I'll jinx it and they'll lose 8 out of 10 or something but I'm just enjoying it right now. It's amazing how much of a difference a coaching change can make.

 

[thecatch]

We know Sacramento has been in love with him. So you figure they're trying to make cap space.

.

No, you probably don't because Sacramento is nowhere near the cap.

 

[Spartans Rule]

how will the cap hit work for the team that signs him? Would it just be whatever he signs for or is there some residue from the Pistons deal?

Technically someone could claim him off waivers. Then they'd just his assume the remainder of his Pistons contract and Detroit would be off the hook.

That scenario is less likely than the NBA folding tomorrow.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Why would a contending team want to add him? He's a lunatic and he sucks.

That's the best part about this thread. He's one of the most bashed players here, right or wrong, but now that's he's released all these contenders will benefit from all the baggage he brings with him.

He's great if he can just stick to what he can do. Play defense, rebound and attack the rim. Million dollar talent with a.10c head.

Right and now after how many years, 8 or 10?, that's going to change? I'm not dismissing a contender taking a shot on him. As mentioned there are really no strings attached. And the risk is, well, ####### up your team. Hell I'd like to see him and Waiters play offense for a small stretch of each half and see what happens. Just don't think that will work out...I'm sure he thinks he's a superstar.

I doubt it will either. But maybe on the right contending team with solid vets it could. Get him on a min deal and if it doesn't work out, cut him. Certainly worth a flier for someone. Maybe this is the embarrassment he needed to get his head straight.

 

[TobiasFunke]

how will the cap hit work for the team that signs him? Would it just be whatever he signs for or is there some residue from the Pistons deal?

Technically someone could claim him off waivers. Then they'd just his assume the remainder of his Pistons contract and Detroit would be off the hook.

That scenario is less likely than the NBA folding tomorrow.

Once he clears he's an UFA. I think whatever he gets paid is applied back against his Pistons salary, though?

 

[thecatch]

how will the cap hit work for the team that signs him? Would it just be whatever he signs for or is there some residue from the Pistons deal?

Technically someone could claim him off waivers. Then they'd just his assume the remainder of his Pistons contract and Detroit would be off the hook.

That scenario is less likely than the NBA folding tomorrow.

I don't think that there are any teams outside the Sixers that even have the cap space to claim him.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Sac could have an interesting starting lineup if they get Smith and trade for Williams.

Williams

McLemore

Gay

Smith

Cousins

Interesting. Not good. But interesting in a train wreck sort of way.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Once he clears he's an UFA. I think whatever he gets paid is applied back against his Pistons salary, though?

I'm not sure. I know that's how amnesty worked, and that's been how teams have dealt with these nightmare contracts the last few years. Unfortunately for the Pistons, Smith isn't eligible for amnesty.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Next question for the Pistons is what to do with Greg Monroe, who's a UFA after the season. He definitely wasn't staying around with Smith in town. He might be more open to it now, but I still think Detroit may shop him a bit to see if they can get something of value.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

Once he clears he's an UFA. I think whatever he gets paid is applied back against his Pistons salary, though?

I'm not sure. I know that's how amnesty worked, and that's been how teams have dealt with these nightmare contracts the last few years. Unfortunately for the Pistons, Smith isn't eligible for amnesty.

The big difference between the Smith contract and amnesty provision is the Pistons still have to count Smith's contract against the cap. DET has some options on paying out Smith's contract and how to take the cap hit. Even if they choose to pay him with the stretch provision, they can still take the cap hit on the schedule of the original contract if they want. If/when Smith signs a new contract, DET will get to split the difference between Smith's contract amount and the veteran's minimum salary for a player of smith's service level.

ETA: Assuming Smith clears waivers (can't imagine PHI thinks they can claim him and flip him for a pick, so a safe assumption), Smith can openly negotiate and sign with any team other than DET - there's no blind bidding process, and Smith is not obligated to the team that offers him the most money.

 

[thecatch]

Next question for the Pistons is what to do with Greg Monroe, who's a UFA after the season. He definitely wasn't staying around with Smith in town. He might be more open to it now, but I still think Detroit may shop him a bit to see if they can get something of value.

They can't shop Monroe. He has to approve a trade and apparently won't do so because he'd be giving up his Bird rights.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

So...Josh to the T-Pups isn't happening?

Wasn't this guy really good a few years back?

tia as I don't know much about NBA

He's never been really good. People have been really good of overstating his value by watching box scores. He's undeniably gotten worse as his career has moved on. He's just never developed his game.

Problem with guys like him is they've been ball dominant their whole lives & 9x outta 10 can never adjust to being a support player. Best spot for him IMO is with a 2nd unit in fewer minutes (and let him 'lead' 2nd unit in short spurts).

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Egads.

http://t.co/qzK30Nyf7m

 

[Instinctive]

Pretty firmly hoping Dallas does not go after Smith. Then again, Carslisle is amazing and can do anything so maybe it would work out. I doubt it though.

 

[Kev4029]

I want to see Smith in San Antonio. He doesn't seem like a natural fit, but neither are any of the other guys they play along side Duncan other than Diaw (who has shot like #### this year anyway). If anybody is going to tame Smith and have him make better decisions its Pop and all the old guys on the Spurs.

 

[No. 16]

From Pelton (ESPN insider)

Instead, Van Gundy decided to forego the chance to find a trade in the future in order to guarantee more cap flexibility next summer. The stretch provision of the new NBA collective bargaining agreement allows the Pistons to stretch the final two seasons of Smith's contract over a five-year span, reducing his cap hit from $13.5 million in both 2015-16 and 2016-17 to $5.4 million, which will be paid through 2019-20. (Detroit will save additional money by setting off any salary Smith is paid by a new team above the NBA's second-year minimum.)

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Josh Smith is terrible. Get the ball on the wing beyond the three point line, dribble seven times, fire up a wild shot just inside the line. :bricktown:

Josh Smith shot chart

After watching Josh Smith take any awful shot he can get for most of the game, he decides 12 seconds left down 8 is the time to hesitate, pump fake, drive and dish.

Josh Smith with the wide-open 3-pointer for the win...

You can probably guess how that ended.

I just started laughing right as he was about to shoot.

 

[AAABatteries]

That's a ####### road trip right there. Beat Cleveland, Houston and now Dallas. Go Hawks!

 

[Britney Spears]

oof

He needs to be stopped.

Love how the bench did all of the heavy lifting to get them in it just to hand it to Kobe for the brick.

A couple weeks ago I said Kobe was the worst player in the NBA. You all thought I was kidding.

There are plenty of lesser talents of course, but there is nobody who does less to help a team win/more to make a team lose than Kobe. I'm not even sure it's close. Not really sure who's number two. Josh Smith maybe? Kendrick Perkins?

Even a measured, pragmatic smart guy like Zach Lowe is just about there with Kobe

I have to assume it's not in his best interest to completely alienate the highly sensitive Kobe fan base.

 

[Britney Spears]

He lives in Houston in the summer and is friends with Dwight.

Mostly just surprised he would choose to spend summers in Houston.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

oof

He needs to be stopped.

Love how the bench did all of the heavy lifting to get them in it just to hand it to Kobe for the brick.

A couple weeks ago I said Kobe was the worst player in the NBA. You all thought I was kidding.

There are plenty of lesser talents of course, but there is nobody who does less to help a team win/more to make a team lose than Kobe. I'm not even sure it's close. Not really sure who's number two. Josh Smith maybe? Kendrick Perkins?

Even a measured, pragmatic smart guy like Zach Lowe is just about there with Kobe

I have to assume it's not in his best interest to completely alienate the highly sensitive Kobe fan base.

I have never seen him troll.

 

[Abraham]

I've been wanting smith on the rockets for a couple years. If he will focus on D and cleaning the glass he will be really nice for the rockets.

 

[TobiasFunke]

That's a ####### road trip right there. Beat Cleveland, Houston and now Dallas. Go Hawks!

Quite possibly the second-best team in the league at the moment. One loss since Thanksgiving and it was by one point on the back half of a home-and-home with Orlando. Horford rounding into form. Korver is like a glitch in a video game. There's no weakness here other than maybe lackluster home crowds. I'm gonna spend some time today shopping for futures odds on this team.

 

[thecatch]

The Hawks have played the league's second easiest schedule. They aren't anywhere near the second best team in the league.

 

[TobiasFunke]

The Hawks have played the league's second easiest schedule. They aren't anywhere near the second best team in the league.

Who exactly do you have ahead of them right now? Toronto, with whom they're even in the loss column, has played an even easier schedule and doesn't have a "holy ####" win since they beat Atlanta before Thanksgiving. Memphis, also tied in the loss column, has lost three in a row and has a worse point differential.

I'll give you Portland I guess, even though they got shellacked yesterday in Houston, a place where Atlanta cruised to an easy win on Saturday. But even so, that would put them third. I don't see anyone else in the mix right now. In a month or two, probably, and in April/May, almost certainly. But not right now, which is why I said "at the moment."

 

[thecatch]

The Hawks have played the league's second easiest schedule. They aren't anywhere near the second best team in the league.

Who exactly do you have ahead of them right now? Toronto, with whom they're even in the loss column, has played an even easier schedule and doesn't have a "holy ####" win since they beat Atlanta before Thanksgiving. Memphis, also tied in the loss column, has lost three in a row and has a worse point differential.

I'll give you Portland I guess, even though they got shellacked yesterday in Houston, a place where Atlanta cruised to an easy win on Saturday. But even so, that would put them third. I don't see anyone else in the mix right now. In a month or two, probably, and in April/May, almost certainly. But not right now, which is why I said "at the moment."

I won't debate the application of such a subjective standard at length. But if they were thrown in the playoffs starting today in the West, they wouldn't last long, IMO.

 

[Kev4029]

I've been wanting smith on the rockets for a couple years. If he will focus on D and cleaning the glass he will be really nice for the rockets.

Another immature player is probably not what the Rockets need.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

The Hawks have played the league's second easiest schedule. They aren't anywhere near the second best team in the league.

Who exactly do you have ahead of them right now? Toronto, with whom they're even in the loss column, has played an even easier schedule and doesn't have a "holy ####" win since they beat Atlanta before Thanksgiving. Memphis, also tied in the loss column, has lost three in a row and has a worse point differential.

I'll give you Portland I guess, even though they got shellacked yesterday in Houston, a place where Atlanta cruised to an easy win on Saturday. But even so, that would put them third. I don't see anyone else in the mix right now. In a month or two, probably, and in April/May, almost certainly. But not right now, which is why I said "at the moment."

I won't debate the application of such a subjective standard at length. But if they were thrown in the playoffs starting today in the West, they wouldn't last long, IMO.

Also if they were thrown in the playoffs against the 86 Celtics they wouldn't last long.

But that has nothing to do with 'at the moment' either so...

 

[Spanky24]

I've been wanting smith on the rockets for a couple years. If he will focus on D and cleaning the glass he will be really nice for the rockets.

Another immature player is probably not what the Rockets need.

No worries, between Howard & Harden they will get Smith back on track.

Two of the hardest working, most dedicated professionals in the league today.

 

[TobiasFunke]

The Hawks have played the league's second easiest schedule. They aren't anywhere near the second best team in the league.

Who exactly do you have ahead of them right now? Toronto, with whom they're even in the loss column, has played an even easier schedule and doesn't have a "holy ####" win since they beat Atlanta before Thanksgiving. Memphis, also tied in the loss column, has lost three in a row and has a worse point differential.

I'll give you Portland I guess, even though they got shellacked yesterday in Houston, a place where Atlanta cruised to an easy win on Saturday. But even so, that would put them third. I don't see anyone else in the mix right now. In a month or two, probably, and in April/May, almost certainly. But not right now, which is why I said "at the moment."

I won't debate the application of such a subjective standard at length. But if they were thrown in the playoffs starting today in the West, they wouldn't last long, IMO.

There's nothing subjective about the fact that they just beat Houston and Dallas on the road, both somewhat easily, and both without their starting PG who is having a great season. That seems to suggest they'd do OK if they drew those two teams.

Obviously I can't prove your subjective opinion is wrong. But I'm not sure why you'd make a definitive statement that "they aren't anywhere near the second-best team in the league" at the moment when recent results seem to show otherwise and then refuse to explain it with anything more than a hunch and SOS rankings. I've seen them between 4 and 6 in power rankings after last week, before the win at Dallas.

 

[thecatch]

The Hawks have played the league's second easiest schedule. They aren't anywhere near the second best team in the league.

Who exactly do you have ahead of them right now? Toronto, with whom they're even in the loss column, has played an even easier schedule and doesn't have a "holy ####" win since they beat Atlanta before Thanksgiving. Memphis, also tied in the loss column, has lost three in a row and has a worse point differential.

I'll give you Portland I guess, even though they got shellacked yesterday in Houston, a place where Atlanta cruised to an easy win on Saturday. But even so, that would put them third. I don't see anyone else in the mix right now. In a month or two, probably, and in April/May, almost certainly. But not right now, which is why I said "at the moment."

I won't debate the application of such a subjective standard at length. But if they were thrown in the playoffs starting today in the West, they wouldn't last long, IMO.

Also if they were thrown in the playoffs against the 86 Celtics they wouldn't last long.

But that has nothing to do with 'at the moment' either so...

If the playoffs against the '86 Celtics started tonight, that's not close enough to the moment for you?

 

[Abraham]

I've been wanting smith on the rockets for a couple years. If he will focus on D and cleaning the glass he will be really nice for the rockets.

Another immature player is probably not what the Rockets need.

No worries, between Howard & Harden they will get Smith back on track.

Two of the hardest working, most dedicated professionals in the league today.

I appreciate that Howard and Harden aren't necessarily well liked but I've seen nothing to suggest that they are immature in terms of professionalism. Harden is leading the league in scoring, top 10 in assists, and an MVP candidate. Howard is 19 and 12 and playing excellent Defense. I don't imagine the addition of Josh Smith would suddenly be a plague on the Toyota Center because his teammates are too immature to bring him in to the fold.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

The Hawks have played the league's second easiest schedule. They aren't anywhere near the second best team in the league.

Who exactly do you have ahead of them right now? Toronto, with whom they're even in the loss column, has played an even easier schedule and doesn't have a "holy ####" win since they beat Atlanta before Thanksgiving. Memphis, also tied in the loss column, has lost three in a row and has a worse point differential.

I'll give you Portland I guess, even though they got shellacked yesterday in Houston, a place where Atlanta cruised to an easy win on Saturday. But even so, that would put them third. I don't see anyone else in the mix right now. In a month or two, probably, and in April/May, almost certainly. But not right now, which is why I said "at the moment."

I won't debate the application of such a subjective standard at length. But if they were thrown in the playoffs starting today in the West, they wouldn't last long, IMO.

There's nothing subjective about the fact that they just beat Houston and Dallas on the road, both somewhat easily, and both without their starting PG who is having a great season. That seems to suggest they'd do OK if they drew those two teams.

Obviously I can't prove your subjective opinion is wrong. But I'm not sure why you'd make a definitive statement that "they aren't anywhere near the second-best team in the league" at the moment when recent results seem to show otherwise and then refuse to explain it with anything more than a hunch and SOS rankings. I've seen them between 4 and 6 in power rankings after last week, before the win at Dallas.

He was sharing his opinion, not trying to win a biggest jagoff on the Internet competition. Loosen the grip a little.

 

[Kev4029]

I've been wanting smith on the rockets for a couple years. If he will focus on D and cleaning the glass he will be really nice for the rockets.

Another immature player is probably not what the Rockets need.

No worries, between Howard & Harden they will get Smith back on track. Two of the hardest working, most dedicated professionals in the league today.

I appreciate that Howard and Harden aren't necessarily well liked but I've seen nothing to suggest that they are immature in terms of professionalism. Harden is leading the league in scoring, top 10 in assists, and an MVP candidate. Howard is 19 and 12 and playing excellent Defense. I don't imagine the addition of Josh Smith would suddenly be a plague on the Toyota Center because his teammates are too immature to bring him in to the fold.

Really? Nothing?

Houston makes sense on some levels because of their hatred for ####ty shots and their need for a power forward, but I think its a poor fit due to the personalities involved and the fact that Houston wants a good jump shooting forward.

 

[TobiasFunke]

The Hawks have played the league's second easiest schedule. They aren't anywhere near the second best team in the league.

Who exactly do you have ahead of them right now? Toronto, with whom they're even in the loss column, has played an even easier schedule and doesn't have a "holy ####" win since they beat Atlanta before Thanksgiving. Memphis, also tied in the loss column, has lost three in a row and has a worse point differential.

I'll give you Portland I guess, even though they got shellacked yesterday in Houston, a place where Atlanta cruised to an easy win on Saturday. But even so, that would put them third. I don't see anyone else in the mix right now. In a month or two, probably, and in April/May, almost certainly. But not right now, which is why I said "at the moment."

I won't debate the application of such a subjective standard at length. But if they were thrown in the playoffs starting today in the West, they wouldn't last long, IMO.

There's nothing subjective about the fact that they just beat Houston and Dallas on the road, both somewhat easily, and both without their starting PG who is having a great season. That seems to suggest they'd do OK if they drew those two teams.

Obviously I can't prove your subjective opinion is wrong. But I'm not sure why you'd make a definitive statement that "they aren't anywhere near the second-best team in the league" at the moment when recent results seem to show otherwise and then refuse to explain it with anything more than a hunch and SOS rankings. I've seen them between 4 and 6 in power rankings after last week, before the win at Dallas.

It's probably dumb semantics, but a couple of great wins doesn't make them objectively the second best team in the league, even "at the moment", in my view, particularly when they don't have the body of work over the rest of the season to back that up the way the Western teams do. This is based on an objective assessment of the SOS. You were talking futures odds for them too. That enthusiasm should probably be tempered by the fact that they've played a cake schedule.

Not a Hawks hater by any stretch, BTW - I'd have them #2 ... In the East.

I think the body of work is decent after this week. After all, a three game stretch at this point is more than 10% of the entire season. And the 13 wins in 14 games represents more than half of it.

Kind of interesting note about SOS, although the West is obviously brutal the SOS of the conference's major powers aren't really that astronomical. Of the eight presumptive playoff teams, only one is in the top third in SOS (Memphis at #9). Dallas, Houston, LAC, OKC and Portland all have opponent win percentages under .500. They're not really that much different than the Hawks (.473) in that respect

As for the futures odds- I don't think they'll be the favorite or maybe not even the second-favorite in the East come April. However I do think they'll take the Southeast from the Wizards and a top 3 seed, which effectively means a first round bye in the five-team East. If so, the +1500 to win the east I found this morning looks pretty good. Even if they don't they're still taking on either the Wiz or the second-place team in the Central in the first round in the 4-5 matchup.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

The Hawks have played the league's second easiest schedule. They aren't anywhere near the second best team in the league.

Who exactly do you have ahead of them right now? Toronto, with whom they're even in the loss column, has played an even easier schedule and doesn't have a "holy ####" win since they beat Atlanta before Thanksgiving. Memphis, also tied in the loss column, has lost three in a row and has a worse point differential.

I'll give you Portland I guess, even though they got shellacked yesterday in Houston, a place where Atlanta cruised to an easy win on Saturday. But even so, that would put them third. I don't see anyone else in the mix right now. In a month or two, probably, and in April/May, almost certainly. But not right now, which is why I said "at the moment."

Toronto has thumped them twice, has played a tougher schedule, has a better record, has a better point differential and also been missing one of their top players.

Atlanta has certainly been playing great but I can't put them ahead of Toronto. I'd hope the Raptors draw them in the playoffs over the Bulls or Cavs.

 

[TobiasFunke]

The Hawks have played the league's second easiest schedule. They aren't anywhere near the second best team in the league.

Who exactly do you have ahead of them right now? Toronto, with whom they're even in the loss column, has played an even easier schedule and doesn't have a "holy ####" win since they beat Atlanta before Thanksgiving. Memphis, also tied in the loss column, has lost three in a row and has a worse point differential.

I'll give you Portland I guess, even though they got shellacked yesterday in Houston, a place where Atlanta cruised to an easy win on Saturday. But even so, that would put them third. I don't see anyone else in the mix right now. In a month or two, probably, and in April/May, almost certainly. But not right now, which is why I said "at the moment."

Toronto has thumped them twice, has played a tougher schedule, has a better record, has a better point differential and also been missing one of their top players.

Atlanta has certainly been playing great but I can't put them ahead of Toronto. I'd hope the Raptors draw them in the playoffs over the Bulls or Cavs.

Raptors have the slightly better overall profile, but the Hawks are playing better basketball right now. If they met on a neutral court on similar rest tomorrow and my life depended on picking the winner I wouldn't have to think very hard before taking the Hawks.

It's gonna change many more times between now and April but at this moment they're putting on quite a show.

 

[AAABatteries]

Not to ride the fence but I agree with both thoughts. I think they Hawks are playing well enough at the moment to be in consideration for the 2nd best team but I also agree that they aren't the 2nd best team. The schedule had been easy until the last week but this is what we've been waiting on to see how they'd play and they've beaten Chicago, Cleveland, Houston and Dallas in succession and I think they had double-digit leads in each. I know I keep acting like Coach Bud is John Wooden reincarnated but he has done an outstanding job. In case you are wondering how they've gotten to this point it all started with getting rid of that ###### Josh Smith - I somewhat kid considering the latest development with him but he and Joe Johnson were the exact opposite of the type of players that Coach Bud wants - they are black holes on offense, take horrible shots, don't pass it and generally piss off their teammates.

What he's done is littered the squad with 3-point shooters and guys that will pass and play defense. It's a total team effort and one of the things that I think helps them but also hurts them. Teams can't key on one guys - we have 6-7 guys that can put up 20 points on a given night but we don't have anyone who can go for 40. There's no superstar on this team and we all know that superstars win championships. It's definitely the Spurs model though and if you think that Teague, Horford and Korver can be Parker, Duncan and Ginobili then maybe they have a shot. The Hawks legitimately have 10 guys that can hit 3's. The only guys who don't shot them that play regularly are Horford (who has some range just not 3-pt range) and Brand when he plays. Everyone else can make spot up 3's.

 

[Abraham]

I've been wanting smith on the rockets for a couple years. If he will focus on D and cleaning the glass he will be really nice for the rockets.

Another immature player is probably not what the Rockets need.

No worries, between Howard & Harden they will get Smith back on track. Two of the hardest working, most dedicated professionals in the league today.

I appreciate that Howard and Harden aren't necessarily well liked but I've seen nothing to suggest that they are immature in terms of professionalism. Harden is leading the league in scoring, top 10 in assists, and an MVP candidate. Howard is 19 and 12 and playing excellent Defense. I don't imagine the addition of Josh Smith would suddenly be a plague on the Toyota Center because his teammates are too immature to bring him in to the fold.

Really? Nothing?

Houston makes sense on some levels because of their hatred for ####ty shots and their need for a power forward, but I think its a poor fit due to the personalities involved and the fact that Houston wants a good jump shooting forward.

I think Houston mostly wants someone that can guard Aldridge, Duncan, and Blake one on one. Everything else is just gravy.