Monday, September 28, 2009

In Which I Offer Varying Levels Of Support To Four Training Camp Attendees

Here's the depth chart on the morning of September 28th...

Backcourt: Mike Bibby, Joe Johnson, Jamal Crawford, Jeff Teague
The Wing: Marvin Williams, Maurice Evans
Frontcourt: Josh Smith, Al Horford, Zaza Pachulia, Joe Smith, Jason Collins

That's eleven guys. Randolph Morris may have the twelfth roster spot sewn up due to being under contract. That leaves at least one spot to be filled. I advocate giving that spot to whichever of Othello Hunter or Courtney Sims demonstrates a better ability to defend NBA power forwards (To repeat: I'm skeptical that Joe Smith can do so at this point in his career.) and rebound. If $855K can be spared, I'd give up on Randolph Morris and keep both.

Because the Hawks have just two guys capable of playing on the wing, I suspect that Mario West is next in line for a roster spot even though that spot could be better spent on Aaron Miles or Garret Siler if he shows a decent amount of competence and promise and the organization is willing to send him to Provo for the season or simply by acquiring an actual third-string small forward.

Miles isn't anything more than a generic third point guard: a poor shooter, a decent (if overrated) defender, and a good passer willing to push the tempo if the Hawks truly intend to do so. I think the Hawks would be well served to keep someone who fits the true point guard bill to serve as insurance behind Crawford and Teague should Bibby have to miss any time. Unfortunately for Miles, Mike Wilks is more veteran-y, a marginally better and far more aggressive offensive player (in terms of looking for his own shot), so he likely has the inside track for a job that, frankly, might not even exist in the minds of those who matter.

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