Hawks 2010 Presser

[WigNosy]

Wig eyes the reporters gathered in the Atlanta Media Room.

"Another year, another lost season. We had a great season only to come up just short of a title, losing Game 7 against a Suns squad with a three-point rain game that nobody had an answer for all playoffs long. Despite that, I felt our core is still good and so I decided to bring them back for another shot this season."

"Our only really significant add was Michael Finley in Free Agency. With Battier's continued athletic decline, we felt it was important to have extra depth at the wing - Jason Richardson is a solid scorer but you can never have too much depth. Unfortunately, that depth will be put to the test immediately thanks to Rudy suffering a freak incident involving something called a Mon-Star in the offseason. Fortunately, knowing this is a frequent occurrence after a big RFA payday, we had insured Rudy against such an occurrence but I suspect it will take a season or two for him to get back on track - his star's ascent has certainly been interrupted, which puts the onus on everyone else to step up a bit this season if we are to get where we want to go."

"On the other hand, Joakim Noah thrived in Training Camp this offseason and we're quite pleased with his continued development - he's rapidly evolving into the player we hoped he would be when he was drafted. Noah's added defensive ability will allow us to move Duncan into a lesser role as his career starts to enter its twilight. Expect to see a little more of Joakim and a little less of Duncan this season."

"Devin Harris is another guy who surprised us a bit by improving an already efficient game in the offseason. We may have to ask him for one of his best seasons ever. Ramon Sessions continues to be an athletic freak backing him up at the point and having had to use him due to injury at various points over the last couple of seasons, we have no doubt at all about his ability."

"The elephant in the room, of course, is our payroll. It's YUUGE this season. I have spoken to the coaches and players and made it clear that this is their final shot together - they've had two bites at the apple already and while we came achingly close last season, we have more players on the downslope of their career than on the upswing. Win or lose, the Hawks squad you see next season is likely to be significantly different than the squad you see in the preseason today. And if trades come our way that will facilitate that change... well, my phone lines are open. The players know and understand this. The only players that should feel safe are Rudy Gay (RFA rules) and Antonio McDyess (in gratitude for his years of service) - and maybe Joakim Noah. Gay and Noah represent the future of this franchise and while we have as good a shot to win it all as anyone in the present, we're not going to make foolish future commitments - money will be an issue... thanks, Tax Man."

"Our work is cut out for us, but I think we're ready to face up to the challenge. Any questions?"

[Soundwave]

Do you smell it? Winter is coming.

[Eazy P]

With this Current team of 30+ year old vets do you see another chance at a title this season and this time bringing another trophy back to ATL

[Darth Vegito]

How long can you get by riding the backs of your veterans? The trade/trape waters are getting shallow. The young trapers are coming out in droves, swooping up all the good talent you once were always able to choke away. The tides are turning. Where will you turn?

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[WigNosy]

With this Current team of 30+ year old vets do you see another chance at a title this season and this time bringing another trophy back to ATL

Given the number of teams that panicked early and decided to plow their teams under, I think the league is as wide open as it's been in a while. We have a core with a proven track record, so I think we have as good a chance as anyone.

[WigNosy]

Do you smell it? Winter is coming.

Not sure there was a question here?

[WigNosy]

How long can you get by riding the backs of your veterans? The trade/trape waters are getting shallow. The young trapers are coming out in droves, swooping up all the good talent you once were always able to choke away. The tides are turning. Where will you turn?

The league always has ebbs and flows. At some point it will be time to let "accumulating young pieces" take precedence over "trying to win now." When the time comes I will be ready. But that time is not quite yet.

[JNR]

GWR: I noticed you didn't include Devin Harris in that untouchable category. Do you not value his production and versatility?

[C-Prej]

How much do you think Duncan has left? Is he in your plans this year and the future?

[WigNosy]

GWR: I noticed you didn't include Devin Harris in that untouchable category. Do you not value his production and versatility?

Devin has been nothing but efficient since we brought him in and we love and value his game. However, we also recognize that sometimes rebuilding requires you to give up assets to get assets and with his contract, age, and game we feel Devin is the kind of chip other teams want that might have to be moved. So he is valued, but not untouchable.

[WigNosy]

How much do you think Duncan has left? Is he in your plans this year and the future?

Duncan is still a starting caliber big and we count it a luxury to have 3 such bigs in our rotation. While we are open to the idea of trading him to get younger, we are also quite content to keep him to take one more title shot this year. We would love to have him return beyond this season though he understands it would not be at the pay scale he currently enjoys.

[TheSyndicate]

Vegas recently pegged the Cavs as your closest competition in the Central only trailing you by two wins. Too close for comfort, or does Vegas have it wrong?

[WigNosy]

Vegas recently pegged the Cavs as your closest competition in the Central only trailing you by two wins. Too close for comfort, or does Vegas have it wrong?

The Cavs are going to be a dangerous team this season. I anticipate they will be in the race for the division all season long barring injury.