Josh Smith is still a Hawk, the Sixers get bad news, and Team USA at the opening ceremonies
Josh SmithThat was quick. On the same day that Josh Smith signed an offer sheet with the Grizzlies (five years, $58 million), the Hawks matched it and locked up their #2 guy behind Joe Johnson for a cheaper price tag than everyone expected. Memphis was really the only team with enough cap space to even consider making a serious pitch to J-Smoove, who reportedly is not cool with Hawks coach Mike Woodson and wanted out of Atlanta. Their offer sheet was a no-brainer for the Hawks, who now don’t have to worry about Smith walking in ‘09 as a free agent. And if things really become that bad between Smith and Woodson, Atlanta can always trade somebody or fire somebody … Does bringing Smith back make the Hawks a playoff team? They’ve got the starting five coming back: Mike Bibby, Johnson, Marvin Williams, Smith and Al Horford, but of course lost sixth man Josh Childress. Other teams in the East have improved, namely Chicago and Miami, so the Hawks don’t have their ticket punched yet by any means … If the Grizz were serious about going after Smith, would they also make a play for Ben Gordon or Andre Iguodala? Most likely not. Neither player — especially BG — would have done as much for Memphis as Smith would have; he could’ve been their starting PF and shored up a very weak front line. Gordon and Iguodala play the same positions as O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay and won’t be needed … Awful, awful news for the Sixers, who lost Jason Smith for perhaps the season when he tore his ACL while participating in a camp yesterday. Isn’t it crazy how a torn ACL doesn’t even have to be a season-ending injury anymore, when it used to be enough to completely ruin one’s career? … Speaking of catastrophic injuries, what was Shaun Livingston thinking when he turned down an offer of guaranteed money from the Clippers? Now that L.A. has Jason Williams and Jason Hart to back up Baron Davis, Livingston isn’t in the plans and he needs to find a new team willing to risk it with him … Some of the Dime crew is in Portland this weekend for the Nike Global Challenge, where three teams of America’s finest high schoolers are in a tournament with five international teams — Lithuania, Serbia, Canada, Puerto Rico and Senegal. Elite talents like John Wall, Jordan Hamilton and Jeremy Tyler are involved, going up against some older pros from around the world. Check HighSchoolHoop.com for the latest Global Challenge updates and content … How crazy was the Olympic opening ceremonies? The torch-lighting in particular was absolutely insane — we can’t even really describe it other than to say it involved a guy taking an entire lap across the stadium while running on air and then lighting an over-the-top torch that sparked a ridiculous fireworks show. When the Team USA ballplayers came out with the United States contingent, LeBron, D-Wade, ‘Melo and Bosh had their Kangol-ish hats cocked to the side, while Boozer and Dwight Howard didn’t even wear theirs … Throughout the Olympics we’re going to be taking a closer look at Team USA, digging into the Dime archives for some of our best pieces. Yesterday we looked back at LeBron’s Februrary 2007 cover story written by Cass, where ‘Bron first talked about the importance of 8-8-08 and what it means for him on and off the court … We’re out like Booz’s hat …
August 9th, 2008 at 3:50 am
Shage says:
First!
August 9th, 2008 at 4:02 am
dagwaller says:
I think that Atlanta got stronger (short of losing Childress) just by getting a year older and more experienced (especially from the playoffs, and pushing the Celts to a tough series). Horford was a rookie, Smith is still very young, as is Williams. Joe Johnson is only 27, so really, the only guy on the downhill is Bibby, but his backup was a lottery pick (Acie Law IV). If they can get someone to replace Childress, they’ll be in contention for the 6, 7, or 8 spots in the East.
August 9th, 2008 at 4:03 am
Simon says:
I’m second and drunk as shit. Can I ask an honest question, are all the boys who holla first drunk as hell? I sure hope so…
August 9th, 2008 at 4:04 am
Simon says:
Apparently I was third
August 9th, 2008 at 4:06 am
dagwaller says:
Ha, that’s pretty funny.
Btw, they need someone to replace Childress only if you think, like I do, that Maurice Evans is good, but not AS good as J-Chil.
Also, I just looked on NBA.com, and Acie Law is older than both Marvin Williams AND Josh Smith. Crazy.
August 9th, 2008 at 6:02 am
eric says:
What’s 8-8-8 for lebron??
August 9th, 2008 at 6:55 am
kobeef says:
The Hawks really lucked out. I thought Smoove was going to make them break the bank. With this contract he’s only the third highest paid player on the team (behind Bibby and JJ).
Interesting to note that in the “Lebron summer” (2010) the only contract the Hawks have on the books is Smoove for about 11.5 million. In othe words, the hawks will have about $50million in cap space in 2010.
August 9th, 2008 at 7:36 am
s says:
Cool – they’d only need twice that much to get LeBron to play there
August 9th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Logan Light says:
Is it possible that the Hawks are doing things right after so long of really messing things up?
The opening ceremonies were pretty nuts… most amazing part? USA has 600+ Olympic athletes!! That easily trumps any other country. Go America!
LL
August 9th, 2008 at 8:52 am
rodnets says:
hey you forgot zaza pachulia, the hawks are still playoff contenders!!!
I liked better when you at dime provide a single sentence title for the smack. It was funnier than saying thing1, thing2 and thing3. Consider it!
Peace
August 9th, 2008 at 8:56 am
that's whats up says:
@ post #3
anyone who hollas “first” obviously has a vagina
August 9th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Skeeter McGee says:
Say what you want about China but that opening ceremony was the most INSANE thing I have ever seen! From the big ass LED screen on the floor to how synchronized all 2008 drummers & tai chi dudes were, I was just blown away by that man. Then when they lit the huge flame with a dude running the edge of the stadium, just the whole thing was bananas! Big ups to China for pretty much exceeding all expectations and giving London and their 2012 games no chance of following this!
I thought it was cool how random athletes from other countries were coming up to Kobe and asking to take pictures with them. Kobe seemed real cool with them all too, I guess since it was his first one he really enjoyed that ish. Same with LeBron, it’s ridiculous how many people worldwide love those two players, and I guess after seeing that I kinda realized that neither of them need to play in the NBA anymore cause wherever they go they’ll get mad media attention…
August 9th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Skeeter McGee says:
And forgot to add this on but I completely agree with post 8, Rodnets was on point on that…
August 9th, 2008 at 10:01 am
Skeeter McGee says:
Forgot to add this too don’t hate just yet haha…
@Logan Light
We trumped everybody except for, you guessed it, China! I mean I guess if you proportionate it, we have 600+ with a population of 300+ million and they had around the same with 1.3 billion people so in that regard it is really impressive.
I realized I never really cared about the Olympics in ‘04 and ‘00 as much as I do this year. I guess as you grow up you realize the magnitude of this kind of event…
August 9th, 2008 at 10:11 am
schoops says:
Logan… you obviously missed the 840 athletes from China.. yeah, it’s a really big country.
@ post 10… well said. Every morning I start reading smack and as soon as i get the comments I see at least 3 people who put more sand in their vaginas by saying “first.” What the FU*K does that even mean? Do people print out the smacks where they got the “first spot” and hang it on their refrigerator for their mom to see?
August 9th, 2008 at 10:13 am
schoops says:
Or are they just proud that they are up at 4 am with nothing else to do but wait for a website to post something?
August 9th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Craig says:
R.I.P
Bernie Mac
August 9th, 2008 at 10:23 am
doc says:
D-Wade and them better keep them backpacks handy because some dude just stabbed the shit out of 2 Americans and killed one.If they get attacked they can beat somebody off them with a cell phone charger,then slice his neck with a prepaid card.
August 9th, 2008 at 10:33 am
knoc says:
dammnnn rip bernie mac!
August 9th, 2008 at 10:36 am
doc says:
Boy you’s a pussy,a pussy without the hair,I kiss you with my hot mouth.You punk motherfucker.RIP Bernie Mac.
August 9th, 2008 at 11:01 am
frankie says:
Haha, doc, I’m with you on the bag thing.
August 9th, 2008 at 11:07 am
that's whats up says:
Bernie Mac is up in heaven kickin’ it with Richard Pryor, figurin’ out how to line up some hot-ass angel bitches for eternity
RIP Bernie
August 9th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Luigi says:
RIP B-MAC. he was a funny man…
i thought he was alive n well. it was so unexpecting.
but in other unlrelated news. Smoove will get traded….Sixers will resign Shav. n Team USA will win Silver. lol jk
but srysly they shud take the competition srysly
August 9th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Alf says:
rip bernie mac. this generation lost another one of its really funny and witty men. he will be remembered.
August 9th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Coop says:
Reason the Hawks will never be any good #127:
They sit on their hands re; personnel, instead choosing to spend their time bickering in board meetings.
Reason #128:
They don’t take care of their players and only give them their due WHEN THEY ACTUALLY HAVE TO.
Reason #129:
Because of #s 128 and 129, no top player in his right mind will ever consider Atlanta as a possible destination.
I feel sorry for ATL fans.
August 9th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
dagwaller says:
Haha, Coop – good points. Does anyone know the status of the ownership of the Hawks?
August 9th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Skeeter McGee says:
Atlanta might as well be owned by Helen Keller and Ray Charles, cause they ain’t gonna be seeing any wins anytime soon…
August 9th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
GEE...Politics as usual says:
R.I.P. The Mac man. Love his old show, that lil dude Jordan be crackin me up.
Props to the fencing trio of girls that gave America their first Gold, Silver and Bronz.
The Olympic Ceremony was plain nuts! It made me so want to be there. I promise next time the Olympics come to the states ya boi will be in the opening Ceremony and catch an event or two.
Favorite parts of the opening cermony. The great wall segment, fireworks of course, thought it was real cool the way Yao and the lil dude came in, tai-chi cats, drummers, torch lighting, and my most favorite I think was when them cats replicated the stadium they were in and all the lights went off on their outfits. Bananas! That stadium (The Bird’s nest) and where they swim at (I forget what that is called) are two insane buildings. Props to China for making it do what it do thus far.
I was feelin sorry for countries with like 2 or 4 athletes. So many cats that come and don’t medal at all. I guess you still a g. if you get to go though so it’s still all good.
USA is gone do some damage this year!
Atl. is better experience wise and especially having their core back. Their bench might be a lil suspect though lol, specially losing Josh C. Most of all though they need a new coach. They will prolly be a 1st round exit.
Now days you got to have a decent 6th and 7th man. Considering injuries and stuff if you lose a starter. You can also plug holes for whatever reason (fight suspensions, drug suspensions, death, cats that straight dissappear like Ced. Cebalos lol). Your 6th and 7th man is like insurance.
Atl. is straight, but they got to pick up another nice piece to make any noise past 1st round (and most def. get rid of Woodson).
That joint last night had me wanting to be an olympic performer and walk on the side of buildings and stuff lol.
1
August 9th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
rlf says:
poor poor bron bron, he can’t get the attention he wanted in china, after ALL the promotion…and you still don’t want to acknowledge it….poor poor dime..those nike/lebron checks sure don’t work
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080809.OLYKOBE09/TPStory/Sports
ENJOY!!
August 9th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Amar says:
no mention of Larry H. Miller’s recovery? (almost died 4 times in 59 days) if Dr. Buss did this, it would be smack worthy. (there’s a good post about this on my blog, click the name to see)
August 9th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Homeless J says:
RIP bernie mac. that’s crazy. I check imdb news right after dime in the mornings so I knew he was having problems with pneumonia but yesterday it said he was healthy and was gonna get out of the hospital.
if somebody tried to stab Kobe he’d probably just grab the knife away and hog it, and the dude would be like “GIMME THAT BACK!” and he’d refuse and stab the guy 81 times. (and miss 20)
I remember at one point during the flagbearing, Bob Costas said something about some Chinese girl in a wheelchair fending off crazy protesters who were trying to extinguish the flame. that’s insane. you gotta imagine the protesters were like “man somebody’s gonna protest US if we fuck with this girl in the wheelchair, might as well let it slide.”
August 9th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Luigi says:
STEVIE NOVAK GOT TRADED TO THE CLIPS
the trade was JUST like Cambys trade
August 9th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Skeeter McGee says:
Gee,
I think the swimming building is called like the Cube or something? Either way it looks real tight from the outside. I read somewhere that there were 30,000 fireworks for the opening ceremony, and I believe it. Good luck London is all I gotta say haha
August 9th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
dapro says:
RIP to my south side brutha Bernie Mac aka The Mac Man
We only got one life, live it to the fullest!
August 9th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Skeeter McGee says:
@rif
Kobe is just sooo much more popular than anyone else from the league in China that saying LeBron is second is like saying someone is billionaire and the other person is “poor” as a millionaire. It’s all relative. With that being said, LeBron is still huge over there, so I guess you can get off DIME’s case…
August 9th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Lee says:
Everyone’s talking about Lebron getting a HUGE contract .. surely these guys must realise that that can lead to the Garnnett / Timber Wolves situation. So I coment Josh for not taking max money and wanting to be a winner.
August 9th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
dagwaller says:
Lee – I genuinely hope that is at least in the back of his mind.
August 9th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Austin Burton says:
He signed an offer sheet with the Grizzlies. Was he really thinking about winning?
August 9th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Coop says:
Skeeter,
We’ll do a better job because our games won’t be darkened by the fact that the host country’s government is a bunch of communists. Do you see?
August 9th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Coop says:
Lee, what do you mean?
If he signs an offer sheet then he is obligated to take the matched offer. And you think he was going to Memphis to be ‘a winner’?
Explain please dude
August 9th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
dagwaller says:
…what’s the matter with Communism?
August 9th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Coop says:
Oh man.
In other news, I’m trying hard to support my man BG but if it turns out that he actually turned down 6 years for 60mil then he needs to come back to England so I can kick his arse. Jesus. Fuck Kevin Martin $. For starters, Martin scores more, and secondly (and much more pertinently) he doesnt do ANYTHING but score.
I’m all for player power and I dont want Stern to hog all the money but sometimes I think how great it would be if all the gms suddenly just said ‘no we’re not paying you that, you’re worth about $50,000 per year. That’s a more than fair wage’. hahaha
August 9th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Lee says:
Coop,
I mean he could have not signed an offer sheet with the griz and waited for next season or asked the hawks to match Dengs $70 mil contract. I think he’s worth more than the $50+ mil contract he got.
I think the guy took less money so his team had a chance of winning.
I just hope Wade + Bron take notice. Basically if they take a max deal in ‘10, their team (who ever they’re on) wont be winning a championship. They can make more money through endorsements .. these guys don’t need a max deal.
August 10th, 2008 at 12:59 am
daquest?on happy bday to meee! says:
yo that ceremony was out of this world
August 10th, 2008 at 2:59 am
daquest?on happy bday to meee! says:
i dint know baby shaq was 23!!
August 10th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Coop says:
Yeah but Lee once he signed the offer sheet with Memphis, he couldn’t then ask Atl to up their offer. That’s one of the benefits of Bird Rights. If you’re saying he was happy with 10mil per, given that he signed the offer sheet, then I’d agree in part, but then Memphis couldnt offer much more given their cap situation, an ATL clearly are too inept to deal with a S+T.