Buddy Grizzard of Hawks Hoop: “There might be only one reason why Greg Monroe is not playing for the Atlanta Hawks. Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski reported over the summer that the Hawks were one of three teams that discussed trade proposals involving Monroe with the Pistons. Monroe’s agent said two teams offered him a max contract as part of those discussions. Of the teams mentioned by Wojnarowski, the Hawks and Phoenix Suns had the most cap flexibility. Shams Charania reported on Real GM that Van Gundy scuttled trade talks by demanding All-Star talent in return. Thus, the most likely reason Monroe isn’t a Hawk is because Van Gundy thought he could make the mismatched trio of Andre Drummond, Josh Smith and Monroe work. Van Gundy was wrong.”
Jason Walker of Peachtree Hoops: “As Al Horford works his way back into heavy rotation for the Hawks, one of the areas that has seen a precipitous drop is in his free throw attempt rate. Historically, Al has been getting to the line a little more than one every four times he shoots the ball (.253). This season, over the first 21 games, Al is getting to the line once every 10 times he shoots the ball. Only one time this season has Al attempted more than two free throws in a game. Al, through his Age 26 season of 2012-13, drew 1.36 shooting fouls per game. This season, so far, Al is getting 0.57 shooting fouls per game, more than half his historic rate.”
From the Associated Press: “The Atlanta Hawks on Thursday hired Nzinga Shaw as the team’s first chief diversity and inclusion officer. The Hawks said Shaw will guide Hawks executives “so that they can engender inclusivity in every facet of the business.” She will report directly to Hawks chief executive officer Steve Koonin. The hiring follows racially charged comments by owner Bruce Levenson and general manager Danny Ferry, which were revealed before the season. Levenson is selling his majority share of the team, and Ferry has taken an indefinite leave of absence.”
