Links: Yi Ready
Two quick Hawks rumors for you…UPDATED!
Two quick Hawks rumors for ya…more stuff coming later…
• I do not know a lot about Yi Jianlian, but I can tell you this: If the Hawks pick third tomorrow night, do not be surprised when they make the following pick…
Yi Jianlian.
I’ve heard enough rumors out of The ATL about the Hawks liking Yi that I’m at the very least prepared for the possibility. And you should be, too. I even spoke to someone this morning who reinforced this idea.
Coincidentally (or perhaps it’s divine providence), my main man Shen, who is the senior writer for the Chinese version of SLAM, is here in the SLAM Dome today, in NYC for the Draft. Shen has seen Yi play multiple times and when we grilled Shen for info on Yi, he compared Yi to KG, though he admitted that Yi has a long way to go to reach KG’s level.
• I’m told the Hawks also have a deal in the works for the 11 pick that would be very, very cool if it happens. I can’t give details. But it’ll be dope. Think the Dirty South.
UPDATE: I guess now I can give details, since Sekou “Seiko” Smith wrote about it: The deal was Atlanta’s number 11 for Monta Ellis, from the Dirty (Mississippi). But Sekou says it ain’t happening.
63 Responses to “Links: Yi Ready”
Jun.26 at 12:27 pm
white hot eboy says:
Lang, are we sure Billy Knight isn’t secretley druggep up somewhere and someone else is planning these moves?
Jun.26 at 12:29 pm
Lang Whitaker says:
No.
Jun.26 at 12:30 pm
Co Co says:
The Hawks have 2 more years of my loyalty and that’s it. If there’s no significant improvement, I’m switching teams.
Jun.26 at 12:38 pm
Reggie Evans says:
Nomination for nickname - Yi-Ji (pronounce YEE-GEE)
Jun.26 at 12:57 pm
Steve O says:
If ATL takes Yi, would Memphis jump on Horford? I assume they would but some say they are in love with a PG. As a C’s fan I hope they take Conley so we can have Horford but I doubt it happens.
Jun.26 at 1:00 pm
H to the izzo says:
The Celtics really don’t deserve Conley though,but it would be nice to see them be relevant again
Jun.26 at 1:11 pm
Bryant Reeves says:
Memphis already has Slam Rookie Diary Kyle Lowry - not sure if they need another PG. My money says that if the Hawks take Yi-Ji (love it!) the Griz will take Harford.
Jun.26 at 1:13 pm
Lang Whitaker says:
The Hawks could still take Horford at 3. I’m just saying don’t be surprised.
Jun.26 at 1:16 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Yi is Darko, period. And I’m not even tryin’ to hate. Because if he ends up being better in the end (or even in the beginning) that’s great. But right now he’s just another workout wonder being pimped heavily by Chad Ford (who, as far as I know, has never seen him play in, you know, a BASKETBALL GAME).
Jun.26 at 1:25 pm
Jeff says:
lang you gotta tell us this deal if it doesnt go through
Jun.26 at 1:26 pm
Jeff says:
just a hunch that it may involve the suns seeing that theyre working out a bunch of lottery worthy prospects
Jun.26 at 1:33 pm
neaorin says:
I get it. Lang is spreading rumors about his Hawks being in love with Yi, hoping that Ainge starts feeling the pressure and runs to Billy begging to switch picks. Not bad, not bad
Jun.26 at 1:55 pm
Dennard says:
Surely Billy Knight and the Hawks aren’t that dumb. I saw a little bit of this kid in the world championships last year and he was decent at best, but I don’t think he will ever be able to deal with physical play. How does Billy Knight keep his job, does he have some dirt on somebody or something?
Jun.26 at 1:58 pm
Greased Up Deaf Guy aka Clay Davis says:
the suns are really trying to get in the top 10. is the matrix going to boston???
Jun.26 at 2:00 pm
Myung says:
First of all, I’m Asian, but I’m not a blind loyalist who loves all things Asian. Secondly, I’ve actually seen Yi play in several games (most recently, the CBA Finals on NBATV from about 3 months ago). Thirdly, I’m a Hawks fan (limited edition: 1 of 10 in the world). I have mixed thoughts on the Hawks drafting Yi (if it happens). As an Asian, it wouldn’t affect me one way or another. As someone who’s seen Yi play, I can say that his game leaves a lot to be desired, but I can definitely see athleticism that most guys his height simply don’t possess. His outside shot was suspect in the games I watched, but he still has a pretty versatile offensive game. Lastly, as a Hawks fan, I think I’d be OK with it. First of all, we’d pretty much have an instant All Star Starter on our team. As long as the current voting system doesn’t change, he will be a starter (he’ll go down as the most controversial starter in NBA ASG history). Secondly, the world’s most populated country will jump on the Hawks bandwagon. He puts us on the map. I’m still torn between Horford, Conley, Yi, or simply trading the pick, but at this point, I’m definitely prepared to see Yi wearing the blue, red, and silver (how weird does that sound?) next year.
Jun.26 at 2:07 pm
jj says:
Lang I’ve heard about AK to the hawks. is there any truth to that? Or is it just someone smoking what he shouldn’t?
Jun.26 at 2:07 pm
Myung says:
I get the feeling we’re going to see some major NBA trades going down during the next 48 hours. I can’t wait to go to Philips Arena on Thursday night to watch the Draft. Any of you Linkstigators going to be there that night?
Jun.26 at 2:09 pm
jj says:
I have a feeling that nothing big will happen LOL
Jun.26 at 2:09 pm
Paul says:
David Stern will probably adjust the all-star voting so that Yi can not be voted into the game. He’ll probably say, “It was the only fair thing to do.” The “Leaving the Bench” rule will remain intact, because while it isn’t fair, it is the only correct thing to do.
Jun.26 at 2:10 pm
Lang Whitaker says:
For what it’s worth, I haven’t heard any talk about the Suns or the Jazz doing anything with the Hawks.
Jun.26 at 2:26 pm
Myung says:
IF (big “if”) Yi is a Hawk next year, I’ll be the first to say that unless he totally just puts up big numbers (which I honestly don’t expect), he doesn’t deserve to be an All Star, and I’ll be pretty upset like the rest of you. The reality is, Asian fans (particularly in Asia) really get behind their few Stateside stars (Ichiro, Yao, Daisuke) so it wouldn’t surprise me one bit that IF the current voting system doesn’t change (meaning voting is open to those in China), Yi will be an All Star, no matter how bad he plays next year. I can’t see how he won’t get voted in. Let’s say he’s listed as a F in the Eastern Conference. Then you can pretty much put it down that the two starting Forwards for the Eastern All Stars will be Yi and LBJ. Sad but probably true.
Jun.26 at 2:31 pm
Steve O says:
Didn’t Yi get smashed on by Wang Zhi Zhi? Anyone who gets handled by Wang Zhi Zhi is going to have a lot of work to do to become a successful NBA player.
Jun.26 at 2:35 pm
Big L says:
Lang, you better not be talking about that Ridnour/#11 pick rumor I heard. That would not be good for the Hawks.
Jun.26 at 2:39 pm
jj says:
ok Lang thanks!
Jun.26 at 2:51 pm
Myung says:
Dirty South. Hmm. Kwame Brown for the 11th pick, huh? That sucks. =)
Jun.26 at 2:56 pm
Sparker says:
asian bargnani without the 3p range?
Jun.26 at 2:57 pm
tsmith7791 says:
I wouldn’t be suprised if billy knight traded the pick for a signed copy of soul food
Jun.26 at 2:58 pm
Yin Jiji says:
You can look at some of highlights on Youtube if you wanna check out his skillz. He is pretty good, but not too comparable to KG..he needs to play mor aggressive
Jun.26 at 2:59 pm
H to the izzo says:
….or an unsigned copy of good fences
Jun.26 at 3:02 pm
beejay says:
I heard Monta Ellis to the Hawks for the #3 but for the #11 probably still works. If Monta would’ve gone to Mississippi State, he would’ve been a lottery pick after two years so it’s about right.
Jun.26 at 3:06 pm
Greased Up Deaf Guy aka Clay Davis says:
the real question is where will tim duncan be playing next year
Jun.26 at 3:13 pm
Do the Pistons have a shot at Acie Law? at Detroit Bad Boys says:
[…] If the Hawks go big with the No. 3 spot, I can’t see them passing up on a point guard at No. 11 — and Law is definitely more a sure thing at a leadership position than Georgia Tech freshman Javaris Crittenton, who has potential but is still raw. Although, for what’s it’s worth, there’s no guarantee the Hawks will even be using their No. 11 pick — if you believe the rumors coming out of SLAM-ville. So you never know. […]
Jun.26 at 3:21 pm
Ryan Jones says:
I think it’s pronounced “Eee”
Jun.26 at 3:26 pm
Allenp says:
Billy Knight really, really sucks. If you’re going to draft on potential, why not just take Mike Conley at three? If you’re willing to wait for Yi to develop, you should be willing to wait for Conley to develop because points are hard to find.
Jun.26 at 3:54 pm
Lang Whitaker says:
@tsmith: I actually have a signed copy of Soul Food. If Billy would give me the three pick, I’ll give him the record.
Jun.26 at 4:13 pm
RedRum says:
If Chad Ford like him, you know he sucks… Darko…Darko…Darko…Dar…
Jun.26 at 5:38 pm
Co Co says:
I’ll be at the draft party Myung. c-ya there.
Jun.26 at 6:12 pm
Joe says:
Dirty South? Are the Hawks looking to draft Lil Troy since he “Wanna be a baller”? Word to SkeeLo.
Jun.26 at 6:39 pm
Joel O's says:
Was it just last season that there was a ton of hype around the trade deadline and then nothing at all consequential happened? But with so many good prospects this year the odds of a big deal going thru is probably higher.
Jun.26 at 6:47 pm
Joel O's says:
Plus I’m wondering how “un-ready” Yi physically is for the league, in comparison to his fellow American rookies. Outside of Oden/Durant, there are a whole plethora of athletic bigs who lack upper body bulk, have arguably around the same skill level as Yi, and will also get picked in the lottery. If you’ve seen his youtube videos, there’s a lot to like about his game, mainly ‘cos he has a pretty good (pull up) jumper for a big guy, and he likes to attack the rim. What I mean is this: he may not be physically ready for banging around right away, but who else is? No legitimate big guy in the last few years, outside of Amare, Okafor and Dwight, has really been physically ready be a force from the get go anyway.
Jun.26 at 9:13 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
I pronounce it “Eee,” that’s for sure. And I’ll pronounce it more like “EEEEEEEEE*” if he falls to the Bulls at 9. * Not a good “EEEEEEEEE.”
Jun.26 at 9:58 pm
Will Lee says:
Yi is not KG, don’t call him a bust. But I think he’ll be another good role international player at least. And also, Myung was right, whatever team drafts him, the team logo, jersey will be in front of 1.3 billion ppl’s eyes overnight, and the number of jersey outlet in China is probably 3 times more than US by 2008.
Jun.26 at 10:54 pm
CY. says:
Russ, You call yourself a ball fan? Unlike Darko, dude’s started for China in the world championships, and banged a couple on Gasol. Not to mention playing well in a few other international comps. Of course he will need to show some stuff in the L, but why you hating?
Jun.26 at 11:46 pm
simba says:
The last time the hawks had the third pick in ‘01 .Billy Knight was gm of the grizzlies and he traded for Gasol.Maybe hawks will something big.
Jun.27 at 1:44 am
Jimmy G says:
Man I wish that trade would’ve went down. Monta and Joe in the backcourt together? I’d have to get a tivo to go with my NBA league pass to watch Hawks games.
Jun.27 at 5:15 am
Gambino says:
Anyone else heard the rumour that kg has been traded to phx for shawn marion and that it also involves a third team(boston I think)?
Jun.27 at 5:19 am
bootlace says:
Yi is not the next KG, the Chinese are sick of Yao playing like a girl so they trying to hype him up. Regardless, he will be an allstar (until they change voting rules). And Im not speaking outta my ass like Chad (I live in Shanghai so seen him play).
Jun.27 at 6:45 am
Tariq says:
Lang, The Follower is talking about a possible 3-way deal with Amare going to the ATL! Garnett would go to Phoenix while Minnesota would get a package built around the 3 and 11 picks. It just doesn’t make sense to me to trade Amare for KG unless you managed to find a rip in the Space-Time continuum and suspend the linearity of time. Your thoughts?
Jun.27 at 8:59 am
cjclean says:
If the Hawks pick YI I will be furious, that would be absolutely pathetic.
Jun.27 at 9:46 am
north fulton says:
hey lang - still think hawks can get conley at #11?
Jun.27 at 10:00 am
maddskizzle says:
all star starter? i dont recall wang zhizhi getting any all star votes the chinese arent going to vote yi in just because he’s chinese… i went on a trip to china recently and yao is not even that great there, they know him and are proud that he’s reppin china but everyone there likes t-mac, kobe, ai, flash and lebron
Jun.27 at 10:44 am
Atomic Sushi says:
If Yi goes to the ATL those Hawks jersey will be dope! Unlike Yao’s Houston jersey. Houston’s design sucks ass
Jun.27 at 1:09 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Russ does not call himself a “ball fan,” at least not in public.
Jun.27 at 1:46 pm
Hersey says:
Yi may potentially be like Darko but didn’t everyone sleep on Dirk too. Dude’s probably somewhere in the middle. With any of these guys, they’ll need those first three years to really find a comfort level in the L. Even with the stars of ‘03 it holds true.
Jun.27 at 2:06 pm
Detroit11 says:
Hey Lang, what about the rumors being floated that the Hawks are in on a 3 team trade including Phoenix and Minnesota w/ the Hawks getting Amare? Heard anything on that??
Jun.27 at 3:52 pm
RV says:
it seems like it almost a done deal, amare to the Hawks, lang is going to love that
Jun.27 at 4:21 pm
SwingMan says:
You ain’t getting Amare, Lang.
Jun.27 at 4:34 pm
Cheryl says:
Now the talk is KG to the Suns, Black jesus to the Hawks and the #3 and #11 to the Wolves. That would be awesome for all teams concerned it that went down. Man, Billy could redeem himself in one afternoon by making this happen. He’d still need a point guard though…–ASPOV
Jun.27 at 4:53 pm
D says:
Nice job on STO with Bruce Drenner today, Lang. I enjoyed the conversation you two had.
Jun.27 at 5:01 pm
SwingMan says:
They ain’t getting Amare, Cheryl. Local guys here in AZ. called ass all over that Amare-to-Hawks BS…..
Jun.27 at 6:39 pm
RV says:
black jesus? How many are there now..its up to like 3 or 4..
Jun.27 at 10:40 pm
slim says:
This sucks for ppl who don’t have a pick in this draft (Toronto)…this draft class if off da hook!
Jun.28 at 12:23 am
Russ Bengtson says:
Amare got “Black Jesus” tattooed on his neck, so I guess he can lay claim to the name for the time being. Earl Monroe remains the OG (OJ?), though.