Hawks

By Jon Koncak

October 7, 2005 04:24 PM | Link to this

The Hawks need a big man?????? I just happen to be available. I’ll even take the big shots!!!!!!!!!!

By Andy (HB Ando)

October 7, 2005 04:30 PM | Link to this

Given his propensity for game winners at Arizona, and the fact that opposing teams will be sending two guys rushing at Johnson in a last-second scenario, I think Salim could be the best. Other than Al, there’s really not another player on the team who has a consistent enough stroke to trust. Salim has also shown, albeit at the college level, the ability to break down a defender and create enough space to get a clean look with a pull-up jumper. The final option is to get the other team looking so hard at Johnson and Salim from deep, that a double team allows Josh Smith to break free down the baseline for a gravity defying alley-oop. And the crowd goes wild!!

By G-Man

October 7, 2005 04:38 PM | Link to this

Sekou, I have to give you props for trying to get an offseason Hawks conversation going in the midst of a monsterous weekend for the Braves, Dogs and Falcons. It’s a tall order, even with the preseason opening soon.

My knee-jerk reaction, and I don’t think I’m alone on this, is Stoudamire. Although he hasn’t played a regular season NBA game yet, he’s got the fearless attitude and sweet stroke from anywhere in the gym to hit the big shots. I also recall him hitting big shots for Arizona.

Johnson, as you said, is an obvious choice. Besides the money, he can create his own shot and make it when needed. Again, though, hitting big shots seems like the perfect task for Stoudamire. Johnson can create and then dish to Salim for the open look.

By Matt

October 7, 2005 05:03 PM | Link to this

Based on the player who’s probably taken and made the most buzzer beaters at any level, I would go with Salim Stoudamire. I mean the guy has been clutch, at least in college. I envision him being like our Ben Gordon, who we bring in off the bench and jus scores points and ends up on the court in 4th quarter in crunch time.

By Cat in Tucson

October 7, 2005 05:36 PM | Link to this

Salim might very well be the best choice for one simple reason above all others: he is not afraid.
Joe Johnson might end up being a good choice, but not from the point guard position. He is not very good at creating a shot off of the dribble, and he’s not going to be getting open looks because opponents are scared to death of Amare Stoudemire.

By Sultan of Atl

October 7, 2005 06:08 PM | Link to this

I think Stoudemire has to be a candidate. The man is known for clutch shooting. Lue and Harrington would be other suggestions.

By ray

October 7, 2005 08:20 PM | Link to this

I think if it comes to needing someone who will create his own shot and/or get to the foul line, JJ and Al are probably the best. If it’s just catch-and-shoot, JJ or Stoudamire. Smith isn’t a bad choice if it’s going to be a close-to the basket play, such as an alley-oop. Moving quickly without the ball and losing a defender off the screen and heading for the bucket, defenses would be hard-pressed to stop him once he’s in the air. They may even be able to try that and freeing up one of the more pure shooters at the same time to create confusion. Who knows..drawing up a couple of plays that all look the same at first but all end differently is a good idea, because opponents may have trouble keeping up with it.

By Jesse

October 7, 2005 08:40 PM | Link to this

I agree that Salim could be deadly with the game on the line — he’d probably be my first choice. Joe Johnson and Tyronn Lue also come to mind.

In fact, if we’re down by 1 or 2 with less than 10 seconds to go, we can now put Joe Johnson, Tyronn Lue, and Salim Stoudamire on the court at the same time — all above 40% 3 point shooters last season. Marvin Williams shot better than 40% from 3 in college last year, too, and he should have a sweet jumper in the NBA once he gets oriented.

It’s nice to know that we can actually fill the court with guys that can spread the defense and get open to knock down the big shot. That’s a big step up from last year when Lue was our only real three point threat, and really the only consistent jump shooter we had.

By Big Daddy Cain

October 7, 2005 10:37 PM | Link to this

In this order Joe Johnson, Al Harrington,Salim Stoudamire( he is still a rookie though), Marvin Williams ( I expect big things as he get ajusted), Josh Childress ( he will improve alot rhis year), Josh Smith( the ultimate slasher), Tyrone Lue excellent backup & complement to JJ).

By mark

October 8, 2005 11:47 AM | Link to this

hey, jon koncak , i like . that just what we need. where have you been all my hawks basketball life. that was clever again i like. on the real. right now i think everyone should be ready to take the last shot that way the defense wont know who to key on .

By doc

October 8, 2005 02:35 PM | Link to this

lue had the opportunity last year to show what he could do in the clutch and didnt distinguish himself. that may be a product of nothing to compliment him but for now he cant be entrusted with the ball late to shoot but to bring it up the court may be another matter.

in earlier blogs i have felt that the final shot was one of the bigger probs last year, even without the proven big man they were still in games that were lost after leading in the fourth quarter. what is different this year is who has been added and recognition that the guy who has the ball has to be able to get to the line and slam down the free throw like it was a dunk. the three guys they have added all bring that dimension to the hawks in this proven order: jj, salim and marvin. they will all show themselves in that same order during the season. until the latter two get in the swing of things we will have to depend on jj first then al to compliment each other and maybe add josh smith to the mix for his high flying act. this also may be the time of the game we get to see how jj works at shooting guard as they give the ball to lue to bring it up the court who then gets another chance to show us what he can do with more talent around him.

again, i say the final lineup is the crucial one not the starting one and that is the one that shows who the coaches have confidence in. so they finish the games with jj, lue, js, al and zaza unless zaza falls flat on his face and cant stay in games because of fouls.

By Andy (HB Ando)

October 8, 2005 07:39 PM | Link to this

How ‘bout them Dawgs!!!!!!!!

By doc

October 8, 2005 08:11 PM | Link to this

well roid rage strikes again, dogs have invaded the hawks blog. good for you guys andy, they are now in the drivers seat, if they can get through the worlds biggest cocktial party without picking up a hangover.

By Lamont

October 9, 2005 02:39 AM | Link to this

I still think Al Harrignton is a very underrated player. I’d give him the chance to take the last shot and in case he was doubled, I’d go with JJ and then Marvin and Salim. I remember people saying great things about Al. The entire league knows he’s got much talent, and I think we ( Hawks fans ), should give him more credit. He’s young, athletic, and has experience. I really dont see many reasons why the Hawks should trade him. I’d consider a trade for him just if we could a good center and since I dont think there’s anyone available, I’d keep him as a Hawk for a long time. Both Marvin and Josh Smith have much to learn from/with Al.

By lewis

October 9, 2005 02:59 AM | Link to this

jj get the last shot…did you see the shots this guy made after getting hit in the eye. until someone else step up, you win or lose with your star. from high schools to the pros the best player has taken the shot. that is why he is the star of the team….remember M.J….he hit the shot in collage and the pros……. that is why he is a player and the star of the team. …..Sekou let us know if jj is fitting in with the rest of the team.

By Samuel

October 9, 2005 06:44 AM | Link to this

“THE OPEN MAN”.

By doc

October 9, 2005 08:45 AM | Link to this

well i hope everyone understands the significance of the signing of kovy by the sibling franchise in the nhl yesterday. it means if we dont have the shooter at the end the owners will continue to look for it, they have spent to within 100,000 dollars of their budget in the nhl for the year which sounds crazy if someone goes down but they are willing to go to great lengths to put it together to get a championship outcome. i dont think they will back out with the hawks if the fans are behind them and the “experiment” works for the thrashers given present circumstances.

the significance of getting rid pf belkin was unbeleivable even though there were a surprising no. of supporters of him on the blog. his true intentions were never known, i for one think he wanted the franchise to fail so he could buy it out for his own property and take it elsewhere. it doesnt matter now but this signing allows me to continue to think optimistically for the furure for the first time since the aol debacle, the ryder year, and the wholesale blow-up to make it better while trying to convice us the dog, shareff, etc could bring us a solid team.

the signing of kovy appeared to be a very long shot a few days ago and it was worth more than three points; to make it better it was at the buzzer. i hope the hawks noticed it as well. way to go owners! now go thrashers ….and hawks!

By big mike

October 9, 2005 09:10 AM | Link to this

by big mike, i thinksalim is the one. bnring back jon.

By reese

October 9, 2005 08:00 PM | Link to this

For the last shot, you want your best shooters and free throw shooters on the floor. Therefore, we should JJ, Josh childress, Salim, Tyrone and Josh Smith (for the threat of the alley oop). Who ever is open, take the shot. If the shots not there, drive to the hoop and get the foul. If the fouls not called, throw it up anyway and let Josh slam down the miss.

By ben b

October 9, 2005 10:28 PM | Link to this

it’s good to know that we have some choices this year. but i think you have to take the flow of the game into account and who is hot when you say who will take the last shot.

last article about the competition in camp is very exciting. can’t wait to hear more. peace.

By AaronB

October 10, 2005 10:21 AM | Link to this

Now Sekou said to name some-one other than JJ. So I think option number two will be Saline Stoudamire. I hope I spelled it right. This guy can flat out shoot. And he seems to do better under pressure.

By Nicholas

October 10, 2005 03:06 PM | Link to this

Salim won SIX of the 30-odd games last year for his team with buzzer beating shots…

he’s definitely competition for jj in the last 2 mins of the game…

imo, the lineup for the final 2 mins of the game will be jj/salim/chill/?/?

the ?s are whomever shows to be most clutch of smoove/al/marvin at pf and zaza/batman/edwards/collier at center