Hawks

By Matt

October 14, 2005 06:16 PM | Link to this

That’s a good question, but I would think that someone who is a “beat writer” for the Hawks, who has a press pass, would provide some insight. It seems like in most of these columns you don’t provide much information, and just act like a forum moderator. What exactly is the purpose of this column?

By Tom

October 14, 2005 06:31 PM | Link to this

Although I never get an opportuntiy to see them play and instead have to rely on wire reports, box scores and the articles from the AJC staff, I have to go with Josh Childress. He appeared to make great strides in the 2nd half of the season last year, and if you look at his total averages from last year - 10.1 ppg, 6.0 rebounds, he should look more like the player in the 2nd half and maybe improve on these numbers 14.5 ppg, 2.4 asst and 7.7 rebounds. I think Josh Smith’s biggest improvement may be next year.

By Dany

October 14, 2005 07:01 PM | Link to this

I see Smoove making the biggest improvement. I have heard nothing but praise about his jumpshot from other fans who have seen it. I see him making strides to play more PF which I think better suit him.

Chill will develop into more of a leader this year. I see him improving in the Rip Hamilton type. Chill is fearless and tough as nails.

As for the whole national media. I have been around the net. Not much has change in terms of what people think of the Hawks. Still got the Chad Fords,John Hollinger,Peter Vescey of the world who it will just destroy them if they praise the Hawks just once.

To answer the question ask earlier what is the purpose of these collums. It is to give the loyal Hawks fans a voice and someone in the media such as Sekou who actually care about this team a voice. The Hawks and Hawks fans are looked down upon all around the NBA. We are blasted for low attendance even though our team is bad. While everyone else get a free pass. Every move the Hawks make to improve the team they are blasted. Hawks have a blue print in place to build a team, yet they are still hated on.

It might not be much in the grand scheme of things to others. For us Hawks fans it is great to know that at least some one in the media give a damn about this team as in Sekou here. Even if it is look upon as being a homer by others. Right now we need all the positive PR we can get until the Hawks get it turn around. Then when they do. It will feel great to shove every negative remark made by the fools who doubt the Hawks and Fans back at them and stomp it dry into them.

By Samuel

October 14, 2005 07:10 PM | Link to this

WOW,

I just noticed something. This Hawks team is almost completely overhauled. So much so that the “returning” guys are not even mentioned much.

I don’t see how Al can improve that much. His game will be pretty much the same. Same thing with Lue and Delk.

Which leaves basically Childress and J. Smith among those who will play quality minutes. I see Josh with the most room for improvement. If he gets “a lot” stronger and moves to the PF position, he can become an Allstar someday. At SF he just doesn’t seem to be able to shoot well enough. He will be effective but not as much as if he were on the “blocks”.

Childress is and will be a “solid” player, but not great.

The new Hawks are going to have to do the improving in order for this squad to move to the next level, which is “competitive”.

By reese

October 14, 2005 08:32 PM | Link to this

There are 3 things to do when someone throws you the ball. Pass, Dribble or Shoot. Josh Smith, Josh Childress and Al Harrington need to learn from Joe Johnson how to do all three well. This may need to come in the form of after or before practice tutoring drills. Jason Collier was more confident when he first came to the hawks. I think that the hawks coaches tried to change his game too much. He is basically just a Bill Lambier type of player (stay away from the basket and shoot). Jason was spot up shooter when jason terry or bob sura drove to the basket and needed someone to pass off the ball. Peja Drobjnak was the same type of center. However, the guards last year were not penetrators and the coaches ran plays that had collier and drobjnak posting up. Just because they are 7’0 tall does not mean that they are post up players. Hopefully, woodson will recognize this about his center and run plays that better suit their play. This is the only way I see Collier improving.

By Matt

October 14, 2005 09:24 PM | Link to this

Okay, no response, so I’ll drop my opinion. This is the NBA, a professional basketball league. The Hawks are improving, but we will never have a chance unless we learn to play some halfway decent defense. A lot of people look at this team and confuse potential with ability. In three years the players we have could be awesome, but in the meantime it’s still a bunch of rookies with no college experience, and Al “True Professional” Harrington. Talking about who the most improved player is going to be when the season hasn’t even started is pure speculation, although it sounds like Smith and Childress are ready to win. The biggest position improvement is center, as the rotation we had last year was horrendous. Just having someone in there that can run is an improvement, but we still have no defensive presence and no inside game at center- but that puts us even with 90% of the teams in the league…

By Sekou K. Smith

October 14, 2005 09:40 PM | Link to this

Matt,

It’s Friday man, lighten up. For the record, this isn’t a column. It is a forum for you all to debate and swap thoughts and ideas about the Hawks and the NBA in general. So if I seem like a forum moderator of sorts, that’s probably because that’s what I am in this case. And I wouldn’t stoke the fire about who will be the most improved if I didn’t have an opinion. I’m not so sure Royal Ivey hasn’t improved the most from the end of last season but what role he plays on this team is yet to be determined.

By Jesse

October 14, 2005 09:51 PM | Link to this

Two comments: First, I enjoy the forum just the way it is. Second, I think Childress will continue and improve upon the success he had at the end of last season.

By doc

October 14, 2005 10:48 PM | Link to this

matt, sks has made very enlightening comments as we go along and has remained available though he doesnt answer all questions, as one of mine to clarify some of the contract issues with jj was passed up a long time ago. after all it is a bit mich for him to try and respond to all that might want to get his attention.

i think al has the ability to be the most improved. he was overshadowed by walker last year and really didnt step up to be the man when it was needed, deferring to walker. he was injured after walker left but now he needs to show he can take a game over to go to the next level that he has said he has it in him to do. if he can get going with jj they might be able to carry this team a bit.

ill go ahead and call out BIG AL since no one else has, he has a lot to prove and needs to do it. to think otherwise gives him a free ride.

By Dany

October 14, 2005 11:50 PM | Link to this

Matt, I did answer your question. Then took it one step further.

Al does need to step up. He need to help further the learning curve and development of Marvin and Smith. I know he won’t be back next year. If he want that big contract. He will have to show his worth.

By Philip

October 15, 2005 08:49 AM | Link to this

If Al gets moved by the all star break, and Josh Smith takes that 4 spot. Smoove will easily be the most improved player on the team. If not, who knows.

By Lamont

October 15, 2005 09:11 AM | Link to this

I think Al will be the guy this season for the Hawks. He has talent, he’s athletic, has some skills. I guess he could avg 19/20 ppg with the addition of Marvin, JJ and Salim, bc these guys will open the paint for him. I just dont know if Josh Smith could play the 4 if Al gets traded. I think Smith would need at least quite some time to adjust his game to that position. Anyway, I believe J. Childress will have a great season, that kid has a huge potential.

By Khao$

October 15, 2005 10:24 AM | Link to this

Jason Collier…RIP. You’ll be missed

By Jesse

October 15, 2005 11:00 AM | Link to this

Terrible, terrible news. My heart goes out to Jason’s family and friends.

By mark

October 15, 2005 11:25 AM | Link to this

ditto! my heart goes out to the collier family. i know it’s tough but stay strong.sort put things in prospective. rip jason.

By HB Ando

October 15, 2005 12:33 PM | Link to this

Jason Collier’s passing is a tragic reminder to fans that these are real people, with real families. It gives me pause to think about how easy it is to criticize the performance of these athletes, and to personalize those comments by addressing issues like “heart”.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, as the fragility of life is once again highlighted by a families’ loss.

By doc

October 15, 2005 04:51 PM | Link to this

andro, really strong thoughts my man.

we often do overpersonalize when critiquing and criticizing the athlete on display only to have it crescendo down on us as we see and feel that they are human. it resonates so strongly when their life is taken from them in the prime of their life. unbeknowst to us we really identitfy with them on the big stage to make moments like this that much more powerful. it really shows how precious life is and how elusive it can become.

i offer prayers for the strength of his family in this tragic time. peace

By Aaron B

October 15, 2005 06:29 PM | Link to this

Man I didn’t find out till I was at the open practice this morning. I showed up ready to see my favorite team, and had to hear the terrible news about Jason Collier. I hope God blesses his family. Jason, RIP my man.

By ray

October 16, 2005 09:43 AM | Link to this

Tragedy indeed. Makes me feel less than an inch tall when remembering the comments I made about wanting to trade him.

As far as most improved, I think it will be between Smith and Childress. Childress strikes me as the kind of guy who becomes quite steady, even if he never becomes superstar material. But then again, he’s a bit of a sleeper because he was never tabbed as a potential superstar and doesn’t have that one thing about him that’s really flashy. As one other guy said, he could be a Rip Hamilton. And who wouldn’t want someone like that on our team? But Smith, if his handle and jumpshot are really significantly better, could easily be the most improved. I also think that he can play some PF. I think he’s got better rebound instincts, which will translate into better rebound skills, more so than Harrington, who doesn’t seem to like the glass as much. Late last season, Smith and Childress were scoring a good bit and grabbing lots of boards. Smith, with added weight and strength, can be a PF. He’s got the height and jumping ability already. While not a post player now, he could learn it.

By jason

October 17, 2005 10:13 AM | Link to this

like aaron b one of the coaches at the open practice informed me of the news and i was awestruck! we all sometimes act as if these men aren’t human and pass judgement in a lot of instances unfairly (me included). but, this situation should put that in perspective that life isn’t promised to anybody and you must take advantage of what you are given. for eddy curry please take time to think about what’s more important dog, please….R.I.P. J.Collier my heart goes out, ONE LOVE.