AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2005 > November
November 2005
Players need to look in mirror
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m not sure who makes me more sick this morning (and it’s early, at Houston’s Bush Airport) — the lunkhead who invented 6:30 a.m. flights, or the dope who decided that scheduling NBA games on back-to-back nights in different cities was a good idea.
But I’m grinding anyway, hustling from H-Town to A-Town to see if your Hawks are going to come together or come apart now that they know they won’t finish the first month of the season winless.
I thought the success of last week’s nearly three-game winning rush would make them want to continue the positive vibe they had cultivated. But there were alarming signs of discontent after the loss to the Rockets. I don’t know that these guys trust each other enough on the floor to play for each other rather than for their own individual pursuits. If that’s the case, the Hawks have a very diabolical mix on their hands. And it’s not one or two people that need to look in the mirror. It’s every single one of these guys. They have to ask themselves what they’re in this thing for, because right now it ain’t the playoffs or anything close to it.
Granted, it’s still early and this daily analysis of a team toe-deep into an 82-game season is a bit premature — I feel like we’re all stuck in some creepy basketball version of the Dr. Phil Show, harping on the obvious day after day with no real relief. But the fact is, the foundation of this particular team is being laid right now. And if they’re going to surpass last season’s dismal 13-game win total, they have to figure out who they are right now. They have to make a decision as a team and decide if they’re going to do things the right way or the other way.
Not a point-less debate
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Hawks’ great point guard debate promises to heat up this week, with Sunday’s game against Phoenix looming and former teammates — reigning league MVP Steve Nash and Hawks point guard Joe Johnson — set to square off.
Like all of you, I studied the stat sheet from that loss to Portland and realized that the Hawks had just 10 assists (to 13 turnovers). It’s a frighteningly low number at first glance. Then I peaked at Portland’s numbers — they had 14 and 14. Can you chalk that up to the style of game it was? Both teams were playing through their primary scorers, and the low score of the game (77-75) surely had something to do with those low assist numbers as well.
So let’s just take this one game as a breakdown of the point guards involved. Joe Johnson had a game-high five assists. His backup — Salim Stoudamire has to qualify for that job since he’s the only guard the Hawks played off the bench — had one. Portland’s Sebastian Telfair had three assists and his backup Jarrett Jack had a team-high four.
I’ve seen people examine the Hawks’ numbers and make the argument that a true point guard is needed. Does Portland need to find a true point guard, too?
I just think the idea of a point guard being graded only on his assist and/or turnover numbers is off target when you look at the specific circumstances. Would a traditional, pass-first point guard come in handy late in a game when you want to take your best scorer off the ball and allow him to get shots? (Uh, yeah. I’ve been writing that since before Johnson was signed.) But using just numbers isn’t an accurate way to evaluate the point guard’s impact on a game. Is it?
Forget refs; remember to focus
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m usually not big on whacking referees when a team blows a 13-point third quarter lead and loses a game BUT after watching the replay of that disputed illegal assistance call against Josh Smith from Sunday’s game against the Blazers, I can see why the Hawks were steaming. It was a botched call and rather than huddling up and making sure they got it right, the usually arrogant NBA officials (hey, please don’t fine me David Stern) stuck to their misguided guns rather than doing the right thing and reversing a bad call — officials correct each other’s mistakes often during NBA games. They made it worse by getting out of the building before anyone could track them down to inquire about the truly bizarre call. (We’re still trying to find out if an illegal assistance turnover has ever been called in an NBA game before.) HA!
Without our usual assortment of replay angles (the game wasn’t on TV anywhere other than inside Philips Arena), we didn’t have the luxury of knowing just how bad a call it was until after the game. Hawks coach Mike Woodson asked his VP of PR Arthur Triche and I (we’ve got the first two seats on the scorers’ table) if we thought it was a good call, and to the naked eye it seemed like Smith did hit the rim. So you can imagine how happy Woodson was after the game, and after he’d gone back and watched the video replay from his own video coordinator’s camera, when the gathered media started asking him about it.
All that said, I really do think dwelling on that bad call beyond last night would be a waste for the Hawks, especially with a limping Houston team on the horizon. It’s more important that the Hawks realize what they did to fumble that 13-point lead and make sure they don’t repeat it when they’re in that position again. Because they’ve shown in the past three games that when they adhere to the fundamental tenets of the game — share the ball on offense, aggressive attitude on defense, open lines of communication on the floor between coaches and players — they’re not nearly as dreadful as we’ve made them out to be around here sometimes.
First shot at a winning streak
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After stuffing more food down my throat Thursday than should be biologically allowed, my thoughts immediately turned to leftovers. Do I want a ham or turkey omelet for breakfast this morning? And can you even put leftover collard greens or sweet potato casserole in an omelet?
Anywho…
What I’m really wondering is what the Hawks might have leftover from Wednesday night’s win. And perhaps even more important is what the Indiana Pacers have in the tank after carving up the league’s hottest team by 20-plus on Thanksgiving night? Since the Pacers have better players on their inactive list than some teams have in their starting lineup, that last question is basically already answered.
But I can’t wait to see if the Hawks can reproduce that energy and effort they played with against Boston. And who knows, if Joe Johnson doesn’t get in early foul trouble they might have a chance to finally win back-to-back games under Mike Woodson. Well, anywho.
When at first you don’t succeed…
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Now that the lineup has changed once again, do you think Mike Woodson has finally gotten it right?
With Josh Smith and Tyronn Lue in the lineup, Woodson feels he has his most potent starting five to open games. It allows Salim Stoudamire, Marvin Williams and now Josh Childress to come off the bench with some instant energy. It also takes the pressure off Childress, who was pressing early in the season knowing that he’d have to guard quicker shooting guards who would be far more offensive minded than some of the forwards he dealt with last season.
Until they add another big body or two — yes, I’m still banging that drum — what else can the coaching staff do?
A thankful grouch
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Let me make clear my disdain for the “Holiday Season,” which is clearly in full swing since our neighbors have already strung Christmas lights all over their yard and house. I feel no cheer this time of year. None.
And with all the gloom and doom that accompanies a winless team (yes, the Hawks are still 0-9 as of Tuesday afternoon) it would be hard to muster the appropriate attitude for the season.
But I’m working on it. Really, I’m trying to improve my outlook on things and, as my lady likes to say, “stop being such a grouch.” She thinks all the recent losing around here (the Braves, Falcons, Hawks and especially my Michigan Wolverines) has had a negative effect on my usually sparkling personality.
So since we’re all supposed to be in a thankful mood right about now, my drive in town got me to thinking about some things I’m thankful for. I can think of about five or six — family, good health, employment and all that stuff being at the top of the list. But that’s really about it. You didn’t expect a complete conversion in one day, did you?
A few others:
*I’m thankful for Outkast, who make the treacherous drive in town a whole lot smoother than it would be without them.
*I’m thankful for the blog (today at least), because the fam is already out of town and I haven’t had anyone to talk to since Sunday morning. Even a grouch needs daily interaction with others.
*I’m thankful for NBA practices that run long (I’m writing from the big floor at Philips as the Hawks go through the daily grind); it’s the best time to catch up on an assortment of things. It’s frigid in here. The players are blowing in their hands and wearing long-sleeve shirts under their practice jerseys. Tony Delk has even borrowed a pair of Kobe Bryant’s tights for the occasion.
*I’m thankful for a team that maintains the drama — win or lose, the Hawks are a story right now.
*I’ve got a few other things I’m not quite as enamored with these days: I swear I saw snowflakes downtown this morning, and is there anyway we can get the Ohio State football program on probation, immediately?
Swagger from Salim needed
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In case you were wondering, crow tastes nothing like chicken. And yes, I’m still picking feathers out of my teeth after Friday’s bold (and apparently misguided) prediction. I didn’t know the Hornets would rise up to the occasion the way they did with so many key players out. I also miscalculated the Hawks’ resolve. So for the time being, I’m leaving the prognosticating to the folks in Vegas and the all-seeing souls at the psychic network.
And any questions about Chris Paul’s NBA stock should be cleared up by now as well. I had no idea the kid was that type of competitor. He didn’t just go after the Hawks with his play. He had the swagger and bounce of a special player. The show put on by he and Hawks rookie Salim Stoudamire was truly something to see. It could very well have been a battle between the two guys that end up dueling for Rookie of the Year honors.
Since Paul is clearly the Hornets’ pulse (they go as he goes this season), it made me wonder. Might the Hawks need a similar infusion of swagger and confidence from its rookie wonder?
(Before you start crowing about that jolt needing to be provided by the player whose salary is the biggest, remember that Paul is not the Hornets’ highest paid player). I’m asking a fundamental question of whether or not it’s fair to ask so much of a player a player in Stoudamire’s specific situation.
Stoudamire seems willing and able. And it’s not like a rookie who comes off the bench can’t be his team’s driving force, Ben Gordon did it just last year.
Throwing down the gauntlet
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m saying it here first.
I think the Hawks get the win tonight.
They drilled the Hornets twice during preseason (once with Chris Paul and once without. But I just think tonight’s the night the Hawks shake off the funk and leave Toronto alone on the 0-for-‘05 scrap heap.
Any takers? What do you think?
Blog Appreciation Day
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Today is officially Blog Appreciation Day around here. Everywhere I’ve been on the road this season folks have commented about the blog and all the stuff they love reading on the Hawks Blog.
And this is from coaches and or staffers from the other franchises the Hawks have graced with their presence this season. I think they are surprised at the volume of bloggers and the passion behind most posts. And to think there wasn’t even a Hawks Blog last year (we all need to show a little love to a guy named Scott Peacocke for that one). So keep making noise people. But be careful what you toss out here, ha, because it’s being read worldwide.
Now, on to Thursday’s most puzzling revelation, I have them often these days.
It’s come to my attention that the Hawks, along with the mighty Toronto Raptors, have become the league’s most laughable operations and most feared all at the same time. I know it sounds ridiculous but think about it.
Winless teams are targets on ESPN every night until they win games. But in the eyes of the rest of the league they’ve become the dreaded “trap” game. Other teams are worried they’ll have a letdown when the Hawks or Raptors show up and lose. They’re worried they’ll just assume victory without anyone running a play. And that’s what makes the Hawks dangerous.
You better believe the Mavs are on upset alert tonight.
No end in sight
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I watched Al Harrington’s first 12 minutes Tuesday night and still can’t believe he scored 22 points, only to come up with one other point after that. He was miffed as well as to how it could happen.
Give the Spurs defense some of the credit. But I agree that he’d have had to call for oxygen, or at least mouth-to-mouth from one of the Spurs dancers, before he came out of the game (I believe the theory is “ride the hot hand until said hand falls off”).
But after watching a championship team that goes as deep as it wants to (Mike Finley and Brent Barry didn’t even play) I hope it’s clear to everyone now that the Hawks’ biggest problem is that their personnel simply isn’t on par with most of the teams they’ll deal with night after night. Say what you want about anything else, but the Hawks are simply too young and too thin at key positions.
I’m calling my favorite hoops guru (wise old fella who lives in St. Louis and has been watching pro ball since the ’60s) for advice. Maybe he has some suggestions for a team that’s on a collision course with infamy just over two weeks into the season. Me, I’m fresh out!
Dallas morose over the Mavs
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You’d be amazed how much you can read on flights from Atlanta to Dallas and then Dallas to San Antonio, and during all waiting before, after and in between. I went through Sports Illustrated, Vibe, Slam Punks, my leftovers from the AJC Sunday paper and both the airline magazine and SkyMall catalog.
You might not believe this, but the headlines in the Dallas papers are nearly identical to the AJC’s when it comes to the coverage of the local NBA team.
The Mavs (I know we’re moving a couple days ahead here but stick with me) are 4-2 and the only thing being written about them is what’s wrong. Can you imagine what would be going on if they were 0-6?
Monday’s Star Telegram (Fort Worth) had a story asking if the starting lineup should be changed to get Doug Christie and Erick Dampier out and some of the more productive (and in certain cases younger) blood into the first five. It raised some legitimate questions and concerns and offered up some real solutions. But I couldn’t help but think: Relax for Mark Cuban’s sake. You’re 4-2! And you thought the Hawks had issues.
On second thought, I think it is an interesting point to examine. Dampier and Christie are much less productive statistically than, say, Keith Van Horn and Devin Harris. Avery Johnson is in favor of letting the current five of Dirk Nowitzki, Josh Howard, Jason Terry, Christie and Dampier work out their issues before making any drastic changes. And how can you argue? They are 4-2, not 2-4. I just think it’s a lot easier to be patient when you’re winning (a luxury that’s obviously missing in action in Hawksville these days).
A side note for those of you, like me, who love a good meal. Try the Texas style BBQ if you come to San Antonio. I’d name one or two but nobody’s comping my meals. But trust me, the brisket at most of these places (and I’ve been to just about all of them the past few years) melts in your mouth. Anybody got a wet napkin?
Spurs? Mavs? Are you serious?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The NBA schedule makers can’t be serious. What does an 0-6 team in desperate need of a win get this week?
How about trips to reigning world champion San Antonio (Tuesday) and always dangerous Dallas (Thursday) with a trip to Oklahoma City (Friday) where the league’s most eager crowd awaits.
Funny thing is, the Hawks are eager for this trip. Apparently there’s nothing like being the league’s biggest underdog (the worst joke I heard over the weekend is when one ESPN talking head asked the coach from the old TV show “The White Shadow” who would win a best-of-seven between the fictional Carver High squad or the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and dude said “Carver 4-1”).
I guess they figure the Spurs might just assume they’re going to win, like the Grizzlies did when they pulled a Houdini Saturday night at the Nest. Or maybe the Mavericks will sleep on the NBA’s favorite dinner guest? You know the Hornets will be waiting. Like the Hawks, they have very few sure things this season. And I imagine Chris Paul is relishing an opportunity to punish one of the teams that passed him up in the June draft.
Before I forget, I do think the play of the Hawks’ youngsters Saturday night deserves special mention here. They’ve taken their lumps around here when they haven’t delivered. So I would argue that it’s only fair they get a little love when they play well. Now let’s see if they can bottle that juice up and get it past the TSA workers at the airport.
Oh, and please say a prayer for me and the fat foot (it’s gotten much better since last week but is still feeling a little weird) to make it through the week without drama on all these flights.
View on TV is no better
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well, at least we know it’s not the beat writer.
Had the Hawks won last night with the honorable Guy Curtright working the keyboard for the Hawks-Clippers game, Mike Woodson might have asked for me to be replaced. Luckily (for the sake of my kid’s college fund, not the Hawks’), that didn’t happen.
I have to admit, watching the game on TV didn’t provide me the detached view of this team I had hoped for. (By the way, I do love Steve’s Smith’s approach on the broadcasts). I was hoping to see something I might have missed courtside. But it didn’t happen.
I just don’t see the confidence that a talented-disadvantaged team like the Hawks needs to overachieve. That’s an internal thing, something that has to be stoked by all involved. Blame the coaching staff all you want, and they’d be quick to accept the blame. But I’m putting as much onus on the players.
I’ve been at Hawks practices, there’s nothing they are seeing on game night that’s a surprise. Teams around the league have advance scouts detailing opponents’ every tendency weeks ahead of the days they’ll actually play the game. So it’s not as if one team has a technological or strategical advantage.
The bottom line is, if you’re bigger and stronger than me, I have to outwork you. And not for 24 minutes — it has to be non-stop. And it has to become the identity of this team. The alternative is more nights like Thursday.
The few, the shamed, the winless
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Hawks have company in the winless column (as of Thursday morning).
The Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks are also victory-free. The Hawks’ issues are well documented, as you all know. From all indications, the Raptors are experiencing similar difficulties meshing its veteran talent and newcomers. (Though I would argue that the Raptors’ roster is much more complete the Hawks’).
In New York, where high-priced players are the norm, Larry Brown hasn’t been able to work any of his magic yet. So if you study the schedules of all three teams, who slides out of the NBA’s detention hall first, and why?
Injury bug bites writer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So this is what it feels like to be out with an injury? Left my doctor’s office this morning with the news. Staph infection in my left foot.
I’ll be out seven days (three if I take my medicine and keep my foot elevated). This stinks. But I’ll still be keeping up with the Hawks as best I can.
After a restless night’s sleep (it was my foot, not the Hawks’ dreadful second half against the Lakers that kept me from a peaceful slumber) I’ve come to the realization that the only game Hawks fans will be playing from now until a victory is earned is the blame game. I’ve seen the calls for the heads of Billy Knight, Mike Woodson, Joe Johnson and just about everyone else.
I don’t know that I’m ready to start assigning blame to any one person. But I agree that something has to change between now and Thursday night’s game against the Clippers at Philips Arena. Since I’m out with an injury and unable to do anything, I’m open to any and all suggestions.
Josh Smith off the bench
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mike Woodson seems committed to sticking with his “veteran” lineup, which means Josh Smith will continue to come off the bench for the foreseeable future.
Since the Hawks haven’t played but one home game since the preseason started, I realize some fans haven’t seen him in action. So tonight’s game against the Lakers will be the first chance many people, at least those who’ll actually make it to Philips Arena, will get to see him up close. And you better believe all eyes in the place will be watching his every move.
While I think it’s a bit unfair for Smith to be on display alone (no other starter has been benched), I think the issue is like mesmerizing reality TV: You just can’t stop watching it and talking about it.
So let the debate rage on, is it a good or bad move for the Hawks to bench him now? And do you think it helps or hurts the kid in the long run?
Paging Charles Oakley…
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Where’s Charles Oakley when you need him?
No. Seriously.
The Hawks need a veteran tough guy like Oakley to come and help get their locker room in order and provide the type of on-court leadership that only a grizzled veteran can. They dealt with drama last week that frankly no veteran worth his pension would allow to take place. It took Al Harrington stepping in to sort out the mess.
As much as a coach or his assistants can discipline players, at the professional level there has to be some sort of hierarchy on and off the floor. And that hierarchy has to be enforced by players. So if anyone knows where Charles Oakley is, tell him his services are needed.
Harrington injury hurts a lot
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Playing without Al Harrington or Joe Johnson was the one thing we all knew would put the Hawks in an extremely tough situation this season.
It’s a reality now, with Harrington’s twisted left ankle keeping him out of tonight’s game against the Clippers and against Portland Saturday night. I’ll revisit a mantra I learned from a veteran NBA general manager who told me: “There is no such thing as too many” of anything in the NBA. People moaned and groaned about the Hawks having too many guys that play the forward spots, but they’re just one game in and already they’re tapping that depth.
Dealing with Elton Brand will be hard enough. But when you have to do it with teenagers (Josh Smith and Marvin Williams tonight) you’re asking for trouble.
And I don’t mind stating the obvious over and over again. The Hawks need at least one more big man. Now. And when I say big man, I’m talking about a true power forward or center who can give them immediate help.
Not a good start
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For the sake of Hawks fans around the globe, you hope Wednesday night’s loss to the Warriors was a warning experience and not a wicked bit of deja vu for a Hawks team that knows all about losing games after controlling them early.
I wasn’t sure what to expect in the locker room after the game. But the veterans seemed to understand exactly why they lost, while most of the younger guys were busy brooding over their poor performances. And Joe Johnson’s shaky stat line (17 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist) is sure to make people start questioning the logic of using him at point guard as opposed to his more natural shooting guard spot.
I’d say it’s just one game. But you say that too many times and before you know it, the team you cover is 13-69.
Opening predictions, anyone?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After watching the highlights of the Hornets-Kings game last night, might we be in for a season of stunning surprises in the NBA?
The better team, on paper, got smoked. And the Hornets, riding an emotional wave in front of a sold out crowd in Oklahoma City, clearly played inspired.
Well, it’s early yet, I know. But the Hawks have a chance to spring a similar surprise tonight against Golden State. The Warriors are expected to be one of the league’s most improved teams this season, and folks around here are talking playoffs (seriously) for the first time in 11 years.
The Hawks could play party crashers with a huge night from their new backcourt (Joe Johnson and Josh Smith) that should have its hands full with Baron Davis and Jason Richardson.
Any predictions before the opener? And remember, you’ve got until 10:30 p.m. because of the time zone change.
J. Smith a work in progress
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Much has been made here (check the AJC archives for the story after last year’s All-Star break) and elsewhere about Josh Smith and his seemingly impetuous side.
But let me remind folks far and wide that the dude is 19. Again, dude is just 19. While I’m not exonerating him from any out-of-line behavior, I think we do need to point out that the “kid” is still in his formative stage.
So watching him mature will, at times, be a painful process. Buckle up.
