Hawks

By Astro Joe

April 13, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this

I like that Golden State has stock-piled young big-ums. Bedrins, Diogu, Taft, Carpa?, Murphy, Foyle (not young but big). They’re playing the odds that 2-3 of these guys will eventually develop into skilled player, while in the meantime, they have plenty of beef and fouls. I really like Bedrins, seems like a shot-blocking version of Zaza. That team needs to dump Baron Davis and hire a new coach (anyone want to bet that Davis gets dealt for Marbury in the offseason)?

JJ looked worn down last night. Marvin has been disappointing me over the past 20 games. It seems like he has lost his aggressiveness. He looks a little lost out there. Maybe he is just worn down from the long season and long losing. Someone needs to tell Mr. Smith that shooting 3s al night is not exactly beneficial to this team. I hope that he works on his ball-handling skills during the off-season because he needs to be attacking the basket (like Childress). Gotta love Batista’s imitation of Maurice Lucas. At the same time, I was impressed with Noccioni and Malik Allen as they did not let their poor first halfs affect their second half performance.

Bottom line, Bulls play like thier fiesty head coach and the Hawks too often play like our bi-polar head coach. One minute we are agrressive the next passive. Frustrates me to no end.

By Hal

April 13, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this

Looking at the short schedule left. Twenty six wins looks like it can be done. But then again, I predicted the Hawks would have a .500 month in March. That worked out very well.

As for the Bulls, they have built themselves into a very respectable team. They won’t last in the playoffs. But they are fun to watch. I hate saying that.

Sekou, I know you might not have this info. But what’s up with David Andersen?

By A Real Fan

April 13, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure that Marvin Williams is anywhere near being able to took over for Al Harrington. When you look at the game against the Bulls. The Hawks had no players able to play in the post. The Hawks need post players in the worst way.

By A Real Fan

April 13, 2006 12:35 PM | Link to this

Sorry that should be TAKE over for Al

By Samuel

April 13, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

Cuz,

That MI(crooked letter, crooked letter). You know how i’ve been campaigning for some Mississippi blood all year.

Monte, Lindsey Hunter, Mo Williams, Al Jefferson, A. McDysee, Jackie Butler and plenty more to come. They got they best kid in the class of 07 in Jackson right now.

Also, tell BK to offer my boy Charlie White a FA tryout. I bet you a courtside seat he will make the team.

The Hawks are just running out of gas but what can you expect after being beat up all season and no help inside. They’ll be allright next year.

Yall know my take on Marvin, he just don’t do nothing for me. He might be allright if he ever catches up to his feet.

We got to get somebody in here from the “sip”.

By Jake

April 13, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this

The few times that I have watched Diogu he appears to have the same ball handling limitations a lot of powerful guys have. Plus he needs a go to move and shot. When he gets pushed out of his spot sometimes he seems confused about what to do next.

The jury is still out on Ellis for me. There’s talent in him but the PG spot is tough and maturity is going to be his best friend. Chris Paul benefited greatly from his short stint at Wake.

When Yao screamed Ow what does that mean for the Houston franchise? It took Ilgauskas a long time (2 years I think) to truly recover from his broken flipper.

I think Josh Smith is the heir apparent for Al Harrington’s position. That is if he gets his right hand together. Every game teams are taking away the left. Smith has shown flashes of a low post game. With his growing strength and leaping ability he will be difficult to defend.

By Samuel

April 13, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this

Jake,

Don’t you mean Mississippi State would have benefitted from 4 years of free-labor. How would he have “matured” by playing against watered down talent as opposed to practicing against B. Davis, Jason Richardson, and D. Fisher on a daily basis and “using” so-called vets like he did last night. Explain that. Obviously, you didn’t watch the game last night nor any other Ellis games. all he needs is for Old man Fish to move out the way.

Hey, since Marvin is a Bay Area guy. How about Marvin for Ellis.

By Kappy

April 13, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this

Sekou I was up late last night too and watched the same game. You’re right, Golden State has stockpiled some young talent. They have some valuable veterans too. Its amazing they hadnt done anything all year. They had lost something like 9 straight up until last night’s game. I’ll go ahead and blame Mike Montgomery, who i thought was a questionable hire. And Ike Diogu is a man-child. I was friend’s with his older brother who played football at Tennessee, so ive been able to watch his progress for awhile now. He’s a stockier Josh Smith, imo.

Ok, Ive been thinking about all these trade rumors swirling around here lately. Ive been thinking that Josh Smith was untouchable, but the more i think about it, the more i cant find his true position in the pros. He cant guard 3’s on the perimeter and he’s too slim to guard the 4’s. Anyone else agree/disagree? He may just be expendable, imo.

And Dallas? Im not seeing their dominance. Seems like the same team we saw choke last year in the playoffs behind the lead choker, Dirk. Wouldnt surprise me one bit if they get bounced in the 2nd round this year.

By Steve B.

April 13, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

You gotta hand it to the BULLS, what they lack in talent they make up for in effort. These guys have an undersized back court and their not that big up front but they play hard defense every night and their size dosn’t show up. KAPPY I understand where your coming from but I don’t know if I agree with you. J.Smith is only 20 so I wouldn’t say he can’t gaurd guys on the perimeter. I will say my boy needs to work on his stance and awareness of the guy he’s gaurding. Also the Hawks as a team let to many guy’s drive down the lane because the other team had no fear of being hammered. I think with ZA ZA being our only big man was told to stay out of foul trouble and Al’s playing for a contract , we didn’t foul any one hard who got in the paint. Great team D is what we need.Josh will get better and I think he and Joe are the 2 untouchables on this team.

By Steve B.

April 13, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah Golden State has a lot of young talent. I don’t put any stock into what their doing because they did the same thing at the end of last season.

By amazed

April 13, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this

Kappy- Josh Smith can guard threes. He plays lazy defense and let his man go by so he block their shot. Woodson’s defensive principles of fronting the post might work if Al or Zaza played any defense or cared to. I want to see if he tells Josh to play in front of Gerald Wallace again so he can get 17 layups when he gets no help defense. If you noticed when he plays someone like VC or Lebron they don’t beat him off the dribble. Go take a look at VC’s shooting % in those games. I think it funny you are so critical of a 20yr old but are so willing to take time with a 19yr old. No one here knows how good either one of these kids might be in 2 years. Knowing the Hawks they will probably All-Stars on another team.

By Ghostface

April 13, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this

YEAR 8 OF THE PLAYOFF DROUGHT!

YEAR 8!

8 YEARS!

IN THE EASTERN CONFERENCE!

AFTER BEIN A 4/5 SEED FOR MANY YEARS!

WORST MANAGEMENT EVER!

WORST FAN TREATMENT EVER!

BRING BACK HAWKALICIOUS!

“Kicked up, mack, max motion, Michael Bolton magazine call, I’m too potent, Louisville mix pain kill rap, F benadryl, The violin in ‘Knowledge God’ sounded ill, Tremendously obnoxious, no blotches, My telephone watch’ll leave bartenders topless, Dead on the prosecutor, smacked a juror, Me and my girl’ll run like Luke and Laura, We sit back on Malaysian Islands, Sippin’ mix drinks out of boat coconut bowls, we wildin’”

By Samuel

April 13, 2006 10:06 PM | Link to this

Steve B,

I agree that J. Smith and JJ should be the only untouchables right now. The only potential All Stars as I see it.

By Ramon

April 13, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this

honestly if i was the hawks i wouldnt even trade J. Smith in a package deal for Garnett or O’Neal… J. Smith has the chance to have an impact on the game that would be HUGE in the Eastern Conference for YEARS to come… i think JJ and Josh S. could be a great duo for a good number of years to come.. here’s a name for the Hawks either Derek Fisher or Eric Snow, seasoned veterans with a high price tag, but would be great teachers for Lue and Stoudemire, either that or find out if you could front Wallace 20 mil in his first season ..because the pistons cant

By Kappy

April 13, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

Steve B and amazed I hope you guys are right about J Smoove. Ive seen him play well on the perimeter at times, and then ive seen him get burned. If he doesnt focus on improving on what’s needed for both the 3 or the 4, he’s likely a career bench player. Im not knocking him guys. I love his game. But in today’s NBA, you have to be able to match up defensively with the opposing team’s player at his position.

and amazed, perhaps i am being a bit harsh on jsmoove for only being 20. as you remembered, i was quick to defend marvin yesterday because he was 19. The Hawks are just so young right now guys. A lot is yet to be determined. I love watching these kids grow though.

Wanted to get a little sappy for a moment and thank not only Sekou for creating such a forum for us Hawk fans to discuss the future, but also all those veteran posters who keep me thinking throughout the day. Thanks guys, and lets keep up the good work. Perhaps our positive mojo can create a playoff spot next year!…

By Kappy

April 13, 2006 10:54 PM | Link to this

I love Derek Fisher!!! He’d really be a great addition here.

By Melvin

April 13, 2006 11:18 PM | Link to this

I agree that Jsmoove and JJ are untouchable. Marvin on the other hand is tradeable. I think he’s going to be a nice player but i don’t think he’s going to be a special player like Jsmoove or JJ. I read over the past few blogs that many peeps suggest that we should trade to get KG or J.Oneil ( i agree) but here’s another name i would like to add to our considerations. Chris Bosh. Maybe we could give Toronto Marvin and our 2006 1st rounder. I think that would be equal compesation for the them…

By Mel

April 13, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this

If we’re gonna talk Bosh it all starts with Mike James. He and Bosh are very good friends and he told the Raptors that they need to resign him if he (Bosh) is going to come back. I would push hard for James and then make a move at Bosh when his contract is up. If we’re throwing names into the mix how about D. Howard. He said himself the Hawks are his favorite team and his homie plays for them. Those are two promising players who hold their own. just a thought

By andy

April 13, 2006 11:53 PM | Link to this

yall are approaching the josh smith situation all wrong. add 20 lbs of muscle and he can dominate at the 4. Although in the hawk system there is no tru 2 or 3 or 4. he can defend down low rebound with his leaping ability and give great help side defense and average 15 to 20 a game. josh can morethan replace harrington.

next t lue has to go.he plays zero defense and will not penetrate and dish.even grundy is an improvement.

By jlewis

April 14, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this

The Hawks should scrap their entire roster except for four players, JJ, The two Josh’s and Marvin. Harrington is terrible, can’t dribble, rebound, pass or play defense. T-Lue is terrible, have you noticed JJ’s shots and numbers have gone down since Lue came back. Zaza is a backup at best, the only reason he is among league leaders in offensive rebound is he knows where is misses are coming off, he has no athleticism and can’t jump. If the Hawks were to somehow get Derek Fisher and Francisco Elson, that would be a good start with the four they should keep.

By The Flash

April 14, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this

For all the differences of opinion here, and the “disappointments”, the promise this team holds lies in its youth and the character of the players assembled. It seems that, in the rest of the NBA world, character is unraveling at an ever increasing pace. Starbury has taken this to new heights. Seems, haven’t given his hall of fame coach’s system a try and convinced himself it doesn’t work, he’s declared that he ain’t doing it anymore. Play me and I do it my way, Starbury says. And, there were some on this blog who actually entertained the notion of bringing the guy here. Oops, sorry about that guys.

By Ryder

April 14, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

Anyone who suggests that Scrubury should be on this team should have their blogging priviliges revoked lol! Sorry Flash, force of habit, you place some great posts on here but please never bring up that scrub again. If we thought JR Rider was a cancer Scrubury would destroy the youth movement, not to mention the salary cap.

Seriously jlewis has a point. The core of this team is: JJ, Marvin, Josh Smith but I also believe Salim can be a great addition off the bench as well. Atlanta needs a veteran bruiser and by trading Al Harrington the Hawks should be able to obtain one.

By The Flash

April 14, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

Thanks Ryderman. Yeah, I had thrown out Starbury once as a possible way back; bringing it up now was just to show what a genuis I really am. We all got to laugh at ourselves sometimes, and, as I’m SURE at least Thinking Man will agree, I was long overdo.

By The Flash

April 14, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this

And, oh, might as well throw out some more of the skelletons. My prediction that Starbury and Francis threatened to become the reincarnation of Clyde and Monroe, what can I say, sorry about that Samuel, I was off a might. You think!!!

By HB Ando

April 14, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

I might have, in a fit of desperation or imbibement, suggested that there were worse things that could happen than bring Marbury to Atlanta. But my point at the time was that we either need to be good or fun to watch to put butts in the seats. If you are to believe that this team is unlikely to become one of the elite, truly competing for championships, in the next five years, then the idea of bringing exciting players here, in lieu of championships, is the lesser of all evils. It’s the indifference to putting a fun, competitive product on the floor, for the fans, that has frustrated me to this point. We’ve got a couple of pieces that are exciting to watch. We did nothing to improve the product during the season. Ownership is at question, as is leadership from management. We need a sign of what direction this team will travel.

I also read the Starbury quotes. Anyone else read Harrington’s quotes about Chicago:

Because there will be no quality centers on the free-agent market this summer, the player who probably makes the most sense for the Bulls to pursue is forward Al Harrington of the Atlanta Hawks. Harrington made it clear Wednesday night that he’s definitely interested in the Bulls. “Obviously, the season is still going on, and I’m still an Atlanta Hawk,” he said before the Bulls and Hawks played at Philips Arena. “But I am going to free agency unrestricted, and I’m looking at every situation out there. “What’s going to be the biggest thing that’s going to help me decide where I go is the winning factor. I’m definitely trying to get back to the playoffs.” Chicago Sun-Times

His interest in the Bulls is more than just passing. He has told friends around the NBA that he admires coach Scott Skiles’ system and likes the Bulls’ style of play. Harrington, who’s averaging 18.6 points and 6.9 rebounds this season, even went so far as to consider how he would fit in. “I look at the way they play and they don’t have any inside presence,” he said. “That’s something that I think I can fill for any team I go to, and definitely [for the Bulls].” Chicago Sun-Times

Is it me, or has Al been more than candid about leaving Atlanta, with every writer in every other NBA city. Does he think that not offering the same thoughts to Sekou will keep the fans from catching his quotes about leaving, from other locales? Or is Sekou not putting him on the spot here locally? SS, care to weigh in on why everyone else gets Harrington’s “love to play in your fine city” routine? Did anyone explain to Al that in the age of the internet saying it in Chicago is as good as saying it here?

And lastly, whispers about Mike James’ me-first, stat stuffing play in Toronto, where he is constantly reminding everyone how good his numbers are in a contract year, are leading some to question his priorities on the court. The guy has been a journeyman, who’s had to fight for his NBA career, and now people want to hold it against him that he wants to finally get paid? What’s up with that? Toronto sucks and this guy brings it 100% nightly, with pride, and people are questioning him. I say put him on the floor with some talent, and he can play with anybody. With Bosh out, he should be shooting more.

Imagine what kind of numbers guys like Francis or Marbury would put up for a team with a record that bad…….Oh, whoops. Too funny. How ‘bout them Knicks, Sam?

By Astro Joe

April 14, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this

When it happens, remember where you saw it first. There will be SERIOUS discussions about a marbury for Baron Davis trade during the summer. There probably needs to be some filler added, but those two principals will be discussed. One team’s headache for another team’s headache.

Oh, and Ando, was your statement about bringing Marbury on board an admission of a bad call like The Flash offered or was it a rationalization that having a dysfunctional team is okay as long as we sell tickets, I couldn’t quite tell.

By doc

April 14, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

ando, speaking of al and all this talk of sign and trade as it is a firm possibility, al seems to enjoy or relish his independence almost to a point of shoving it in our faces at any stop. it doesnt sound like his tour is one of the sign and trade variety but one of this is how i can help you now how can you help me. he also hasnt complained once of his knees hurting. what do you think of his inside presence as well of which he speaks. thought that was a bit on the light side.

the definite question is what are the chances of him doing the sign and trade or anyone doing it. in the recent past is that just standard fare or is it really somehting that doesnt come to pass that often.

good afternoon flash. you said i wasnt kind and i never threw that clyde and pearl stuff in your face after the first time you stated it. yeah, we like to laugh at ourselves, did i tell you about the one that i was a 500 hitter in college? :-) just plain awful but i could bunt real good.

By A Thinking Fan

April 14, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this

Flash When I hire my “Pitchman” for my firm’s promotional campaign, You’re it! Smile! You have all the qualities for the task…

By BeFrank

April 14, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

doc makes a good point. We have to convince al AND any prospective team that there is some advantage to a sign and trade. If al decides to go it on his own then my understanding is that he walks and we have nothing to show for it. Hopefully BK has the kind of relationship with Al that he can convince him that it’s a win-win to do the sign and trade versus being on his own.

By Steve B.

April 14, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this

AL’s no dummy. He knows their is more money in a S&T . Chi. also knows NY and IND will be bidding on him also. I think we can count on NY driving his price up(like they did J.Crawford and C.Curry). S&T is the only way NY can get him so we should be in good shape, unless he’s willing to take less money.

By HB Ando

April 14, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this

Agreeing with Steve B always makes my head hurt, but he’s right. An extra year and more money is not something Al will walk away from out of spite. And the fact that there are two teams that want him, in Chicago and NY, who want to get back to the playoffs RIGHT now, means we should be able to get some value in a sign-and-trade. I don’t blame Al for doing his road show. Look at it from his perspective. He knows we’re not committed to keeping him here. Knew it when we drafted Marvin the year after the Josh’s. So he’s out doing some marketing. If everyone plays his situation out rationally, he should get a better contract, and we should end up with a more balalnced roster. ‘Course this is the ATL……

By sick of it

April 18, 2006 01:35 AM | Link to this

Sam is an degenerate. And his knicks suck.

By Charlie

April 19, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this

Nice Work Thrashers! You had a helluva run this year but came up short. I wish the best to all the players except for Bobby (Take the Money and Run) Holik. It’s been 5 years since you left my beloved NJ Devils and you as a player haven’t made the playoffs since. I hope the money is worth having all this free time in April. We DON’T miss you in NJ.