Hawks

By FD

April 14, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this

What punishment did the Chicago player receive? If he (Chicago player)did not recieve any punishment, then Childress’ suspension for 2 games is unfair.

By A Real Fan

April 14, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

FD,

His Punishment was a $5,000 fine!

By Astro Joe

April 14, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

It was gut-check time in the Chicago game and I saw Batista and Childress stand-up and every one else pretty much walked away. Hopefully, playing teams with a strong sense of playoff-hunger will help this team mature. Tonight should be more like what our Finesse-Birds like to play, a non-defensive affair where players get to shoot 3-pointers, slam home uncontested dunks and ignore any shot from 3-20 feet out. Unfortunately, the varsity teams don’t play that style of ball, only the JV.

And yes, Childress deserved the suspension and if his teammates had any “oranges”, they would take him out to the most expensive steak place in town and show him some love. (Or at least buy him a life time supply of Blow-Out kits).

By Ben

April 14, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this

I liked it!! This team needs to show a little aggression. Especially from their head coach. People have been running over us all year, i.e. the officials

By The Flash

April 14, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this

With guys like Nocioni on teams like Chicago especially in the situation that they are in, a flagrant foul like a bow to the throat has to require a suspension.

If I’m Stern, I examine film of Chicago’s play over the past month (have my assistant do it and make a report) and, if as I suspect, it shows persistent over-the-top attempts at physical intimidation (I remember from the playoffs last year), I fine Skyles, big time. I hate when coaches and players make the game into Bobby ball. I’d rather watch a good boxing match.

By Steve B.

April 14, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

FLASH for the most part I agree with you, the NBA lets the good teams do this. Det dose it now, SA with B.Bowen dose it, IND did it when they had R.Artest, the BULLS of the 90’s and the Bad Boy PISTONS made it an art. It will be extreamly hard to stop a style of play that goes hand and hand with championships and wins.

By Steve B.

April 14, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this

On Chill’s we all know he had to be suspended. The NBA has to draw the line some where. The scrub for the BULLS should have been suspended also and heavily fined for starting it. I think Chill’s actions were past do, I’m tired of seeing J.Smith and J.Johnson hacked and manhandled with out fouls called or reaction. If this makes the ref’s call the games evenly for fear of fighting it needed to be done. Joe and Smoove should take care of Chill’s fine, since they will benifit most from it. In a playoff hunt Chill’s needs to control his temper better, but for this one time enough was enough.

By taloned

April 14, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this

That’s Stu for Stooge Jackson.

In Stooge’s world, up is down, right is wrong, perp = victim, victim = perp.

Real world: assault = crime; retaliation = self-defense.

Stu’s world: assailant = victim; retaliator = perp.

Real world: perp invades home, fires gun; home owner defends family, shoots perp;

Stu’s world: perp = fine; home owner = 2 game suspension.

Real world: Osama attacks U.S.; U.S. attacks against OBL.

Stu’s world: Osama = fine; U.S. = 2 game suspension.

Real world: Brad Miller clotheslines Shaq; Shaq swings at Miller; Criminal law: Miller = attempted battery, Shaq = self-defense.

Stu’s world: Miller = 1 game suspension; Shaq = 3.

Real world: Nocioni clotheslines JChill; JChill retaliates; Criminal law: Nocioni = attempted battery, Childress = self-defense.

Stu’s world: Nocioni = fine; JChill = 2 game suspension.

Real world: Stooge Jackson is a sock-puppet SLAVE for Master David YODA Stern plus Yoda’s clown posse of favorite owners (including the 3 Jerrys)

Stu’s world: No complaints here. I’m NBA Vice-President of Operations.

By HB Ando

April 14, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

Joe, it was an admittance that I entertained the crazy thought of Marbury here. Blogging here almost everyday, for seven months, you’re bound to say a few regrettable things……

By Harry Hawk

April 14, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this

Billy Knight: “We need a star on this team. Hey! Looky here. Starbury!”

Atlanta Spirit: “Yeah. He has ties to this area. He was a four-year starter at Georgia Tech, right? One year? Sounds good to us.”

BK: “Alright. So…Josh Smith, Marvin Williams…and Joe Johnson…and this year’s first round pick? Think that would be enough?”

AS: “I don’t know. That Isiah is a shrewd bargainer. Maybe we should include our ‘08 first-rounder and our trade exception for ‘07.”

BK: “Good idea. We should also give Starbury a new contract. He’s underpaid.”

AS: “Okay. I’m thinking $20 million a year sounds about right. He’s a star, after all.”

BK: “Well, he’s only worth $19.9 million.”

AS: “Let’s ask Belkin.”

Steve Belkin: “You sure you can’t trade all of that to the Celtics for Wally Szczerbiak? I love Wally…and those other guys would be a great fit for a team that I really don’t like: The Celtics.”

AS: “Steve, why were you winking while you said that?”

SB: “Damn pollen. I forgot to take my Claritin.”

AS (to BK): “Okay. We’re doing the deal with the Celtics.”

BK: “Tell Steve that I’ll gladly shake his hand after this deal is done.”

THE END

By cletus

April 14, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this

Childress was right by doing what he did. Nocioni is a cheap-shot artist who will eventually be dealt with. The league office is choosing to look the other way while he clobbers people. There will be another major brawl, mark my words.

By Hal

April 14, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

The suspension was completely fair. Now should have the Bulls player(Andres Nocioni) have gotten a suspension as well? He probably deserved at least a game. It seemed pretty unintentional. But you still need to watch the bows.

They’re back at it again tonight. They put themselves into a hole only to try and climb out at the very last second. Let’s hope it works.

By Billy

April 14, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this

Loved the game Marvin, JSmith and JJ played together tonight. They are 3/5 of our future starting lineup.

Seriously, get a strong/defensive center and a quick/distributing PG and we are in the playoffs.

What’s the average age of those three? 21/22? We don’t need a PF. We need a C and a PG. And we must trade Al Harrington for one of them!

By HB Ando

April 14, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this

4 or 5? Tomato/TomAAAto! Back to splitting hairs. Need a presence in the paint, who can rebound and block shots. Need a guard that can defend smaller, quicker points, distribute the ball and shoot the open 3. We have roles to fill, not numbers. Is the Spirit intact? Do they have the committment to make this thing happen?

By Dennis

April 14, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this

The dude that hit Chill should get a 5-game suspension after tape review as someone mentioned before. Chill should get 2 games. I’ve said it before, bring in Fortson and our guys will not get hammered the way they do. I don’t care if you can’t stick a newspaper under Fortson’s feet when he jumps, we need an enforcer. Our guys are getting killed. And we need to give some hard fouls when folks come flying in the lane. Not dirty, just make ‘em pay. If you want to come down the middle, we’ll block the shot and give you some body. Got to protect the hole and make ‘em think twice about coming down the middle. Let’s use our fouls instead of the cheapies we get! If we’re going get called for ‘em, let’s get our money’s worth!!!

By Billy

April 14, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this

What if we traded Al Harrington for this package:

Telfair, Theo Ratliff and something (draft pick or another player).

Yes, Ratliff is still owed a lot of money. But he’d be what we need - a veteran and an enforcer.

Telfair would hopefully be our PG of the future.

Add a high draft pick and maybe a cheap, but good FA and we’re ready to roll…

By Kappy

April 14, 2006 11:59 PM | Link to this

So sad that Charlotte has our number. I dont care, im the one thats wanted the greatest chance of ping pong balls, so what do i care. Right now, there are 4 teams vying for the most balls right now. :)

Portland has 21 wins, new york has 22(chicago’s pick) charlotte has 23, atlanta has 24. Why havent we been cheering for a couple of late meaningless losses? Dont give me that crap about building a winning tradition. next october, i guarantee you none of these players will remember one ounce of tonight’s charlotte game.

Ping Pong Balls! Balls! Balls !

By Gregor F***

April 15, 2006 01:30 AM | Link to this

If Childress punched him he should get a suspension, maybe not for 2 games though. Nocioni is a dirty player though, although it’s refreshing to see a European who can mix it up instead of soft ones like Peja.

By HB Ando

April 15, 2006 06:52 PM | Link to this

Kappy, in case you haven’t looked up Theo’s numbers this year, he’s done. Spending over $10 million for a few boards and a block or two would not be in our best interests. That’s the kind of move the Knicks make. And Al is not going to agree to a sign and trade to a team just as bad, maybe worse, as the Hawks. He’s already said publicly that getting back to playoffs immediately is going to be a primary factor in the decision on where he will go. The team is losing money and one of the richest men in the world has thrown his hands in the air and said, “I give. Who wants to buy this team?” Now Childress for Jack might make some serious sense, since Childress played at Stanford, just down the road. But we can only work a sign and trade with Al if it’s with a team that he’s interested in, and vice versa. Otherwise, he’ll just walk……..

But I’m with you on botching being bad. I said months ago, leave it to the Hawks to trade a couple of extra meaningless wins for a drop to the fourth pick in the draft. I’ll say what I said then: don’t counter that we’re building chemistry that will carry over into next year. If we add a point guard and a PF, and replace Al with Marvin, we’re starting over with regards to the chemistry and rotation. This season’s only value is confirming JJ’s ascension into the upper echelon of NBA players, and the development of both Josh Smith and Zaza into viable NBA contributors. The T’Wolves are tanking as we speak, but we’ll prolly win a game or two more to ensure that we miss out on Aldridge. What a bunch of complete morons we have running this show.

By doc

April 15, 2006 08:44 PM | Link to this

ando, i agree in context that we didnt do enough to make the season bad. you know i was on record a long time ago that al needed to go and the sooner the better. it wasnt because i thought al was worthless but agreed wholeheartedly that chemistry for this team meant finding out sooner than later what really there was to work with for next year not this.

this team should have gotten less and a first rounder for al and it would have been my preference rather than roll the dice on this sign and trade. i have said before a palyer in the fold is better than speculation. if we had done just that we would have had a chance to see one or two pieces that we could hope to have had anyway earlier rathter than later to better assess what they can truly do. if that had been done then there would have been a “natural” decline as players adjusted to the situation. now we wait until august to try and bring things together. with the latter approach we blow the first part of the season and improve only to see our draft position take a beating once more as the team gels.

management not bk, after all he does have bosses to report, failed when they didnt move al earlier and try to get something of quality in return. we dont hold many cards and one cant bluff too well unless you have somehting to work with in case the bluff desn’t work. better to lose part than all is my safe way to gamble. it is also my rationalization for some of the recent moves.

i hope history proves me wrong as i will gladly say so just like i wish i had known that c paul was the stud he turned out to be. marvin looked capable last night and i think he ultimately rise to the challenge next year like smith has done this year. he swooned in his first year just like chill and smith did last year, too bad they kept someone in front of him that doesnt fit the long term plan in my mind and apparantly in his according to his comments around the league. if you look back al doesnt go out on a limb and talk about the future of this hawks team but speaks quickly the futures of the teams that he would like to choose and vice versa. to me that speaks louder than anything he could say outside of this organization sucks and everyone should stay away. i think he has the hawks in his rear view mirror and has for a while.

also ando, your pessimism is showing when talking about the near future of this team. i dont think this team will win two more ando, to meet what our limited expectations were for them at 26 wins and neitherdo you if you were to put money on it. even if they lose them all it still might not be good enough to jockey into a better lottery risk.

the sad thing about this ping pong ball thing is that about ten to fifteen teams tank a year, rather than two or three, to do all they can to jockey into a certain position or to hold onto to their beloved protected pick. fans just dont get it and contiue to go and see a terrible product at the end of the year. sadly revenues arent important for the home team but not until the fan stops going and makes it into a studio game will management be embarrased to change its product to make it more competitive.

i see you agree with the implications and the statement it makes to have one of the richest men in the nation crying about poverty in this league. maybe we as a franchise should feel fortunate to have two groups that want this product so bad that they will air out there differences for public consumption. makes we feel so optimistic. not!

By Astro Joe

April 15, 2006 09:07 PM | Link to this

Anyone who has “scouted” Rajun Rondo, please compare his game to TJ Ford. I understand that they are both lightning quick, smallish and neither can shoot particularly well. Can anyone offer more?

Nice to see Josh Smith shoot from inside the 3-point line for a change.

I completely disagree in the Aldridge or bust theory. As long as there are teams enamored of Morrison, Roy, Gay, Thomas, etc. then we should still be in a great position to improve this team. For those conspiracy theorists out there, Stern will not reward this ownership nightmare with the top pick in the draft. And for those who believe in the purity of the lottery, then you will remember that Milwaukee did not have the worse record last year (I think they finished around 4th or 5th).

Childress for Jack? YUCK!

You Childress haters (alien in his arm) refuse to pay attention to the results of his funky delivery (55%+ field goal percentage). I guess you all would have dumped Jack Sikma, Shawn Marion and Reggie Miller early in their careers as well. And Sydney Moncrief’s entire game was FUGLY.

And why would Al come back for the last 2 games? Let Marvin continue to start… he is showing some interesting flashes.

By Billy

April 15, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

I like it. Marvin and JSmith playing together again tonight. They are looking good - really good - once again.

And, once again, the one thing they are really missing is an inside defensive presence. How strong would they be with a defensive presence in the middle?

We’ve talked about this many times. But I’ll throw out something a bit different. I’ll say that between a PG and defensive C we need the big man more.

If we only get one this summer - either a really good PG or really good defensive C - which would you choose?

And BTW, yeah, Ratliff is on his last legs. And, yeah, Al won’t want to go to the blazers. But can we think of a trade where we get a young PG and a veteran/defensive middle man in the same trade for Al?

Keep playing JJ, Marvin and JSmith - they are the future! If I ever move back to the ATL I’m getting season tickets. I don’t care how bad they are. I love this team!

By Astro Joe

April 15, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this

Billy… Al to Minnesota for Griffin and a resigned Marcus Banks. Al to Indy for Harrison and Tinsley Al to Golden State for Fisher and Biedrins Al to Chicago for Duhon, Sweetney (look at his blocks per game in less than 24 minutes/game) and an ‘08 draft pick

There are a few, none of them will bring us 2 All-Star talents, but there are some that would clearly alow us to improve the 2 critical positions.

And I agree, an interior defensive presence should be priority number 1. I think someone said on the broadcast the other night that the Hawks rank among the top 15 teams in many offensive categories and rank among the bottom 15 teams in many defensive categories. Even with us losing Al’s offensive production, we need to stop the lay-up drill that has killed us all season long first and foremost. I’d rather see Will Bynum trying to run point for this team than have another year of Batista/Edwards coming off the bench.

By Billy

April 15, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this

I like Tinsley and Harrison. I know Harrison can play. But is he much different from Zaza on the defensive end?

BTW, when Donta plays he scores points. Might he be worth something to a team in a trade?

I’d hate to give up Childress. He’s a little like Matt Schaub. Unless we can really get something for him, I think we need to keep him. He does all the little things to win that the other young guns are still learning to do. He’ll never be great. But he’s already a great 6th man.

By doc

April 15, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this

aj, from looking at marvin i dont think we will lose production on offense by having him instead of al in the 4 slot next year. it is also interesting that he has 2 blocks tonight which might be more blocks than al has accidentally gotten this past month.

i guess you havent found any flies on griffin yet. i still dont understand why he hasnt been on the court more unless he is more a four than a five; the guy can block some shots though and would help when j smith is on the bench or in a combo with him. he might be the type of player that noah is but already at this level and ready to blossom. we would still need a wide body like l. wright to go along with him to give 20 mean minutes a night. the kicker is i just dont think mn. would be able to give us a point as they dont seem deep enough at that spot unless i am missing on who their depth is. still like griffin’s effort when he gets a chance.

i guess if i could choose three players that might fit best, most frugally, it would be speedy claxton, eddie griffin and l. wright. what could their status be, any free to be had next year other than wright? those three would answer our needs and allow us to go after some needs in the draft like a big boy early and a point later.

well it looks like the hawks edge closer and my day to day prognostication shown to be weak. zaza puts it to his old team. think he and bogut wouldnt be more trouble than magliore and andruw? also wonder what donte and marvin were jawing about during the game?

By jhan

April 15, 2006 11:26 PM | Link to this

Nice game by the young kids tonight. JSmith is going to be a serious stud in the next couple of years. Marvin looks very good for short stretches during games. He also seems lost for long stretches. I agree with whoever said he needs to catch up with his feet. I don’t really see where winning a couple of extra games is going to hurt us. This is not the NFL where the draft order is strictly dictated by season records. We are going to be in the lottery regardless. This will probably be the year where the Hawks win the lottery. If they win with Al, Salim & Childress out I don’t see how management can be blamed for winning meaningless games.

By Hal

April 16, 2006 12:27 AM | Link to this

Billy, I think you may be onto something with the Donta Smith thing. They may have started a small showcase for the last few games. It would be a good idea on the team’s part to play him as much as they can right now and hope that somebody feels the need to offer up. I don’t think his future is with the Hawks right now.

By JB

April 16, 2006 02:15 AM | Link to this

I agree with the guys who said that it was gut check time, so from the perspective of team chemistry, Chill’s response was valuable. However, I agree that voluntarily throwing a punch has got to elicit a stronger response than just rough play & errant elbows. Unless you prefer anarchy, we still live in a society of laws. If I choose to punch you on the street, I will spend time in the clink. Same rules apply on the court. If they don’t, then we learned nothing from the Pistons-Pacers brawl.

By JB

April 16, 2006 02:25 AM | Link to this

Oh, BTW—Here’s a significant statistical nugget that tells you something both good & bad about our team: at the start of the 4th quarter tonight against the Bucks, every starter except one had at least 4 assists. Six more assists were contributed by the bench. That speaks to strong ball movement, folks.

Now, the bad news: the ONLY starter who didn’t have at least FOUR assists didn’t even have ONE. And he was our starting point guard. Now, I love Royal Ivey to death. But neither he nor Lue should be starting at PG in the NBA. Yet, we are hurting for ball handling. I like the stuff Knight has done so far. But I’m starting to think about hopping on the shoulda-woulda-coulda bandwagon over all the missed opportunities on point guards last year.

On the other hand, it’s gotta be hard to manage a team when you’ve got an ownership dilemma like the one we’re in. What a boatload of doo-doo.

By Samuel

April 16, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

Great win last night. Over a playoff team who was “actually playing hard” fighting for a playoff spot. It’s a good sign of things to come. All this talk of “tanking” games is sickening to me. I don’t doubt that teams do it but as a coach and a player. I say never. To me, if you’re serious about this game you play the season out and go into next year on a positive note. Anyway, there is no one in this Draft to justify “selling out” for. Certainly not M. Aldridge. Please.

Certainly, I agree that we would have liked to get something for Al but none of us know the “real deal” on this ownership madness. Some of us like to think we do and play armchair GM but we don’t. Even worst case senerio and Al walks. We still have a fine group of young fowards and more money to use or save for next year.

Cuz, I saw yall’s NBA Awards and I don’t like a couple of them. How can you say that you are not awarding players for reputations and then give R. Artest, Defensive player of the year. He missed almost 30 games. He may be the best defensive player but you can’t give him Defensive Player of the Year. I won’t argue too much with yall on C. Billips cause he’s a member of that bad Tupelo Hustle squad but I would have had him finish 3rd or 4th. Take Nash out of PHX and what do you have. Take Kobe off the Lakers and what do you have. Take Lebron off the Cavs and what do you have. Then tale Billips off the Pistons and you still got Rip, Sheed, Ben, Prince, McDysee. Come on Cuz!! After watching Diaw the other night. I gotta go with him as most improved. He’s a stud in that system. Yall’s All NBA teams. Are they really a team. All small guys. If you pick the Top 5 guys whatever position. How can you leave Nash off first Team.

Really, I don’t like these awards anyway because they need to come up with some standardized system.

I’m really excited about these Hawks. Any time you can double your win total in one season you’re doing something. Now let’s “flip it” again next year.

By doc

April 16, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this

samuel, i know how you feel and never tanked anything, always fighting down to the end. however, it is a prevalent mindset in the nba along the whole from management to the players, the business. we did it for fun or pride, they dont. just look at dunleavy’s recent remarks that yes they try but in the back of their minds if they lose then they “help” themselves for a better draft position. i dont think they set out to try and lose but when it comes to playing when you are tired, the mind can take over for the heart or for playing for stats to project towards next year instead of the team.

in taking up for artest, though i too dont agree with him being considered for any award, after all he said, “set me down i dont want to be here anymore”. he is a player that has transformed a team with his presence.

there is one other player that is always neglected in peoples minds but a guy his teammates wouldnt want to go into battle without, that is bruce bowen of san antonio. here is the guy and a starter who is soooo valuable for his team playing 35 mpg without any stats (8ppg, 4rpg) to the point that not one of us took him to be on our fantasy teams not even for even a day. talking about an unselfish warrior.

now, speaking of warrior’s but of the peaceful type; welcome happy morning, he is risen!

happy easter one and all.

not to be trite nor write as a fundamentalist or as a prostlytizer, it is an image that speaks for and to us all, chrisitan, buddhist, taoist, jewish, hindu, muslim, atheist, agnostic, etc. the projection wasnt to die for our sins but to remind us through the resurrection that there is no separation, that we are truly one.

it can be spoken in spiritual terms or in the secular/scientific venacular through quantum physics. the celebration is toward that end, to recognize the holy spirit within self and others. it is the ultimate blessing of wholeness. it is also the emphasis of the pentecost the church season after easter before the acension; the life he spent among his flock after his death teaching just that, a true message for all mankind.

peace.

By Samuel

April 16, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

Amen Doctor,

I feel you on that Spiritual Tip. A spiritual Doctor, Priceless.

Yea, I see you won’t “TANK” as your Medicine Bag crew and my gang of Hustlers are going down to the wire in the Sekou Bloggers seventh game. I guess the “tankers” are evident, huh. The Pistons can clinch home court throughout the playoffs with a win tonight. I hope the Knicks put up a fight so that my Tupelo Hustle crew can log some minutes, otherwise you stole one from me. I can’t stand to lose, period.

On Artest, I don’t necessarily penalize him for his attitude. He is what he is. If he gets it done on the floor, I give him his due.I just don’t believe he can be player of the “YEAR” at anything if he missed almost half the season.

You are absolutely right about Bowen, actually I had forgot about him when I chose Ben. Old “Kobe Stopper” is the man on “D”. He’s a Warrior.

By doc

April 16, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

samuel, i have enjoyed the “showdown” this week as in other weeks past. at times it has come down to .001 to decide who has gotten the points between us so it has been beyone close. i tried like the dickens to stick close during the regular season so you wouldnt run away and hide nor become complacent; you certainly werent this week. if aaron b hadnt brought me down one week late in the season i might have even stolen the regular season from you. nah, you just would have tried harder.

i know you were frustrated to find your key pistons sat down for half the game friday just as i was perplexed to find out though in uniform nash and bell sat while your boy barbosa took some time or that dwayne wade sits for the “possible” flu like symptoms. give me a break.

others may have felt the pain in their own battles this week. it might be to suggest that we end the season one week earlier to avoid the tanking to get primed for the playoffs. the other suggestion might be to limit the moves that can be made during each week of a playoff as i think we made a mockery of knowing exactly who was playing on a particular night after holding on to a majority of my nucleus for the season. i mean under normal circumstances do i throw out a parker?

i’d like to say i appreciate all that participated in the sekou’s bloggers fantasy league. we didnt talk much trash but seemed to make the effort as we looked up to samuel’s what is it “big butt” week after week? dont know the anatomy but if you are fishing a much as i think you do it might have spread a bit from your playing days.

samuel, again, i enjoyed playing a bit of chess with you this week but it is out of our hands now as we cant even get a feel on how hard they will “try” for us today. we’ll see who is standing in the morn.

cheers, my friend.

By HB Ando

April 16, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

Sam, you’re the last guy I would think of on this blog, to use the word naive, but, to reinforce mine, and doc’s, point, that’s exactly what you’d be if you don’t think it’s widespread. There’s just no carryover for the couple extra wins.

And Joe, Donta Smith’s emerging capabilities, as our 672nd swing man, underscore that trading a Childress, who will project as the sixth man on this team for the next ten years, for a potential starting point guard, would make sound sense. Again, it’s about understanding that most of the players fill a role in this league, and thus, are essentially interchangeable. On our roster, replacing Childress’ production is far easier than extracting a modicum of production from the point. So if we didn’t get our point from the draft, or from free agency, or from an Al trade, looking to move Childress makes more sense than moving Marvin or Josh Smith. Being afraid to bust up a roster that grabbed 24 wins is pretty silly. Childress is a solid player. But if he could bring us a player to fill one of our gaping holes, he’s more valuable to us in that fashion than as a sixth man, who production is replaceable.

Finally, while both Marvin and Josh were very productive statistically, losing to Charlotte, on what Hawks’ players described as “too many layups” just underscores that neither of them fills the role of a power forward at this time, and it’s questionable whether either does in the future either. I’ll ask again, can both of these players reach their full potential, on the Hawks, without one of them becoming primarily a power forward. Because if neither does or can, then one of them will remain obscured by the other as the primary small forward on this team. If neither can become that power forward, then which one emerges, and which one ultimately must develop somewhere else. A front line of two small forwards and Zaza could not beat one of the other worst teams in the league last night, even with Okafor out of the lineup. This team will need two more bigs, and face some tough decisions about what roles Marvin and Josh will play over the next two years, to fully emerge as a legitimate contender for playoff slots.

By Samuel

April 16, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

Ando,

Not naive but I still ask why in the Hawk’s case. Sure ,I understand that successfull playoff-bound teams may rest players for the playoffs but there is no excuse for teams like the Wolves and Hawks to hold anybody out of the lineup and intentionally lose a ball game which you are advocating. None.

Also, I think I have said this lately that the only players that should be untouchable on the Hawks right now.

By Samuel

April 16, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this

Are JJ and Josh Smith.

By reese

April 16, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this

Wow, I find it funny that people are insinuating that the chicago bulls are a dirty team. I saw the play and yes nocionni did elbow childress. However, it wasn’t intentional and he was trying to box out childress.
Childress retaliation was an immature attempt to get back at nocionni. Now, I’m not saying don’t retaliate, but do it in a deceptive manner and in the course of the game. I think that the punishment fit the crime. If the league suspended players for throwing elbows in the course of a game, then dikembe mutombo and Karl Malone would have missed many a game. The problem I have with Batista is that he is so slow that he has to commit to doing something before a situation develops and then he can’t stop himself. Therefore, it looks like he is committing a hard foul, but really he is just going at full speed and out of control. The problem is that he ends up hitting his own teammates just as many times as he hits players on the other team. As far as rondo goes, I do not understand why he is declaring himself eligible for the draft. Didn’t he learn anything from watching Randolph Morris. He’ another skinny, weak and poor shooting point guard. But hey, so is grundy and ivey.

By Astro Joe

April 16, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this

Doc, the only interesting thing that I’ve read about Griffin was that the T’wolves were insisting that he get corrective eye surgery during the off-season. I found that very odd, given he could wear the James Worthy/Kareem goggles, but your the Doc, so maybe there is something wrong that lenses can’t fix. But I’d be all over bringing him on board.

Ando, I’m willing to trade Childress but not for Jack. And while Donta had a nice game tis weekend, his B-ball IQ doesn’t touch what Childress brings. I’d like to see our record without Childress, while its not great with him, I’m guessing that we are below 25% winning percentage without him. I think we could probably get Blake for someone like Donta and that would be far more even than a lop-sided Childress for Jack trade.

My new thought is to trade our top 5 pick (assuming we can’t get Noah or Aldridge) to the Hornets for their 2 picks. From their, we could probably bring in Rondo and Armstrong. The salaries of those 2 picks is less than a top 4 pick (I think). So it helps with our financial issues and it gives us 2 picks to provide immediate help (in the event we can’t spend much in free agency).

By RichieRich

April 16, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

Samuel, giving this team props for a win against a playoff team is really a joke. check their record, 39-41 is hardly a respectable record in the very weak eastern conference….

This to me is part of the problem with fans here in Atlanta. The only positive thing’s from this season were JJ’s play and the improved play of Josh Smith. Zaza was a good pick up, but play’s zero defense and flops too much. Marvin William’s first year was okay given his amount of minutes played. Next year we will be able to see the real Marvin with quality minutes, then we can judge him.

A few player’s I would like to see here next year…

f/c darko milicic could come fairly cheap f/c chris wilcox would be nice addition f/c nene or francisco edelson pg carlos arroyo or jarrett jack in a trade pg marcus williams in the draft or brandon roy

By RichieRich

April 16, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

Ando i also like the trade for charlotte’s 2 pick’s…have to disagree on the Jchill for Jack trade…would do that in a heart beat.

By Astro Joe

April 16, 2006 10:21 PM | Link to this

RR, the only way you trade a #6 pick for a number twenty-something pick is if the latter is significantly better than the slot he was chosen or the reverse for the former. Neither is true in this case. I know people want the number 6 player to be a border-line All-Star but when you check the top 10 selections from the past 5 drafts, you quickly see that is no longer the case (due in part to the influx of high schoolers/Euros who are usually projects). Heck, Mike Miller was the number 5 pick in his draft, won the ROY and comes off the bench and doesn’t seem anymore productive than Childress. Granted, I haven’t seen Jack play one minute as a pro. But I would be shocked if he has the quickness, handle or shot to be anything more than a 20 minute a night PG (why can’t he beat out an undrafted Blake and a high schooler with 1 year of pro experience for the majority of PG minutes if he is so special. Its not like he is competing against an 8-year vet for the PT). Childress’ game is about as unglamorous and meaningful as Sean Elliot from years gone by. Like I said, I’d trade Childress, but I want far more in return than a younger version of Anthony Johnson.

By RichieRich

April 17, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this

Anything would be better than billy boy’s NEPHEW….JSMOOVE PROGRESSED THIS YEAR, WHILE JCHILL SHOWED NO IMPROVEMENT AT ALL… in my opinion, only JSMOOVE should be resigned after next year so why not trade jchill for a young point gaurd that BK tried to get already…This move would also reduce the overload of forwards that this team has and help balance out the roster and also give us another ball handler….plus he has size 6’3 202lbs….and is not a bad defender.

By jhan

April 17, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

I too like Childress but I would hold off on the Sean Elliot comparisons for now. While Elliot was not an awesome player that guy could really shoot the ball. I would also be willing to trade him but probably not for Jack. We could probably get Knight back on this squad. Felton really seems to be coming into his own. Another guy along with Paul & D Williams we could have taken. I do like Marvin but would rather have any of the three points guards from last year.

By Natve Son

April 17, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

I have nothing to add to the discussion of suspensions.Every player knows you can’t throw punches.I do however think the NBA ought to take a look at how they assess penalties and fines.Surely,two guys jaw-wing at each other face to face,is different than a player throwing an emotional punch,which stats show never really ,and rarely hit someone.To add,all you chills haters out there.Seems to me he has more heart than anyone on the team.Now why in the world would some,entertain the thought of trading the next best sixth man.And,while he’s been over-shadowed by Smoove’s exciting style of play,this guy is as solid as they come.He was coming over the mountain with,and not behind Smoove,before he got injured.”Lest We Forget”

By Kappy

April 17, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

SEKOU Just saw you on Espn’s Cold Pizza. Looking Goooood. And of course, you made some good comments. Even managed to squeeze the Hawks in there. Nice job!

By Billy

April 17, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this

Sekou on Cold Pizza? NICE!

Moving up in the world. Soon you’ll be running the joint!

By Kappy

April 17, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this

He was smooth and informative. Was that your first TV appearance ever, Sekou?

By Astro Joe

April 17, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this

Not to dismiss what Smoove has done lately, but the reason he is scoring more is because he is shooting more. Earlier in the season he averaged about 8-9 field goal attempts and almost all of them were 2-pointers. In April, he is averaging closer to 15 field goal attempts and 5 of those are 3-pointers. His shooting percentage is about 43-44%. So before we put dude in the HOF, let’s understand that virtually any NBA player will score more by shooting more. And watching a 6’9” player launch 3-after-3 is not exactly something to celebrate (unless his name is Bird or Peja). Personally, I’m more thrilled about Smith’s assists and rebounds becoming more consistent. I can do without his love affair with his 3-point shot.

By doc

April 17, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this

hey aj i have said j smith has to become our sheed and he may have heard me by taking the threes . what i was referring to doing some dirty work as well with an attitude

By Basketball Princess

April 17, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this

Kappy, Sekou was on cold pizza before when he was the Beat writer for the Indiana Pacers. Actually he was on there quite often after the after that fight and everything.

By hawksnumba1fan

April 17, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this

ASTRO regardless of how you feel about what SMOOVE is doing he has been playing great for us. The key to this team making the playoffs is building it around JOE, SMOOVE, and ZA-ZA.His rebounding and assits has always been phenomenal he was never a selfish player he always shared the ball but I never knew he could do it the way he has well the future is bright go HAWKS.

By Astro Joe

April 17, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this

Doctor, I remember that comment. In lieu of Sheed’s post game, I’d take some hard drives to the hoop.

Looks like Tyrus Thomas & Rudy Gay will jump in today. We just need for our top 5 pick to keep gaining value through more guys entering the draft and then again when players start working out. I’m not stuck on any one player from this draft, I just want the opportunity to have several good choices that will match our needs. And I am leaning toward the thought of the 2 for 1 trade with the Hornets as the best route to take to save some salary dollars AND bring in another contributor.

By HB Ando

April 17, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this

Joe, once they’re in the league, their draft position becomes largely nullified. So a 6 for a 22, from different drafts, is no justification not to make a trade that would help this team. I’d trade Chill for Jameer Nelson in a heart beat, as would just about anybody who’s seen how good he is (Sekou’s pick for most improved player and the real reason Franchise had to go). You wouldn’t because Jameer was picked 20th and Chill was picked 6th? That’s some logic.

I’ll reiterate, and I’d like you to comment, that if Josh Childress does not project to ever start for this franchise, given Johnson at the two and Smith or Williams at the three, then he is replaceable. Interchangeable parts. There are no limit to the number of swing men in this league that could replace Childress’ production. If we could get a starter quality, or projected starter, point guard for Childress, it’s a no brainer. Your lack of any basis for assessment on Jack’s potential limits the value of your position. You haven’t seen him play and haven’t accessed the opinions of any league insiders on his abilities. All the guards you mentioned, in Portland, have publicly noted that someone has to go, because they all agree that all of them are good enough to play major minutes, so the logjam needs to be addressed. Not unlike our logjam of swingmen. Jack’s a rookie point guard, and they don’t usually step in and dominate (Paul being a rare exception). He’s sharing time with a more experienced veteran, with limited upside, in Blake, and the #13 pick from the previous draft, the next great point guard from NYC, in Telfair.

I think you are overvaluing Childress. Sixth man on a horrible team. If you can’t crack the starting lineup here, you are replaceable. Period. If moving him gets us a point guard capable of starting in this league, then we’ve upgraded the team and begun the process of balancing the roster. Whether it’s Jack, or someone else, we need a starting point guard.

Joe, the difference between your vision and mine is that you’d like to build an 8th seed immediately, and I’d like to see a team that could compete for Eastern Conference titles in the next 3-5 years. You’re talking about adding more average players to this team to compete next year. But there’s no upside to your plan. We’re rebuilding. It’s slow and painful. Add to that the fact that we don’t even know what to expect from ownership this summer (or if there might be an ownership change) and it’s time to reset your expectations.

If we draft top-five, there’s Aldridge, Bargnani, Gay, Morrison and Thomas. I think trading the rights to any of those players for two less talented picks in the draft is the most moronic thing we could possibly do. If you don’t like the player, of those five, that we get, for this team, trade him for a veteran that can help this team next year, not two picks who can’t. There will be good teams who can wait for some of these guys to develop. Expectations are that very few, if any, of the players in the draft will be ready to step in and start. Including your beloved Shelden Williams. Your idea further delays the turnaround. It does not accelerate it. I’ll take Aldridge or Bargnani. If it has to be any of the other three, I’ll trade his rights to the team that will send us a starter in the paint or at the point. Ty Thomas would be our third “not quite big enough to play the four, but really athletic” forward in the last three years. We don’t need any more 3’s.

Given the weakness of this draft, who we pick may very well be less important than who we get for Al, and who we can obtain through free agency. Either of those two issues is far more likely to impact the success of next years’ team than anything we can do with this pick.

By Kappy

April 17, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this

sorry basketball princess and sekou. didnt know you had previous TV experience. Nice work regardless

By Hal

April 17, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this

Joe, you forgot to add Bill Cartwright to your odd delivery squad. I completely agree on the Childress argument. His shot delivery is the most odd I’ve seen in some time. But you cannot argue with his results. He plays “D”, rebounds and finds his shot(and makes it). I just hope he doesn’t mind coming off of the bench for a few more years. I hope they keep him around.

By doc

April 17, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this

shawn marion is another that is said by many to look pretty bad shooting for the results he gets.

By CHERYL GOODMAN

April 21, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this

Why?How can you bring a Coach back when you have a young energetic team that looses by 1-15pts per lose and you think it not do to bad Coaching, well I got news for you if i was a player I’d want to be traded find a more experience Coach pay them some money , tickets sell will continue to de-cline with those losing seasons, get a grip spend the money Atlanta has enough people for the support just do your part and find a new Coach.