Hawks

By Bryant

October 13, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

salim is a specialist, just like the bulls needed kerr, the lakers needed rice, and the spurs needed ferry. all good teams need to have someone to get that extra point.

By Astro Joe

October 13, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

The league is changing right before our eyes. Not too long ago, everyone needed to fit into a specific position and be a certain height. But things are changing. A few years ago, small PGs were going out of style. 6’3” or bigger was the mandate. Enter guys like Tony Parker, TJ Ford and Chris Paul. SGs had to be 6’6” (or AI). Now Ben Gordon, Raja Bell and eventually Randy Foye will make a living at the position.

You’re right, Sekou, Salim is a SG. Not a combo guard, but a straight SG. We need to send him out there and let him do his thing for about 18-20 minutes a game. If he ever got the shots or the minutes of a Ben Gordon, Randy Foye or Barbosa, he could be a big-time scorer. I love his game, his competitiveness and his arrogance. I’m learning how to adopt to this new de-categorization of players. Salim is a baller, let’s not try to saddle him with a position. Give him the ball and stay out of his way.

By dap

October 13, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

Keep him. He fills a role that every great team needs, someone who can shoot it at any time and any place. He is not a full time guard. He is not an all round guard. But he will be very needed if this team goes to where we want it to go.

By honest_abe

October 13, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

who said anything about getting rid of salim? i just didn’t see him becoming a regular part of the rotation…but then again what do i know? it seems like we have two deep at each position…someone has to take a cut in minutes… the backcourt..has claxton, lue, jj, chills (hybrid) that’s four… unless the matchup calls for it…or the hawks find themselves in need of an offensive spark…salims role is quite limited..

By Ryder

October 13, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

Salim is exactly the kind of long range threat Atlanta desperately needs. He may have his cold nights, but i’ve seen how he energizes the team offensively when his shot is on. Keep him strictly at the two and I guarantee he’ll win Sixth Man of the year soon. Atlanta actually has depth at the PG spot this year so it makes no sense to place him there barring injury to both Speedy and Lue.

As i’ve stated before Atlanta is not set up as most teams in the NBA are. That doesn’t mean they can’t be successful at what they are built to do, which is to run with their starting five and then slow the game down with their bigger lineup this year, something that really hindered this team in the past, especially on defense.

I give BK credit for building a team with depth, even if there’s not much experience. I see Marvin making the leap this year and once this team gets into an offensive groove they’ll be a surprise!

By doc

October 13, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this

simply put salim is a sniper or an asassin. he has the heart of a ninja and will cut your heart out if given the chance to shoot the ball. no team can take him for granted when he is on the court so it makes others games better. can even see a lineup of speedy, salim and jj from time to time. throw zaza and lo with that and you have the inside and outside taken care of while marvin and josh rest up to come back in after the tornado does its damage.

honest, salim is cut out of the same mold as you dude. take pride in it.

By honest_abe

October 13, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this

ya, i hear ya doc…

i cheered for jr rider back in the days.. i’ll cheer for anyone if they have a hawks uni on… salim is an exciting little guy.. i’m a fan of the whole team and whatever it takes for this team to get better, i’m all for it..

By Clyde

October 13, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this

Yes Salim is a good player but I don’t think he fits in with Coach Woodson’s style. Coach Woodson is defensive minded coach and with Salim playing the 2 there ain’t much he would be able to do against Kobe, Lebron, or Vince Carter. If we were a run and gun type of team (which we need to be) Salim would fit in, but I don’t think Woody is having none of that.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By honest_abe

October 13, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this

clyde.. that isn’t too much of a problem as you can pair jj or jchills with salim in the backcourt and they could guard the bigger two while handling the point…

that’s the beauty of this team…it’s extremely versatile and deep.. and young which means growing pains…but we got plenty of room on the wagon clyde… hop on quick before all those other fair weather fans get on!

By Samuel

October 13, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

I don’t necessarily say get rid of him but If we can get something better, why not.

The way Woodson is grooming this team on pressure defense, i’m afraid that he will end up the odd man out. He plays “zero” defense and doesn’t handle the ball well in the half court set. If JJ goes out who will play the guard positions. You cannot put Salim and Lue on the court together(2 midgets). You can’t put Ivey and Salim on court together(no handles), nor Salim and Childress(no handles). So, to me he is too limited. He’s a great shooter “at times” but is having trouble getting a “good” shot off.

If we can bring in a bigger guard who can handle the ball or power foward for him. Why not. I don’t think we can afford to keep both he and Ivey, i’m sorry. Not if we are trying to get better as a team.

Salim would fit much better in another system. Sorry!

By LA TONY

October 13, 2006 07:22 PM | Link to this

LOOK ALL MY TRUE HAWKS FANS DONT GET ALL CAUGHT UP WITH THE HYPE OF GETTING RID OF SALIM. WHEN I FIRST CHECKED IN ON THE HAWK LINE I TOLD ALL THE REAL HAWK FANS TO BE PATIENT WITH MY BOY BILLY KNIGHT.NOW THAT WE HAVE SEEN THE LIGHT AND THAT THIS TEAM HAS A CHANCE TO BE IN THE PLAYOFFS DONT THINK GUY IS GOING TO START GETTING RID OF PLAYERS WHO BEEN HERE DURING THE LEAN TIMES.EVERYBODY CRIED BLOODY MURDER WHEN WE DRAFTED SHELDEN WILLIAMS NOW HAWK FANS ARE ABOUT YO SEE THE MOST UNDERRATED PLAYER IN THE DRAFT.THIS GUY WILL IN TIME BE JUST AS GOOD OR BETTER THAN ELDEN BRAND.DONT WORRY ABOUT SPEEDY CLAXTON BEING HURT JOE WILL RUN THE SHOW UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE,WITH JCHILL PLAYING BESIDE HIM NOW MY LOVING HAWK FANS FLY HIGH AND PROUD.

By Clyde

October 13, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this

LA Tony you must be on the good weed from LA puttin’ that post up. The Hawks ready to make the playoffs and Sheldon Williams will be better than Elton Brand? I can see how you spend your Friday nights. Getting HIGH AS A KITE!!! HA HA HA

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By vdunkndunk

October 13, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this

I agree that we should just let Salim shoot. The problem is that someone needs to that to the Hawks, because he keeps bringing the ball down the court and turning it over. Maybe they hope he’ll eventually develop into a PG; I guess that remains to be seen.

By Steve T

October 13, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this

Clyde, reading is fundamental. The man said in Time which means given time Shelden may be as GOOD or better than Brand. Shelden can turn out to be as good as Brand. People are not giving Billy his props. The man has put a squad that can win over the long haul.

I thought Billy had lost his mind when he said the Joe Johnson could be like Larry Bird to the hawks. But after watching Joe over last season, I can see where Billy is coming from. Hey folks Billy knows basketball. He has made some great moves that may pay off for the Hawks.

I hope the Hawks can finally get rid of Belkin.

By Samuel

October 13, 2006 09:20 PM | Link to this

Are yall’s audio league pass working. Mine’s not. What’s up with that you geeks out there?

By Samuel

October 13, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this

Now i’m pickn it up. Memphis vs Hawks. WOW

By JohnD

October 13, 2006 10:08 PM | Link to this

I just hope IF the Hawks make the playoffs that Clyde will take his negativity and foolish rants somewhere else or at the very least he will admit he is wrong.

Salim has to stay and keep firing - every team needs a shooter with his confidence. He will very seldom be matched with the likes of Kobe and the other starting guards and smaller 2 guards are in vogue now. We need someone to match up with the very quick 2 guards.

Read what Coach K had to say about Joe Johnson during the summer. Good enough for me.

This is a deep and sound team - one that should make all Atlanta proud with their play and character. Even last year you saw effort in every game and you certainly can not say that about the prior teams with Jason Terry, Sharif and Theo.

By michael m.

October 13, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this

the audio league pass is messed up for this game. near the beginning you actually heard the techs on the feed, some guy named tony, talking about this being the first screw up of the year and they will just get it right next time. there is a 790thezone feed that worked for a while earlier in the game, but there’s a schizophrenic at the wheel there because he was going back and forth between the hawks and a riverwood high school football game. so no hawks since early in the second quarter still, even though the football game is over. im in california but if you are near their studio call in or go over and wake the dude up from his sleep.

regarding salim, i guess i missed the comments about trading salim. people just need to understand that he brings a very specific skill set. does he need to work on his ballhandling and defense? yes. but he’s a shooter. on our team he is only going to get 8 minutes some nights, but there will be games where he is truly on where he will play 20 minutes. also, understand that he is like a baseball closer in that he can be brought in near the end of the game, or any quarter, when you need a three to win or tie. salim can win games like a koenen 55 yard field goal. and even if he is just a decoy in those instances, he has to be accounted for.

a similar trade fascination happened this summer with a lot of people on here calling for a trade of marvin or smith. ridiculous, uninformed, shortsighted. we are going to be an up and down team this year as our guys adapt to their roles. hopefully on any given night we can find 5 guys who want to truly bring it. unfortunately that doesn’t appear to be the case tonight. houston is crushing us the way we did memphis. maddening inconsistency, but let’s see if they step up in the late 3rd and 4th quarters. by the way, the 790 feed just came back on.

peace out, michael

By Fan01

October 13, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this

We know Salim is’nt a PG, but that does’nt mean he has to shoot it every time he touches the dang ball.

By JohnD

October 13, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

Trading Josh Smith, Marvin, JJ, Salim, Childress, ZaZa or Shelden would make no sense now. Let them play, learn the game and their teammates, develop their skill sets and if the team stagnates then consider a trade.

Why would anyone seek to trade one of the above when in each case their potential is still unrealized? Patience is a virtue.

By Jambazy

October 13, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this

http://www.790thezone.com/Multimedia/ListenLive790.aspx

10 point game

By Clyde

October 13, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this

I’ll burn every Fire Billy and Woody t-shirts that I have made if the Hawks make the playoffs. But until then…where was the defense tonight? I guess blame on fatigue due to back to back games.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By mountain_jim

October 13, 2006 11:58 PM | Link to this

How many turnovers tonight for Salim?

Shooting what - 1 for a bunch?

Not so great timing for your blog subject and heading today, Sekou.

Looks like the experiment in summer league to try and teach him some handles is not helping much so far.

By ray

October 14, 2006 12:26 AM | Link to this

I must have missed the part where somebody suggested getting rid of Stoudamire. I know it wasn’t me. My problem is him playing the pg position. He is NOT good at it. I recognize the fact that he is a shooter and needs to be played as one. Every team needs a sharp-shooter or two. Now, that brings me to Ivey. Look, it’s not that I think Royal is a terrible player or person. But it would be different if he was a lock-down guy like Bruce Bowen or something. It would be different if he penetrated and dished. The fact of the matter is he’s a gutsy defender who will get burned by quicker PGs and SGs. I have to admit this is based on my paranoia about Speedy in some ways. If he goes out again, and for longer, we need another guy to run the point besides Lue. Run the point effectively that is…and Chalmers is our guy in my opinion. Unless Bozeman proves to be the kind of guy who can do it as well. And besides, you don’t want Lue to get nailed with 30 or more minutes a game. Chalmers is a better shooter than Ivey, has better handles, and is probably as good a defender with the ability to be better. If Ivey can do all this, then no worries, we can keep him. But he’s gotta show proof…quick. Or he’ll go from around 10mpg last year to none.

Like Sam said, if you can get a better player, especially at a key position that we’re not clearly as deep on, you should do so. As for Salim, I’d love to see the offensive explosion. But that ain’t gonna happen with him coming down the court with the ball and turning it over and shooting 1-5. Get him away from the point and he can do it. He is NOT the guy to be initiating the offense. And making JJ play the point may work in a mis-match scheme. Otherwise, it limits what he can do.

By ray

October 14, 2006 12:32 AM | Link to this

Well, Salim has to keep shooting. When this is what you do, you only succeed when you keep trying. I’m sure it’s very frustrating for him. Fact is, we don’t have any other long-range threats that are supposed to be as good as he is. He’s going to have to watch what guys like Joe Dumars, Reggie Miller, Rip Hamilton, etc do. The moved without the ball a lot and used screens to get good shots. Salim isn’t like Ben Gordon, who’s strong and explosive everywhere on the court. He’s going to have to use screens. Gordon can score from anywhere and has the confidence to do so. Stoudamire has to develop this and get his stroke in tune. I know he’s not a pg, but dang has he got to improve his handles, just for the sake of protecting and taking care of the ball. It’s better to go down the court and not get a shot, maybe pass the ball to an open teammate or somebody down low calling for the ball than to turn it over. Hard to defend fast breaks, you know. Maybe I shouldn’t be so critical.

By Jay

October 14, 2006 02:06 AM | Link to this

“a roster that defies all other conventional wisdom.”

AKA a roster that makes no sense.

Salim is 6’1, he’s a pg, right? No, no…he’s a sg. Oh.

Childress is 6’8, he’s gotta be a small forward. Actually he’s a shooting guard, but sometimes a small forward.

Josh Smtih and Marvin Williams are both 6’9. Are they small forwards or power? We dont know.

How about Sheldan? He’s 6’9, right? Oh wait, he’s 6’7. Small forward? Nope, power forward, you silly goose.

Well at least we got Claxton. This team needed a starting pg. Wait, wait…he was coming off the bench, but in Atlanta he’s a starter.

End the Knightmare.

By Weaver

October 14, 2006 02:10 AM | Link to this

Ur boy Salim “the sniper” just went 1-10 from the field against Houston! Not much of a sniper if you ask me, seems a bit streaky.

By Samuel

October 14, 2006 08:40 AM | Link to this

I hate to be the bad guy here. I believe I was the one who suggested we consider the possibility of moving Salim. Just callin it like I see it. After watching him last season and in practice at Woodward, some glaring things stand out.

Salim’s game is shoot til you get hot and with this team,we just can’t afford that. On another team with a better inside scoring presence to open up things he may turn out to be a good player in this league.

By HawksW810

October 14, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this

Didn’t Salim play for Arizona? Hummm

By Clyde

October 14, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this

I see all them Billy lovers decided to hide after the loss last night.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Clyde

October 14, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this

Look at Sheldon Williams line from last night:

Shelden Williams, F 25 2-5 0-0 2-2 1 4 5 1 1 1 1 5 6

25 Minutes, 2-5, 5 fouls, 6 points.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By mykhalc

October 14, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this

SAMUEL, i think you are on-point with your take on SALIM. and it’s not his size that bothers me the most. he JUST DOES NOT do what all claim his specialty is…SCORE!!?? and i think if WOODSON tries to MAKE him a point then we are lookin’ at the DIAW situation all over again. if anything is gonna help SALIM help the team, it will be the realization that he is a 2 only. much like the realization that D’ANTONI had with BARBOSA. SALIM needs to make a call to DEREK FISHCER. at this point that is who he should be patterning his game after. but i have not been impressed with anything about his game since he game into the league!!

anybody know why the BIG GREEK did not play last nite?? i really hope he makes the roster!!

By bob in sf

October 14, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

Yeah, lets trade him to PHX for a bag a balls and watch him turn into a solid NBA player too!

By JB

October 14, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

Maybe the same things that frustrate us about Salim are contributing to his attitude. I’ll never accuse Jason Terry of being a me-first player, but he certainly played better when he didn’t have to shoulder the ball-handling responsibilities. Same thing may be true of Salim: yes, I’ll try to learn this new skill, because it’s what the team needs. But I’m also aware it’s making me look like a bad player because I’m not being allowed to utilize my strengths.

I’ll just say this: regardless of what we do with Salim, ball-handling has GOT to come from somewhere. Billy is gambling on Speedy & T.Lue covering the job the whole year. I just hope like heck he’s right.

Second, Woodson has already made it clear that defense is the number one priority. Salim’s height is a liability there, just as it was for JT. Now, I may be old-fashioned, but on THAT end of the floor, nobody has any business slacking. Don’t know if SS works hard on D or not, but I do agree that I saw a lot of facial expressions at Woodward that made him come across as less than enthusiastic. Again, maybe that’s the frustration. But my favorite players are the ones who, regardless of their offensive gifts, turn to the non-flashy team stuff—defense, rebounding, etc—when the ball isn’t dropping for them. As I said, I’m sorta old-school that way.

By Ken Strickland

October 14, 2006 09:09 PM | Link to this

CLYDE, what exactly are you suppose to represent? Are you a Hawks fan or a negative minded critic? In your last post you made the statement “I see all them Billy lovers decided to hide after the loss last nights”. This is all you are about. You didn’t have a damn thing to say after we won the exibition opener. All you do is sit back on your sorry a-s and wait for something negative to focus on. You also have an unhealthy and unnatural obsession with Billy Knight and you need to seek professional help. You also need to keep your sorry a-s off these Hawks blogs until you can find something intelligent to say. THE ONLY THING THAT NEEDS FIRING IS YOUR IGNORANT A$$.

By GuyFromUruguay

October 14, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this

Anyone knows what’s up with Esteban Batista? Thanks.

Also, Joe Johnson never fails to impress, I hope he keeps it up.

By Clyde

October 14, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

I won’t even respond to that last post that someone wrote. Sekou established this blog for us to vent about the Hawks not to talk smack about another man on the internet. That’s ignorant.

But anyway Sheldon Williams’ line tonight looks like one of a training camp invite not a top 5 pick.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Richie Rich

October 14, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this

Your right about that Clyde.

By mykhalc

October 14, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

was JSMOOTH given the nite off against the HEAT???

no matter how one might feel about SHELDON and his game, etc, be ready to see a lot of nites like this one in the beginning. it’s called WELCOME TO THE NBA ROOK!!!

By Ken Strickland

October 15, 2006 12:50 AM | Link to this

The Hawks win once again and are now 2-1 in exhibition play. And as expected, CLYDE’S only response is to point a negative finger, this time at SWilliams. Not one positive statement about JJ, ZPachulia or anyone else that contributed to the win. I guess Salim had a good game since CLYDE didn’t post any negative stats on him. When the team loses, those negative minded Billy bashers come out of the closet placing all of the blame on BILLY, WOODY and their supporters. But, when the team wins they only point out whatever negative insight they can find, with no mention of BILLY AND WOODYS contribution to the effort. What, exactly, is the allure of being so narrowly focused and hypocritical that one creates negativety and holds BILLY and WOODY wholy responsible? If they are to be held accountable for the teams defeats and shortcomings, shouldn’t they also be held equally responsible for the teams wins and strengths? That is a philosophy that requires liberal doses of logic and common sense, which for some is in short supply. Anyway, good win for the Hawks, BILLY AND WOODY.

By ray

October 15, 2006 01:58 AM | Link to this

How does the song go? “Two out of three ain’t bad” ? It was good to see that the Hawks did come back and win against Miami. Although we all realize these are preseason games, stuff like this shows players the rewards of focus and intensity. Based on the way they are playing, the “dazed and confused” style of play is overwith. So now they can build on that. The regular season will obviously be tougher and we’ll see full starting lineups and what not. But these guys don’t seem to be scared. Looks like progress to me, no matter what anyone says.

Shelden is going to get plenty of chances to hit the proverbial rookie wall. There are so many guys who play down in the paint with so many talents and tricks. You have the guys like Stoudamire and Howard who are long, strong, and freakishly athletic. Udonis Haslem is one of several guys who don’t fit the “mold” of power forward. Yet they succeed night in and night out. Shelden can too, but down on the block, it’s all about the school of hard knocks. I think he’s got the confidence and determination to make good, though. And he’s smart enough to play well.

So far, Stoudamire isn’t shooting worth anything. And this happens sometimes. The problem is simply this: it’s a gamble. Sam made some good points. He may not fit in our system. Right now I see a guy who’s getting frustrated with everything and the one thing he’s supposed to be really good at isn’t working at all. Hope that changes, but let’s be real about this. If he continues his not-so-hot shooting and his defense is sub-par, he’s riding the pine. And NOTHING is more frustrating for a player than that. And you know what comes after that…

By ray

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

Ken, normally you’re more relaxed than this. Don’t let that stuff bother you, man. The team is making progress and we can only take things one day at a time. I know this much the win/loss column says this : 2-1. Even some of the more critical and skeptical bloggers are taking notice of the team’s play. Those who can’t see past whatever their pain is will continue to make primitive statements and not much else. And there will always be that one complete idiot that cannot do more than agree with the most negative statement they can find, in one-liner form at that. I really can’t help but laugh.

By ray

October 15, 2006 02:33 AM | Link to this

Uh, Clyde…seems like in your attempt to not respond to the post directed at you…um, you succeeded in responding to it. Not that it was much of a response. By the way, what will you do when the Hawks start winning? Or do you truly believe that they never will? I have a bad vision of you man…Remember the scene from the movie “Die Hard with a Vengeance” where Bruce Willis is walking down the street in the wrong place wearing a sign with a racial slur on it? That could be you one day with one of your shirts…heh, heh!

By HB Ando

October 15, 2006 03:20 AM | Link to this

31-34 wins. Wholly imbalanced roster construction. You can analyze your micro assessments to death, but come April the numbers will bear out exactly what I’ve predicted. Shelden will not be as productive as Haslem, a guy who went undrafted few years ago. If Salim is a two, then where will he get minutes, behind Joe and Childress? There is compelling talent here, combined with historical also-rans, with every position, save the two and three, either at a disadvantage from one end of the floor or the other.

31-34. Watch and learn. And then try to come to terms with reality. Bottom 3 record and the hope that the lotto balls don’t drop us out of the top 3 and provide Phoenix with a potential superstar, while we continue to meander as one of the worst run franchises in the NBA.

You optimists can prattle on all you want about yor projections, but the proof is always in the pudding, and we’ll see who knew what was what come April. I can see a long-term upside to the triumverate that could be Johnson, Williams and Smith. But if neiher Smith nor Williams (Marvin) becomes a viable defensive force at the four, we’ll have to bust ‘em up to build a contender. This year is not to challenge for the 8th seed. It’s the year to see how this over abundance of swingmen can define their collective chemistry, and determine who, albeit talented, is best leveraged for a swap to acquire a player that serves a need, instead of 4 guys that all do roughly the same thing.

Billy’s inability, or unwillingness, to seek out players that can adequately cover the five general positions on the floor, will give us a squad that is more likely than not to post a bottom-three record. He’s got some talented assets that can be leveraged for equally talented, but more suited, slots on the floor. He needs to put his arrogance aside and balance this squad out. But since he knows more than anyone else about basketball (hey, that was his direct quote) I guess we’ll see.

Clowns in the front office, jokers for coach, here we are, stuck in the middle of the basement.

By mykhalc

October 15, 2006 04:05 AM | Link to this

ANDO, SHELDON will not nor should he be expected to be as productive as HASLEM at this point. that’s just being truly unrealistic and unfair!!! HASLEM has gone thru his share of NBA growin’ pains. and regardless of where he was drafted, he is now a seasoned pro!!! SHELDON is a rook, regardless of where he was drafted!! so give him the benefit of a minute before you declare him a bust, again!!! and you know the more i read your posts the more i realize you and BK are a lot a like when it comes b’ball arrogance, oh i mean knowledge!! LOL

and i’ll step out on a limb and predict that SALIM will be the odd-man out since he will not work out at PG. so with that being said, he won’t get the minutes at 2 because of his inabilities and liabilities.

the BIG GREEK…solid line again tonite!!!!

By mykhalc

October 15, 2006 04:26 AM | Link to this

QUESTION…all this talk about JSMITH being an undersized 4 at 6’9”, 240…a defensive liability??? other than the obvious of DUNCAN, KG, SHEED, DIRK, probably missin’ a couple of others, who are the other 4’s that some of you seem to think are gonna wear his a* out on a nitely basis??? ‘cause i ain’t seein’ it!!! at least not on the nites JSMITH brings his ‘A’ game!!

By Lacsho

October 15, 2006 04:44 AM | Link to this

Me and My son were at the game tonight, and Salim did not have a good game. Childress had a horrible game, and to tell you the truth JJ saved the game, and Marvin and the Greek had a pretty good outing. The rest of the team looked horrible, but we pulled the game out. It was obvious they left JJ in the game to pull a win for the home team. I did not feel bad about the game, b/c the first thing my son asked me would the game have been different if DWade would’ve played. My answer was not really b/c J smoove didn’t play and Speedy didn’t play. That’s when I knew that the Hawks could match up with anyone… B/C I told him I would match JJ up against DWade, and then we know when Shack is in his groove no one can match up with him. However, I said who can match up with Marvin and JSmoove. Lwright did hold his own, and he will be a valuable player on this team, but I like how they sub the Greek guy for ZaZa… Zaza has no defense presence in the middle. Shelden does, but he has to get adjusted to the NBA game; I think he will be ok. Once again I retract my statements about Shelden… Marvin will be a factor this year (Yes) I do not regret that draft pick at all. I can see Marvin becoming a beast. As I look at our team we have three potential All-Stars, well I take that back JJ is a proving and will be a guarantee ALL-Star this year… The Hawks will have a good season this year…. J-chill missed 10 open jump shots he finally started taking the ball to the hole, and it helped the Hawks win the game…. I know I talked a whole bunch of ish about the ticket price, but since I’m a non-traditional full-time student, I received a nice discount, then I hustled me and my son down to some good seats, so it was a hell of a bargain, and the women were looking good, so I couldn’t loose (lol) I’m just a die hard fan, so I couldn’t miss a game. All in All we have a good team this year… Forgive me b/c I did frequent the Jack Daniels Bar tonight……

Peace a true fan…

By mykhalc

October 15, 2006 04:57 AM | Link to this

LACSHO, thanks for the recap. but i have to say sittin’ DWADE, PAYTON, ZO, JWILL does tilt the scales in their favor even with JSMOOTH and SPEEDY back in the lineup!!! maybe just one too many jacks tonite!!!LOL

By doc

October 15, 2006 06:25 AM | Link to this

well we think at times that this blog has some fair weathered fans taht just wait to be negative. go check out the blog for the bulldog nation. talk about unrealistic.

wow, honest do you actually hang with those types of folks?

pathetic!

By RDM

October 15, 2006 06:56 AM | Link to this

. ..ok. .

Its amazing, but the year after we were 13 - 69, some of these peopel seemed to thing anythign short of the playoff the next year was a firing offense for the managers. ANd they think that every year. If they were a team manager with control over hiring and firing general managers and coaches, their team woudl remain losing every year for the next fifty, because every tim ethe team didn’t go to the playoffs, they woudl fire all of the above and do a merry - go - round.

By Clyde

October 15, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this

Ray that’s the question. If the Hawks start winning. Right now its a complete toss-up. Will they win or will we keep losing? To me comparing roster after roster with the Hawks’, I don’t see us winning. Mybe you do and that’s fine but don’t knock me for my opinion. But we will see next month. If we continue to lose then I’m ordering a new shipment of t-shirts.

Getting excited over 2 preseason wins seperates the students of the game and ordinary fans. Students of the game know preseason games mean nothing. That’s why I’m not concerned wit winning right now.I’m concerned with how our rookies and free agents look and they haven’t shown me much.

Lastly I don’t like Billy and Woody but you have never seen me write anything negative about Joe Johnson or Josh Smith. These two players play their hearts out night end and night out. Its uncertain what everyone else will bring to the table, but you know Joe and Jsmooth will show up.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Ken Strickland

October 15, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this

RAY, you are right. I just got back from a trip to my favorite place, the Dominican Republic, and I was fired up and positive. Then I read CLYDES negative posts and just went off. Hell, practically all of his posts are negative, so I shouldn’t have reacted. My apologies CLYDE, it’s almost time for real basketball and I need to concentrate on the Hawks’ positive progress. The success of this yrs team should not be measured by their won/loss record. The 1st half of the season will serve as an extended training camp. This will be the period for developing OFF/DEF continuity, chemistry and an established style of play or identity. How all of these elements come together in the 2nd half will determine the future of this team. Look at how Orlando struggled the 1st half of last yr. Then everything came together at some point during the 2nd half and they made a strong push which almost catapulted them into the playoffs. As a team, coming into this season, they should be measured by their 2nd half performance, not their overall record. ANDO, I guess the NBA will have to discredit the accomplishments of the Phoenix Suns over the last few yrs. You see, they are an unbalanced, nontraditional team with a lot of swing players that don’t fit your traditional mold. Except for injuries to JJ and Staudamire, they could very well have won successive NBA titles. Go figure.

By Lacsho

October 15, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this

Mykhalc you might be right my friend (on both accounts lol), but I don’t know if I agree. On paper those guys who didn’t play for the Heat will tilt it to their side, but they don’t bring it every night. Zo and Wade do, but the other two are not consistent. I think Speedy and Josh will consistently bring it every night (hope Speedy can remain healthy). I’m not saying we’re better than the Heat; however, I think the Hawks can make a push for the playoffs. Maybe I’m still feeling the Jack effects, but I will stick with my previous statements. I don’t know if you try to make predictions by matching this team up with other teams on paper; I think we’ll just have to wait, and watch them prove people wrong. Let the guys play and we will see. I just don’t see this team going through large loosing streaks. At the end of last year they looked pretty good, and they did add some missing pieces to the puzzle. I look at this team as a chess match, not checkers, so in the long run I think they will prove the naysayers wrong.

By the way the little point guard for the Heat looked pretty good..

By mykhalc

October 15, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this

CLYDE, you might have a point if it was all on paper. but we all should not expect MARVIN, JSMITH, and JJ to be the SAME players they were last season!! ‘cause they WON’T!!! JJ we all KNOW where he’s at and where he’s headed!! and i think most of us believe both MARVIN and JS will have breakout seasons. MARVIN will have the benefit of more minutes plus he’s got the skills. and i don’t believe he’ll be close to the liability AL was on defense. and JS is on a mission too. i also think a fresher ZAZA means more production from him also. but like you, i’m speculating. i just think as much as it might look the same, it’s really not!!! attitude and desire don’t show up on paper. and that will be a big difference in the YOUNG GUNS this year, IMHO!!

By mykhalc

October 15, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this

CLYDE, you might have a point if it was all on paper. but we all should not expect MARVIN, JSMITH, and JJ to be the SAME players they were last season!! ‘cause they WON’T!!! JJ we all KNOW where he’s at and where he’s headed!! and i think most of us believe both MARVIN and JS will have breakout seasons. MARVIN will have the benefit of more minutes plus he’s got the skills. and i don’t believe he’ll be close to the liability AL was on defense. and JS is on a mission too. i also think a fresher ZAZA means more production from him also. but like you, i’m speculating. i just think as much as it might look the same, it’s really not!!! attitude and desire don’t show up on paper. and that will be a big difference in the YOUNG GUNS this year, IMHO!!

By Davey

October 15, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this

I CAN’T WAIT TIL THE SEASON BEGINS! The uncovintional lineup will stop every ones offense. We will be a D Power this year. (Knowing the last time a posted was back during draft)

By ray

October 15, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this

Clyde, I’m not knocking you, just disagreeing with some of your views. The way I see it, there’s plenty of negative things to concentrate on. Ownership for starters. I don’t really care for Billy Knight, but that’s kind of irrelevant. When I watch a Hawks game, I’m not tuning in to root for Knight. He’s behind the scenes, if you know what I mean. I’m not a fan of him. However, Woodson is a different story, seeing as how he’s on the sideline. I blame him for how he directs and prepares the team, but I’ll also give him credit when when he helps them succeed. And more importantly, I root for the team itself. Yeah, I feel like some of them won’t help us in the short or long term and need to go. Hey, it’s part of the business. But I won’t have much to say about the GM or owners,(except around draft time or FA/trade time) ‘cause it does me no good and that’s the main part of what we can do nothing about. I’m not blind to anything, I just don’t see the point in focusing on the management side. I want to see the guys who are actually playing. If there’s anything a so-called student of the game should know, it’s that no matter who the coach is, he can’t play the game for the team. Not all of our guys are the same as last year. Most of them are better than they were. Some haven’t given any indication that they are.

As for winning..anything over .500 is winning, as far as I’m concerned. Anything less is not. I don’t expect that kind of record from our guys but would be glad as hell to see it. And I’m not comparing roster to roster. That’s almost silly in most cases. The preseason is not as meaningless as you think. It doesn’t count in the regular season, but it’s a better gauge of where the team is, and often more specifically what certain players are in condition-wise. JJ showed where he was. Marvin and JSmoove showed they are ahead of where they were this time last year. Ivey and Salim showed they haven’t changed much, at least not yet, and at least not here. All the players have showed something. Again, Shelden is a rookie and will show inconsistency. For how long, I don’t know. But we knew ahead of time he was and likely won’t be a superstar, so are his struggles really a surprise? I think you misunderstand me, my friend. I’m not excited merely about the fact that we’re 2-1 in three preseason games. I’m excited about what is happening in those games that separates this year’s team’s ability from last year’s. Now how can you say the preseason means nothing and turn right around and say that the FAs and rookies haven’t shown you anything? If the preseason and summer league both mean absolutely nothing, then you should have been expecting absolutely nothing, right? If that’s the case, then you should wait for the regular season and not have anything to say about any player’s performance until then. But that’s just not how it is, is it? No, both sets of contests mean something, but people are confused as to what that is. Summer league is mainly a set of scrimmages used to evaluate talents, skills, tendencies, attitudes, and various other facets of rookies and invitees. When that’s over, those who are chosen are invited to teams’ training camps. Training camp is a precursor to the preseason. At this point, the rooks and invitees are evaluated while playing with those already under contract to see if and how they are able to grasp offensive and defensive concepts that the team is using. Also, to see if those players bring something to the table that the team needs, to see if they fit. Even then, it’s still somewhat of a gamble. Surely a student of the game knows this already. Still think I’m a dumb-a** ordinary fan? I don’t think YOU are…

By the way, the t-shirt comment I made was a joke. WHEN the team is above .500 ball, you’re out of the t-shirt business. If I were you, I’d show up to superior court or whatever, along-side Belkin with your shirt. He might even pay you, LOL. Or buy the rest of your shirts, heh! Good business opportunity there, buddy…

By ray

October 16, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this

Ken, my friend. You know how much we agree on a lot of things. I have to say that I disagree, though not vehemently, with some of the things you said in your latest post. The team will have to jell, but every game counts. They do have to find and hold to an identity, become a cohesive unit. But they cannot spend half a season doing it. Nor can they look at it as an extended training camp. What team goes into the season thinking “hey let’s work the kinks out for the first 42 games and then see if we can bring our A game the last 42”? If they do, then they will fail simply because their goal isn’t winning. They must strive to win. And then they must accept the inevitable failures that will occur. The important thing is that they learn from those failures and keep their heads up so that they know how to succeed the next time. Not accept the failures and expect to fail. They must expect to succeed and work toward that end. Any less of an effort is pretty much guaranteed a failure. And teams are judged by the win/loss column, at least come playoff time. It’s part of what gets you in the playoffs and what keeps you out. Cold? Yeah… No sympathy from the rest of the league or anybody else if your three best players are injured all year long or anything else that would contribute to a rough season. Other teams play to win, so should we. I know Orlando came together better in the second half. A lot of times it happens this way. But to look for it to happen that way is not the attitude a team must have. If I’m taking you wrong on all of this, please correct me.

I can agree with the idea that we may have to trade off some of the guys we have if we have an opportunity to get something that will make us better in the short and long term. It’s always good to keep the options open. For those who are concerned with predictions and little else, why bother watching. Everything is numbers, so why not wait until the end of the season and count it all up. I can’t imagine how entertaining that must be.

By reese

October 16, 2006 12:53 AM | Link to this

First, I just want to say great wins for the hawks so far. It doesn’t matter that the other teams didn’t have their top players in the game. The hawks need to get use to winning.

2nd, Salim is not a point guard, but it is good that he is playing the position in summer league, practice and in pre-season games. The overall goal is to make him a multi-dimensional player. However, the coaches should also have plays/schemes that allow him to play to his strong point which is shooting the ball. Doc alluded to this with his example that Salim should be on the floor with two other ball handlers and two centers.

Its OK for Woodson to want his players to play defense. However, ultimately, it is up to woodson and his coaches to be realistic about their players strong points and weaknesses. Therefore, they will be able to place players in situations in which their liabilities will be masked and their strengths will be enhanced.

If the coaches are not willing to do that, then yes certain hawks players (not just salim) will excel in another teams scheme or another coaching staffs willingness to devise a scheme for the player.

By Ken Strickland

October 16, 2006 01:49 AM | Link to this

RAY, my extended training camp statement wasn’t intended to be representitive of the teams mindset. This is not a veteran team and there is a lot of unfamiliarity and newness that has to be overcome. This, in itself, doesn’t mean they can’t and won’t get off to a winning start. My comment was meant to infer that no one should panick if they get off to a slow start. If this team wins 45-50% of the 1st 41 games and 50-55% of the last 41 we will have a successful season.

By G Money

October 16, 2006 07:03 AM | Link to this

Hey guys, had to go away for the weekend with my wife. Glad to get caught up through all the blog entries. Seems like Reese is on to something when he talks about creating confidence, reinforcing philosophies, and ensuring that the concepts that coach has been espousing for well over a year now start to jell. Honestly, the real core of this team has been together long enough to know Woody’s system — that includes Chill and SS. At times during the summer we heard about Smoove working out or Marvin becoming a beast. I dont recall one article, blog or note that discussed how much Chill or SS were improving for the upcoming year. It’s disappointing to now hear that they seemingly are in the same place as last year. You expect young players to have steep growth curves for the first 3-4 years. That said, coaches have to recognize strengths and weaknesses ensuring that guys have every opportunity to excell. For example, everyone who’s been a regular fan of the Hawks was glad to see Diaw leave. In a different environment, he excelled. Who knew that time. This time, if we dismiss SS as a bust without trying to create scenarios for him to help this team then we are at fault to some extent, but only to the extent that we did not create winning scenarios. If after that, he doesn’t perform because of lack of maturity, laziness, or because he doesn’t want the roles that he is given, then it’s on the player.

Rookies gotta learn. After that, players have to be held accountable just like Woody, BK and everyone else. If JJ is a gym rat, then some other people need to find their way to the cheese through the maze of hard work and relentless dedication to personal excellence. This season and at this level success is about those who not just think they can but work their a** off to achieve it.

By troop

October 16, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this

I have followed Chalmers and he has played the 1 and the 2 during his career. If he was not hurt in practice he would maybe help with ball handeling and scoreing. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by his quickness and poise at the point.Hopefully he will be back on the court soon and be able to contribute.Keeping him would allow the game to be played at the same pace that speedy will play.

By Astro Joe

October 16, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this

So what’s the story on Josh Smith? Sorry for being cynical, but “personal reasons” could be anything from legitimate family crises to attitude problems. Inquiring minds want to know (especially if it is basketball-related).

By honest_abe

October 16, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this

doc…next to hawks fans…the most delusional people on this planet are georgia bulldawg fans… coach richt could win 10 plus games for the next 10 years and people will still be calling for his head… i disagree wish some of his decision but i still think he is the best man for that job..

quick point on the hawks… don’t know if anyone remembers that piece about jchill altering his shot for better long term results… when you change the form on your shot…it takes a considerable amount of time to get adjusted and accurate… his shot won’t fall consistently for some time…but in the end this change sounds like a good move..

good to see this blog is already in regular season form…everyone is already fueding…this ultimately is a good indication for another year of bickering and fighting about the same things as last year…

cheers!

By G-Money

October 16, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

Abe, let’s hope it’s not the same things as last year. That would be pretty sad. Certainly the guys who want to fire BK will still want to fire him, but hopefully the team is a whole lot better than last year and that the core will ultimately lead to near .500 ball this year. This has to lead to different conversations (you can only hope).

Thanks for the info on JChill, but shooting is but one aspect of it. How’s his defense, passing, rebounding?

By doc

October 16, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this

ha, thanks for bringing that up about chills. i had the same thought when i read of his inconsistancy in shooting the ball. it could be a great move or ruin him completely. it is like a golfer retooling his swing after he has been very competitve even though it doesnt look pretty to a makeover conventional style.

lay it out there ray boy. like your take on the “double write” of the negative man. he calls all the victories meaningless but degrades the players when they falter in the preseason. some try to have it both ways. glad to see the negative man saying a few positives and opening up a bit with some good points, just cant drop the byline at the same time.

By BB genie

October 16, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

Hawks fans, please get off Salim. He is very needed, who else do we have on our current team who will TAKE THE SHOT! Besides Joe johnson????? Remember J.J will be getting double-teammed game in and game out! Have you forgot about Salim 24 pts in the 4th Qt. last season vs Hornets. You can’t teach HEART. The kid can flat out score, we need all the fire power we can get!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By ray

October 17, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Doc.