Hawks

By Zach Blend

October 17, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

Sekou..

As a young Atlanta transplant now living in Orlando I am very much looking forward to the game tonight. Pre season or not it’ll be nice to see are two young horses, J Smooth and Marvin go head to head with Darko and Dwight in person. Wondering where the team is staying and if they will be hitting up Church Street after the game?

By Astro Joe

October 17, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

I was wondering why we would play so many exhibition games against our division foes. Seems like overkill to me. Too much money tied up in current airport processes (remember my motto, follow the money). Unless there is a way to guarantee more passengers (likely requiring more flights), don’t expect anyone to invest in satisfying customers.

Good news about Speedy. Is Josh Smith playing tonight? And its interesting that all these years later, the Magic still need a healthy Grant Hill to make it to the playoffs. His impact on their salary cap (and ability to sign another big-time player) ain’t no joke.

By Gutz

October 17, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

Great news about Speedy! The quicker he can get back and get some playing time in before the season starts the less of an negative impact his injury will have on our team chemistry. I’m just praying he can stay healthy the whole year somehow. Yeah is Josh Smith playing tonight? Is the game on 790thezone again?

By Davey

October 17, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

RIP JASON COLLIER

By Matt

October 17, 2006 06:07 PM | Link to this

So is Speedy a “quick” healer? HAHAHAHA, man , I am so funny.

I think the geniuses behind the preseason schedules are fools compared to the amazing minds responsible for the regular season. I hope we have a bunch of road games as the second game in a back to back series! Awesome!

I think Orlando would make a very nice rival. Same division, just down the road, young team- now let’s whoop the butts of our rival!

-Matt from Hotlanta Hawks Blog

By doc

October 17, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this

though i dont spend time in airports and just plan to spend extra time there before a flight reading or watching i have been very inflamed at the industry from time to time. just dont allow myself to go there anymore.

what i have often laughed at was the idea that the airline industry had something over most industries on quality and specifically medicine because it had so few airline crashes resulting in death and all needed to look to that industry for the how to’s to run an organization. nothing does my heart better than to read that they lose over 250,000 bags a day. if you extrapolate that to the medical industry that hands out much greater individual doses per day than bags through the system and saw each of those events as a possible lethal outcome i am sure they wouldnt be the gold satndard and would make a few more law schoools necesary to handlt the lawsuits. maybe flash would be involved it that kind of litigation rather than learning feldenkreis.

By LL Cool Scott

October 17, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

Zaza was a great pickup. Billy did a great job blowing up the Babcock mess, and a good job underpaying Zaza, and a good job drafting Josh Smith, and……uh……well……um…….(drawing a blank here trying to think of anything else savvy he’s done)

By HB Ando

October 17, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this

Roan St., I want to thank you for being stupid enough to call me out on my predictions, so another, well-respected blogger, in Doc, could post confirmation that all three of those predictions were documented and validated, right here on this very blog. Sekou himself reiterated to the gang that I firmly picked Paul BEFORE the draft two years ago, in e-mail discussions about the Hawks. You can go back to the very first few blogs and find my 26 win prediction, as well as to blogs as early as the beginning of the season for my selection of the Heat as the likely winners of the championship. You can whine about my ego as much as you want, but you can’t change the facts: I’m usually right.

If you’re not just a little chagrined for calling me out and then getting b***-slapped by the truth, you ought to be.

On to Sekou’s points:

1) This is the same Darko that was obtained, along with a quality point guard, in Arroyo, for what will be a mid-first round pick and the expiring contract of Cato. Astro tried to tell us that obtaining Cato was for his obvious value in matching up with Miami and Shaq. Cato proceeded to play about 10 minutes during the series (spot on, Joe). The truth is that Harrington’s contract was also expiring and of similar value to Cato. So, as some of us begged out loud for, PRIOR to Darko/Arroyo being moved, why the heck wasn’t Billy front and center addressing both our needs (PG and shot-blocking big man), with, say Harrington and Stoudamire? Instead, he got us a likely mid-teen draft choice for Harrington. Brilliant. Says right here that Darko will widely eclipse, career-wise, anything close to what Shelden give us. If so, then even Harrington and the pick that became Shelden would have been better than Shelden, given how little we’ll likely get from the Indy pick (no higher than 20, and you can book that in the Ando predictions catalog as well).

1. It’s not Kaman’s fault that he clearly out-performed both Chandler and Dalembert. Their teams set the market for young centers. He’ll outplay both of them again this year. If they don’t sign him, we should make a run at him. Dude can play.

2. Speedy’s back. Here’s hoping he can stay “back”. He’s the best chance the optimists here have of being close to right.

Roan, I can’t get over how foolish I would feel to take an ignorant stab at another blogger, only to have, arguably, the most respected blogger, in Doc, validate my target’s authenticity. What a freakin’ moron! Any other pearls of inaccuracy you’d like to share with us? Maybe you and Michael M. can get group counseling together and cry about what a big bully I am on your blog.

I don’t have a problem with folks calling out my ego, as long as some of you own up to being world-class whiners. Last time I checked, blogs were ungoverned arenas for subjective opinions. So if you offer yours up, have enough juice to back it up with facts, or at the very least, a modicum of intelligence about the game. And if you don’t like mine, try to come up with something a little stronger than calling me names.

By michael m.

October 17, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this

ando, perhaps i gave you too much credit last year because you are sounding like a conceited idiot, emphasis on idiot. the person i hear whining is you. and i definitely wouldnt call you a bully. a punk would be more accurate.

By mykhalc

October 17, 2006 09:20 PM | Link to this

ANDO, well you’ve taken it to another level my friend…‘You can whine about my ego as much as you want, but you can’t change the facts: I’m usually right.’

like i said in the previous blog, ‘you and BK are more alike than different.’ and a much earlier blog, ‘your ONLY flaw is that YOU KNOW that YOU KNOW.’

no denying that you study the game, know it well, and usually have some facts to go along with your opinions. but PLS BRO, ease off the ‘ROIDS!!! LOL (all in fun!!)

lastly, don’t care how you color it, YOU DON’T KNOW HOW PAUL WOULD HAVE PLAYED IN A HAWKS UNIFORM!!! pls use your crystal ball to review the WORLD GAMES for a replay. surrounded by better talent than at NO and he failed to show…PEROID!!!! it just goes to show that when the parts start changing, you can almost count on the end result to change too!!!!

By A Thinking Fan

October 17, 2006 09:39 PM | Link to this

CLYDE Come on and say it! GO HAWKS!

By Lacsho

October 17, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this

Greetings Fellas, looks like the Hawks won again 100-96….

I can get use to this!!!

Don’t hate I know its just pre-season.

Peace

By mountain_jim

October 17, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this

Good win tonight

By Lacsho

October 17, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this

Here’s the link for the box scores:

(http://www.nba.com/games/20061017/ATLORL/boxscore.html)

By reese

October 17, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this

790theZone is a joke. You can’t hear the hawks game on the radio and the website’s live coverage doesnt’ consistently work. Seems like when I did get through, there was a commercial. Of course, I forgot about NBA league pass until the game was over. Thank god for NBA TV. Cleveland looks sharp.

From checking the stats, it looks like Woodson is playing Josh S and Joe heavy minutes. Also, looks like Shelden W had a solid game with 12 pts and 10 boards. Also, looks like Marvin struggled on the offensive end and it looks like zaza is offense only.

Doesn’t look like Woodson is giving the invitee roster scrubs any opportunity to play. However, the scrub batista got some minutes and doesn’t look like he made an impression.

Sekou, nice to hear about the 7’1 greek guy may be a keeper and that he has some talent. Just wondering why he didn’t see any minutes tonight. I know I said previously that the hawks need to win as many game as possible. But, I was hoping that Woodson didn’t have to wear out his starters to do so.

By mykhalc

October 17, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this

BOOZEMAN seems to be gettin’ some pretty consistent minutes.

SHELDON had a good line tonite. good test for him.

SALIM had good minutes, minimal line, no TO’s tho.

By Clyde

October 17, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this

I like the double double from Sheldon tonight. And he did it in only 22 minutes.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By doc

October 17, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this

i just dropped my computer.

maybe there will be a switch soon so we can buy; fire mora, donatelli and knapp t-shirts.

By Richie Rich

October 17, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

Like other’s have said, very nice win tonight, even tho it is preseason, developing a winning attitude is a must!…nice to see Sheldon show up tonight, and only 1 foul.

13 assist tho, this will have to improve, and i’m sure it will when Speedy is finally healthy.

By mykhalc

October 17, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this

CLYDE, is that you??????????? say ain’t it!! so i’ll know all is right in the universe!!!LOL

DOC, i’m with ya on the knapp thing…gettin’ close on mora too!!!

nice win regardless!! GO HAWKS!!!

By Remembering Roundfield

October 17, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this

I really hope that we can establish ourselves early as a force to be reckoned with. I know that it’s just pre-season and after the games count we may see something altogether different but…I can’t help hoping that this year will be different. I’m really excited about the season and hope we have a great year and go deep into the playoffs. GO HAWKS!!!!!!

By mykhalc

October 17, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this

was BOOZEMAN at the point tonite??

By Lacsho

October 17, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this

Doc I have to agree with you, perhaps clyde can make some shirts that say fire Mora, Donatelli, and Knapp..

By Ken Strickland

October 17, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this

CLYDE, now that’s what I’m talking about my friend. See, as well as respond to both sides of the spectrum.

By ray

October 17, 2006 11:27 PM | Link to this

Ando, please. A bully? On a blog…on a freakin’ computer? What are you NOW, the second coming of Jim Rome? Waaahahahahahahaha!! Yeah, he was a prick and got a lot of stuff right too. But he had his own show…you just have this blog! Ok, on a more serious note… Ando, I just about can’t tell anymore if you’re still just talking trash, or if you’re taking yourself too seriously or taking other bloggers too seriously. But you did say something along the lines of blogs being ungoverned arenas of subjective opinions, right? What you need to realize is that in such “arenas” nobody has to play by YOUR rules at any time or for any reason. People can disagree with you for no apparent or evidence-based reason. It doesn’t even matter if you’re “right”. If being right about things makes you feel good about yourself or better than everybody else, then good for you. It’s not like you’re doing something for the greater good of mankind. You are making predictions in a fantastical situation using facts and figures from real environments. And you do come to the right conclusions quite a bit. I find satisfaction in what I feel are far more substantial things myself. I don’t say this to insult you and I certainly don’t expect you to quit yapping about something you said that was accurate on a forgotten blog from last year. It’s what you do. But in your infinite wisdom, understand this: People can call you out for anything, even your overly sensitive ego, regardless of how many times you’ve been right or how many (or few) facts they bring to dispute your opinions. You can make noise, so can anyone else. And you can either accept the fact that people are going to do as they please here (don’t you?) or you can continually get frustrated like a kid on the playground who can’t get anyone to play the game the way he wants it done. I don’t think wrong and right are a factor here when it comes to arguments and opinions. You keep saying it’s a blog. Open your eyes and see the broader view of what that means. I only say this because I’m just as guilty at getting tunnel vision as anyone and striking out at people in a virtual world where we’re just talkin’ smack and engaging in some twisted form of fellowship. Unless this really means something important to you, don’t let that stuff bother you, man. Like I said, I’m as guilty and don’t wish to throw stones: the walls are made of glass.

By ray

October 17, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this

Clyde, there’s a sliver of hope for the fella yet. But I want to see what he does when he hits that wall night after night. We’ll see if that collar is as blue as they say it is, eh?

Richie, agreed. 13 assists only seems to work if you’ve got Kobe scoring 81, Lebron dropping it in from everywhere, DWade takin’ over, etc. We have none of the above, needless to say.

By michael m.

October 18, 2006 12:10 AM | Link to this

great post, ray. eloquent, accurate, necessary. until today i didn’t truly realize that this blog represented a chance to boost one’s self-esteem. but i guess one man’s hobby is another’s crutch.

and clyde, it did bring a smile to my face as well. when one is confronted by rain for a year straight, just a sliver of sunlight can do that. open skies, open mind.

By mykhalc

October 18, 2006 12:59 AM | Link to this

daaaaggggg!! can’t get no luv on the BOOZEMAN question???? who played backup PG tonite?? BOOZEMAN, SALIM, or JJ???? i gots to know!!!!LOL

By Nunna Yo Biznezz

October 18, 2006 04:43 AM | Link to this

I think the hawks are gonna be fine..I like the fact that we got defense,and rebounding as our main focus during the off season..We should win at least 50.. I went to the practice at Woodward Academy..Josh Smith,acts stuck up BIG TIME!! He got his butt on his shoulders for real!!! Salim,Joe,ZsaZsa,Marvin and Billy Knight were all to real,and very nice..

Another thing i didn’t like..Sheldon Williams already had both knees iced up after the scrimmage..

By roan st

October 18, 2006 06:57 AM | Link to this

Your only validation is doc “says so”. Your the freakin a***** on this blog who claims to be a fan but gleefully “says I told you so” if the hawks don’t meet expectations. You seem to revel in the hawks failures instead of pulling for the franchise to turn things around. Your so called ego is you conjuring up your own status. I could care less about your self promotion as some kind of basketball genuis. I am just sick and tired as many others are of hearing you bash the organization and hoping for us to fail so you can celebrate your predicitions of gloom and doom. And I am willing to bet you wouldn’t have the gile to call me a moron to my face.

By A Thinking Fan

October 18, 2006 07:02 AM | Link to this

DOC Brotha Ray, What he say! Good post Ray, Good post!

By doc

October 18, 2006 08:03 AM | Link to this

roan, i like ya buddy but that is a bit of a slam on me rather than your take on ando. there are very few people who have been here from day one. if i havent read every word i have at least passed over every one since its conception. i too predicted 26 last year and i think my friend samuel among others did as well.

it isnt about cudos for me but a least bringing acurate if not skewed info to the liars table. i am not looking for the cudos nor tooting my own horn but when it is thrown out there i will bring back the best representation of what i have read over the last 16 months or more. now if you want go back yourself and do the research you will find those to be very acurate words. cant say at times i dont agree with your points today and have some of my own frustrations and have stated them. you are probably taking it a bit personal and might want to look inward as to why someone else could allow you to get so angry which is the tone i get. dont let someone else take your own optimism down here or in life my friend.

you asked, i answered. you decided to not take my info which has been well earned by being here about every day.

peace

By doc

October 18, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this

does anyone else get the notion that to have gotten a ticket from ray before he moved up to detective would have been an ordeal. you know like leaving you in a position to beg for the ticket just to shut him up a bit. like; sir, may i please have a ticket so i can go pay it before it is overdue?

keep it up ray, love your words. your mama taught you well.

By G-Money

October 18, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this

Can anyone shed any light on the individual performances from last night? Just looking at the box score it seems as though both teams played their already signed vets quite a bit. It also seems like DHoward is really the “manchild.” Who did we have defending him? Why wasn’t the big Greek employed just to see how he might fair? Certainly it would have been a great test of his defensive skills. Given that no one fouled out, it also seems as if Howard had nearly free reign (27 pts).

Is Chalmers still hurt? It looks like Woody is giving Bozeman a real hard look potentially moving him ahead of Ivey. I look forward to reading any analyses that anyone might have on last night.

By Astro Joe

October 18, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this

Yes, Ando, I did think Detroit would use Cato on Shaq and they did not. I also said that Al would interfere in the playing rotation of the Pistons and that they were likely more interested in someone who would sit on the bench and wait their turn. Al with his expiring contract and hopes for a lucrative deal did not seem to fit that description. I have to say though, I’m bored with you already and the season hasn’t started.

“He yawns as he moves forward”.

Looks like a good win last night. I, too, was knocked off the web-streaming by the incompetents at 790TheZone. As someone pointed out too few assists (and too many turnovers) last night. But we won.

By G-Money

October 18, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this

Hey for those of you interested, I also found this recap on Yahoo. It’s interesting to note that the article states that Orlando badly wanted Shelden out of this year’s draft. Could this be why BK grabbed him at 5?? http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2006101719&prov=ap

By doc

October 18, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this

thanks g-m

funny how there are little tid bits of info that rise to the surface that seems to negate some of the criticisms that just go on for too long.

too often we spend too much time looking to the past and anticipating the future and miss the experience.

By Astro Joe

October 18, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this

G-Money, Houston is playing Shane Battier at PF. At one point, Shelden was rumored to be headed there with pick #8. Think they’d rather have Battier (who cost them 2 players) or Shelden at that spot? #5 was definitely high for Shelden but that is water that is far and deep under the bridge. We needed a defensive presence who wouldn’t take 2 years to learn how to rotate properly on defensive assignments and we got him. If he provides 8 points, 7 boards and .8 blocks in 25 minutes this season (his current pre-season averages), I’d be elated. Because I know that will be supplemented with many smart/hustle plays that are not tracked in stats but go a long way toward winning games (and helping teammates play better). The last few times I’ve been able to hear portions of the game, it sounds like Shelden has been the first one off the bench in Woody’s rotation. Other than Bargnani, I doubt that any other big man in this year’s draft sees 25 minutes a game this seaon.

By Ken Strickland

October 18, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this

G-MONEY, go to NBA.com. They have the individual stats on last nights game. Come on people, let’s ease up on some of the character assinations. That’s not to say that you were completely wrong in what you said, it just a bit of overkill. I can now be the voice of reason, thanks to brother RAY. We are simply too close to the reality of the upcoming regular season to go off on tangents not directly related to the Hawks or basketball in general. I see I wasn’t the only one that noticed the tranformation of our friend CLYDE. Way to go my CLYDE. The preseason success of the Hawks is an example of what we can expect later on in the regular season. How soon they reach this current level of consistent OFF/DEF output will be up to the coaches. As far as the final roster is concerned, I see 3 players(Batista, the Greek, Solomon)vying for 1 spot. Solomon is more athletic with more overall potential, while the big Greek is just, well, more. I say the big Greek makes the team with Solomon going to the DLeague. With Zaza, Wright, the Greek, JSmooth, Chills, Shelden and MWilliams, we can match up with, or overmatch, most teams centers or forwards over the course of a game. No other NBA team is going to look forward to playing the Hawks after the 1st 20-25 games. GOOOOOO HAWKS!!!!!!

By Phil

October 18, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this

My observation from the game and the preseason so far:

Joe Johnson - has looked awesome, even better than last season offensively.
Joe Smith - has been taking way too many 3s in my opinion and had a few too many turnovers but otherwise has looked pretty good.
Marvin - looks like he has picked up where he left off last season and then. More aggressive and getting a few blocks and assists now.
Zaza - has really looked great offensively. Most people don’t think he can duplicate last year’s numbers but so far it looks like he should have no trouble surpassing them.
Shelden - Looks like he is starting to prove the skeptics wrong. If he keeps playing this well he might force his way into the starting lineup. Some say he lacks an offensive game but if he can hit his FTs like he’s been doing he’ll get his 10 points a game.
Childress- I haven’t seen anything so far from him to make me think he’s improved his game. I think he’ll struggle for minutes this year as his role on the team appears to be diminishing.
Salim - Same with Childress. He has yet to have a good preseason game. Seems to be too streaky of a shooter and does nothing else particularly well. I’d trade him soon if I were Knight.

By tb

October 18, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

I wonder about Chils role. Someone was writting about the fact that he’s been working on his shot and stating that he should be more focused on playing to his strengths; rebounds, defense and good quick finishing moves to the hoop. He shot very well last year he can hit the open J even from three.

Salim only got about 10 minutes last night. He’s been shooting pretty bad lately too.

Is he plyaing any D, dishing?

I hope that these two can grow into their strengths; Chil already stated, Salim lighting it up and doing something on D and round out our second unit.

By HB Ando

October 18, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this

OK, obviously there are some folks here who take my words way more seriously than I do. It’s truly funny how easy it is to push folks’ buttons here.

So let’s clarify some things:

MM, if this blog were some necessary extension of my self-esteem, then I wouldn’t have just blown it off for the last month. Pyschologically, I wouldn’t have been able to tear myself away from the day-to-day babblings that go on here. It is the angry responses to my posts that, in fact, suggests that my critics are taking themselves, and the meaning of this blog, in their lives, far too seriously.

Roan, if you think I’d have a problem repeating anything I write on this blog, to your face, you’re just as wrong as you were in calling my predictions lies. And now you’ve insulted Doc, because you’ve got your panties all in a bunch. Again, the tenor of the posts, regarding who takes themselves a little too seriously, is square on folks like you and Michael.

To clarify: I am a basketball fan. If there is an interest in seeing the Hawks fail to show marked improvement this year, it is because I truly believe the franchise is in the wrong hands. I also believe that the best thing that could happen, long-term, is for this team to have one of the top-3 draft picks next summer. With the expectation that this is not a playoff team, and that ownership’s legal battles will preclude the financing of making in-season moves to reach that goal, I believe we are better off not giving up a lottery pick to Phoenix, for the sake of a few meaningless wins. In fact I just read a quote from the Chicago newspapers that suggested Indy might want to consider trading O’Neal for Deng and NY’s first rounder, which Chicago controls. The point of the perspective was that no team likes losing, but sometimes there is a value in seeking out a top pick at the cost of the current seasons’ outcome. That picks like those can turn a franchise’s fortune for a decade. So, it’s not a figment of my imagination, or some desire to either right or perpetually negative, that leads me to the analytical conclusion that it’s in the teams’ best long-term interest to get one of the projected, superstar big men that are LIKELY to come out.

Even if one of them stays in school, the list that includes Oden, Noah, Durant, McRoberts, Hawes, etc., is viewed by many (as in not a figment of my imagination) as a franchise-changing class.

Now Michael, all you have done is validated my point. I’ve asked whiners like you to actually objectify your opinions, instead of calling me names. So please take any basketball related opinion of mine (there’s about 15 months of it here) and outline the “idiocy” of my position on the Hawks. I’ve broken down the basis for my opinions in to minute detail. You call me an idiot and a punk (I like that one), but you do nothing to address the basis for deriding my opinion as idiotic. Since you’re clearly more intelligent than the resident punk/idiot, please enlighten me on the failings of my opinion regarding Hawks management.

My wife teaches fifth grade and I swear her children have thicker skin than many of you.

I’ve searched all over, and I can’t find the rules of the Hawks blog that require optimism and a positive opinion on the state fo the team, and the expectations for their results this season. This isn’t a cheerleading site, so no one here is compelled to root, root, root for the home team.

Ray, I appreciate your thoughtful words, but I’m at a loss for understanding how you conclude that my ego is sensitive. As far as I can tell, you’re lecturing me with words that apply to others here. My ego, or sense of self, as virtually nothing to do with dropping by this silly forum and trading barbs with folks. And being right, or wrong, about my basketball opinions is one of the last things that could impact my sense of self. I believe most everyone here is aware that the best way to eliminate attention-seeking behavior is to ignore it. Yet folks here continue to respond violently to both my less than positive opinions about Billy Knight, as well as my penchant for poking people with my words.

There are three ways to deal with me here:

1) Stick to responding to my opinions of the team, and basketball, in general, by addressing your disagreements with me, point by point. Don’t get sucked in to my trash talk. It only encourages me and makes me chuckle. 2) Ignore my presence completely. I’ll still post my thoughts on the team and the game, and folks who stop by, who aren’t under the confused impression that this is THEIR blog, will take my words for what they are worth: agreeing or disagreeing. 3) Get mad and call me names. Scream and cry like a little child. Sit at your computer, in your home, or at work, and get red-faced, while I push your buttons and marvel at how easy it is to get a near-psychotic response from you. This place has become a case study in psychological manipulation. At least Astro gets it. He waives his hand and limits his response to a “I’m bored with you already” statement.

Ray, I like you and your perspective. But there is just as much ego in assuming a self-appointed, higher moral ground, and lecturing another adult, as there is in playing the resident know-it-all here on the blog. For you and Joe to act like coming here and offering sage pontifications isn’t of meaning to either of you is disengenious. That value of your sermon, in preaching to character I’ve created for this forum, was less out of interest in steering me towards some healthy insight, and more about an effort for you to build respect and support with other bloggers. Take a close look, an honest look, at your own motivations, in taking me to task. Throwing stones, and then saying you don’t wish to, is called having your cake (or point) and eating it to.

So from here, we’ll play it straight. I’ll talk hoops. If you don’t agree with what I think, or say, and feel inclined to respond, try to address the points I’ve made, instead of the style I’ve delivered them in. I mean, good gracious, I almost quit coming here all together, because it’s the same conversation, daily. You guys act like I’m the only one who repeats himself here. Pretty funny.

Now, if the response to this post is the same old name calling, folks who persist will have merely made my point for me.

31-34 wins. Best if we keep that pick, because landing between 4-10, and handing it to Phoenix, is a disaster. Need to learn, more than anything, whether we can play Josh and Marvin together, and build this team around their talent. Johnson makes the all-star team this year. Both New Orleans and New York end the year with better records than the Hawks. Roy wins rookie of the year, while the Hawks try to figure out how to justify the pick of Shelden, while simultaneously trying to groom either Josh or Marvin to play his position, full time.

BTW, G-Money, Orlando was interested in drafting Shelden……at 11, where he was appropriately rated, not at five, where no one in the free world besides Billy Knight thought he should go. If you’re going to make comments like that, at least acknowledge the context of its meaning, rather than trying to build flimsy support for another bad front-office decision.

By The Flash

October 18, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

BK gets no respect from Dumars, none. Period. And, he knows it. Giving the man Delk for nada, after making Detroit a champion, and no one here disputes that no Sheed, no championship, right? So how could BK not have gotten Darko here? It’s either that he didn’t try or that Dumars, knowing he was going to get nothing of value anyway, saw more value in sending him to Orlando than here. Either way BK looses, at least in my book. And then he gives Dumars a needed back up 1-2 to make another championship run. Does anybody understand this. If so, please splain it to me.

By honest_abe

October 18, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

ok, hopefully all the psychoanalysis is DONE and we can just stick with the hoops…(i must admit sometime it’s just more fun to take shots at each other)

is it just me, or does anyone else think that the idea of kobe buying into “team ball” is preposterous? don’t get me wrong, i’m a huge kobe fan and i always felt if he thought of the team first and himself second he could easily become of the greatest to EVER play the game. he is still maturing so i see it as a possibility but for some the ego is just too big to take a backseat to winning.

my pick for mvp this year……. LBJ.. he will finally get 2nd or 3rd seed in the east this year and will put up numbers that one can usually only find on NBA live. put on your seat belts because watching him is going to be one helluva ride!

By Ryder

October 18, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this

If CLYDE makes a fire Knapp shirt I’m the first in line to buy.

Astro makes a very good point about Shelden. Even if he doesn’t average 15 & 10 right off the bat, his hustle plays which won’t show up in the stat sheet will be monumental to a young team that desperately needs his style of play. Face it, Atlanta has constructed a roster of players who will run up and down the court but will suffer on the defensive end. Shelden, Wright, and Speedy will be an upgrade over what Atlanta had last year, especially in terms of hustle which this young team lacked.

I do see Shelden getting up to 20-25 minutes this year, and I’ll probably get crucified for this next statement, I see Josh Smith being the one getting his playing time reduced. This team is setting up to have Marvin and JJ be the offensive catalysts. Only time will tell, which is why although it’s fun to criticize, over analyze and do everything else on this blog, it’s best to not make any assessments until after Christmas, that’s when we know the identity of this team.

Although I’m tired of talking about Paul, there is one quetion that I wanted to ponder. Do you really think Woodson would’ve known how to use him and utilized his skills as well as Byron Scott does? Remember, Scott played with great PGs in Magic and coached Jason Kidd, and that could’ve played into the equation. Not beating a dead horse, just kicking it around for a spell.

By Astro Joe

October 18, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this

tb (as I ignore the novella), I was the one blogging about Childress and what he is and should be. I noticed that his field goal percentage so far is less than 40%. I haven’t watched any games, so I can’t say if those shots are all with tight defense or if he is missing open jumpers. Nor do I know that he is using the new form or the old one. But something got in his head and I am worried that it messed him up. We have all watched guys with less than perfect form play well in this league. Jack Sikma and Jamaal Wilkes come readily to mind, with Shawn Marion and Reggie Miller being more recent examples. Hell, Rick Barry showed the world that as long as you can hit a shot consistently, why not shoot under-handed from the free throw line. I understand that Childress’ old stroke would likely keep him from being a pure catch-and-shoot player. So what? Is that a mandatory skill set to produce in this league? There are countless other things that I want Chill comtemplating before I ask hin to consider re-tooling his shooting form. What the heck is wrong with shooting 55% while driving hard to the basket and hitting open jumpers?

By mykhalc

October 18, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this

ok…i’m goin’ to the head man…LOL

SEKOU…PLEASE tell me who relieved LUE at PG last nite???? i’m trying to figure out how BK is lettin’ BOOZEMAN get his minutes. seems like he’s gettin’ a good look at camp tho!!! pls share us your take on last nite’s game….

By honest_abe

October 18, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

absolutely nothing…if you are content to be a role player…but if you want to be great, you have to put some effort into correcting certain flaws that stick out…

By mykhalc

October 18, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

AJ, just to add…all the players you listed COULD hit the jumper with someone in the face despite their unique form. i don’t think JC falls into that category yet!! maybe that is motivation to retool??!!!??

By Gutz

October 18, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this

HB Ando, its pretty obvious you do care what other people on this blog say about you and your idiotic points of view on our Hawks. It seems you thrive on the attention people give you. Its quite funny especially since you wrote a 4 page essay in your above post and then claim you don’t have time to sit around on this blog and argue. No one cares about your negativity! Let it go! 31-34 wins? I will bet money on it we win more than that if all our players stay healthy. Hawks are clearly on the rise this year after beating a solid Orlando team with all their starters playing most of the game IN Orlando. Keep being negative all you want but you will look like a FOOL and rightfully so when they are fighting for a playoff spot later in the year. Either way we can still get a nice big man in the draft next year even in the low-mid teens depending on how the Pacers do. They didn’t say this draft was the most loaded with big men ever for no reason people. We might not get a Oden but we could get Roy Hibbert(7”2) for example. Hawks are going to be solid.

By mykhalc

October 18, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this

of course i meant how WOODSON is lettin’ him get his minutes…

By HB Ando

October 18, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this

The initial Vegas over/under on Hawks win total was 28. But what the heck to the Vegas bookmakers know about finding the likely statistical mid-point for predicting outcomes? Gutz, if you’d like to put your money where your mouth is, I’ll take a cash bet that the Hawks won’t win more than 34 games this season. Roy Hibbert? We’ve got a Greek big man that’s better than Hibbert, right now, and he likely won’t contribute this season. So we’ll draft Hibbert and win a world championship. Too funny.

Joe, I think you’re right in minimizing Childress’ form as an issue. If anything, his form, and his inability to shoot outside, with a hand in his face, is merely indicative that he is not, and should never be called, a shooting guard. He rebounds like a 3, matches up with opposing 3’s, and essentially plays the 3. 55% says he makes good decisions on when to shoot and gets off quite a lot of shots near the basket. He is good enought that there may be some teams in this league he could start for. But he never will here, as long as we have Joe, Marvin and Josh. And his value to another team, and what they might be willing to trade for him, is potentially more valuable to this team than the 15 minutes a game he’ll get squeezed in with our log jam of swing men this year.

Ryder, I don’t see where Shelden fits in to a transition-based offense. He’s as classic a half-court player as you’ll see. As stiff as he is, he’ll trail a lot of breaks if we’re looking to get out and run. Putting him in the same class as Marvin and Josh, as far as looking to have this team run, isn’t real likely. I’d go so far as to say that Zaza is far better at getting up and down the court than the shorter Shelden. That being said, he should, if he gets those minutes (which I will continue to question until seeing otherwise) be of great benefit in half-court sets. So our first team will run and our second team (Wright and Shelden) will walk? Creating an offensive identity for this team, other than “give it to JJ” is going to be something to watch……….

By Gutz

October 18, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this

HB Ando, you obviously don’t watch college basketball then right? How can you say Hibbert isn’t good? The guy is a monster for Georgetown now and was last year leading them deep into the NCAA tourney. The Greek guy would get killed by big Roy Hibbert man. LOL!!! hahahahah Your an idiot! Its pretty obvious your points are hogwash with no factual info to back them up by making a comment like that.

How much do you want to bet? I will take the over on 34 wins if all our players stay healthy mainly JJ, Marvin and Smoove. If we loss JJ i would say no to winning more than 34. But if we can all stay healthy for the most part i have no doubt in my mind we can win more than 34 games this year.

By Astro Joe

October 18, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this

Shelden initiates fast break offenses by rebounding the ball and anchoring the half-court defense. I’m not yet ready to put my eggs in the Josh Smith basket and I suspect that neither are BK or Woody. For all of the imbalance discussion, the other angle is to see why would they feel the need to over-compensate at the SF/PF slots? I know fans are mesmerized by Smith’s athleticism, but can we see him put it together for a whole season? (And none of us are around to evaluate his mental preparedness). Assuming that Smith will be a rebounding force is a premature assertion. Even as a rookie, I have far more confidence in Shelden grabbing an important board than I do in Smith. Smith may want to do something stupid like grab it with one hand or complete a 180-degree spin while grabbing it. Shelden will be content squeezing the ball and coming down with it (elbows extended).

Childress has shown that he can be effective coming off the bench. It doesn’t mean that he wouldn’t be as effective starting. I’ll tell you what, at the end of a close game when you need the smartest and hardest working guys on the floor, I think we will see more Childress/Shelden than we will see Smith/Marvin. Other teams look at Childress and see great production from a cheap contract. They don’t worry about where he was selected. For some reason, that’s what we see. I think Childress could approach a Josh Howard type player in 2-3 years with a team that gives him that shot. It won’t happen here, but I am almost certain that it will happen. (But he needs to stop fixing stuff that ain’t broken).

By The Flash

October 18, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

Me, I’m a worrier, ask anybody who knows me, well, actually I’m a bit of a hermit so that won’t work. Take my word for it? Nope that won’t work either. So, anyway, on a slow day like today when there is actually nothing in the clear blue sky (it is in DC, by the way) to worry about in the present, I’m looking to the future and I’m worrying.

About what and why should we, meaning you, care? About Smooth and JJ, that’s what, and that answers the second. Why am I worried. It makes my worry antenae perk up when I hear Paul talkin all summer about how him and JJ would rule the league, especially when I see Paul playing to full houses and JJ to empty ones. Those of you who found great satisfaction in Paul’s vocal praises of JJ should think again; can we spell “c o u r t i n g” boys and girls.

And, then I read today how Howard and Smooth went to preschool together for G-d’s sake; how they e-mail every day, and are like family. Let’s see, live in Orlando next to Tiger and Griffy, or be near “Mom.” I’m not sure I’m likin those odds, myself.

What about you guys, you feelin lucky or puttin off worrying about the core of your franchise for another day. I’d put it off if I were you; take it from the worry wart, the outlook isn’t the brightest if you look at it today.

By G-Money

October 18, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

Ando, Your eloquence is applaudible even though your sometimes hasty generalizations and flawed logic are disturbing. The Hawks picked Shelden at 5 instead of 11 because they didn’t have the 11 pick. They had the 5 pick. We all agree that Shelden would have been more palatable at 10 or below, but given the trade scenarios that didn’t materialize (e.g Luther Head and SW for Foye/Roy if we drafted him at 5 and Rockets picked up Shelden) neither you nor any other blogger can say with any credibility that the Hawks had the opportunity to get him in a different scenario. The only reality that we know is that the Warriors and Sonics also selected big men. One of those teams could have easily selected Shelden. The Wolves selected Roy at 6, Foye went at 7 and Gay went at 8. Given the composition of the other teams, the only team that we know of that was perhaps willing to deal was Houston. That fell through. So, BK could either select someone else or draft SW at 5. We all might have chosen one of the guys who went between 6 and 8, but we’re not the architects of the team. The rationale for the pick makes sense even though you don’t have to agree with the pick. At the end of the day, it’s not about what Ando or any other blogger would do. If Shelden is able to help this team in year one in a unique way, defensive presence that was not there and give you 10 pts a game, neither you nor anyone else can argue with the pick.

By The Flash

October 18, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

Childress’s shot. If he can make the thing with regularity, make people try to stop him from getting it off, the position of the shot is just fine, maybe even better than fine. If you want someone who can shoot the three with someone jumping at him to block it, shoot it over that guy, Chill ain’t your guy.

He’ll get people committed to forward onto their toes when he begins to bring it into shooting position and be better balanced and positioned than most to beat them off the dribble. The question is, what next. He seems more than capable of doing constructive things with the ball next.

Chills real talents on offense will become more and more manifest when the offense becomes more fluid and more players are catching it in good spots with space to do something when defenders charge them, when there is some rhyme or reason to what comes next. Chill is a space creator par excellance, especially without the ball which is all but a lost art. Such space creators are essential to making great passing games work. Chill does it without the ball as good as some of the greats—the small forward who played with Walton, Dollar Bill, John Havlecheck, Satch; does it with the ball also but the offensive concepts were not there to take advantage of that ability. Just a lot of free for all, with no one seeming to have a real idea of where they ought to be, how the flow might work if penetration came from this spot or the other, you know, a real movement offense.

Put Chill on Sac, if Carrill is still there, and he will be a terrific contributer to that team. Make this offense into one that flows like the Princeton does in Sac town, and he’ll be all that here too. But, nooo, you guys want to talk about defense and dunking and such.

If this team reaches its potential, Chill will be an indispensible part. If it don’t, who cares where he shoots from anyway.

By Wedgie Evans

October 18, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this

Zaza Pachulia would be the steal of the century at center, if he even tried to play defense.

By The Flash

October 18, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this

What’s missing from Z’s game are easy 2’s, as in a really reliable 10-15 foot jump shot, from several routine catch spots on the floor, with different means of delivery, i.e., turns in either direction, different ways of bringing it up to create rhythm, bank and straight in. If he can glide to those spots, spin while loading and shoot, he’ll be hurting guys, making them work extra hard to stop him from the easy, have the ability then to break them down off the dribble with a lot less wear and tear on his body because he will be by them more cleanly.

Then, they will be less aggressive on offense (beaten dogs get that way, and that has always been true in the great game and always will be), and more tired as well. And, Z., well Z will be a different guy too, with more like 18 per without wear and tear by just relying on his uncanny moves. Better defense will result. Just the way it works, guys; or we could try the bobbie knight philosophy. Oops, we’ve been doing that one, right?

By ray

October 18, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

Whatever, Ando. That’s your opinion, (although you are SO wrong about me throughout that entire essay) and now I know the deal. So be it.

By ray

October 18, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this

No, Flash, we don’t need the Bobby knight thing going on around here. In fact, well nevermind….

I’ve always thought of Childress as good trade bait. Sorry to all you guys wearing JChill jerseys. It’s not that I think he doesn’t fit on this team. However, it may be that Marvin or Smith becomes the perfect trade bait instead. But that only works if what we’re getting in return is so irresistable or irreplaceable that we just gotta do it. The question is whether Knight has a plan in place to do some serious trade talking. And that is opening a whole new can of ugly, stinky worms.

Based on what I’m reading in a few places, Glyniadakis has a good, solid shot at making the team. I think management better learn to listen to JJ, who said that the “big Greek” is most definitely needed here. But I’m curious as to what is happening with the two guards, Chalmers and Bozeman. Chalmers is out with injury, right? Never seen Bozeman play…I’m for anything that improves the guard play coming from the bench. Having said that, if none of these invitees is better than what we already have, then we keep what we have. But I’m betting that’s not the case.