Hawks

By honest_abe

October 19, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this

i think that person is speedy. if speedy can play solid d.. apply the full court pressure that woody expects from his pg.. while setting up the offense and getting the ball into hands of the right people at the right time, this hawks team will surpass expectations. tyronn lue is a very nice backup pg to have…but he’s not the greatest of distributors…and since this current team has a bunch of athletes that have the ability to put the ball in the basket…speedy’s ability to break down the d as well as his own defensive pressure will be HUGE!

2nd pick would be zaza…

By Uncle Jr

October 19, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this

It’s gotta be speedy. He’s got to be the spoon stirs the kettle. Because is we have a point that can penetrate and kick out to our shooter, dish the ball down to our bigs, we could increase our wins by 10 games.

By BT

October 19, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this

J-Chill

Taken number 6, can do it all and will be there down the stretch in the pressure minutes.

By Andy

October 19, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this

THE BIG GREEK FELLA!!!

By JMar

October 19, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this

If we’re talking playoffs, it has to be Marvin Williams. The only way this team makes the jump is with him coming up big this season. I think that even if Childress came out with said Herculean effort, realized that he wasn’t quite living up to his potential, it’d take half the season for him to get enough playing time to make it worthwhile. And Zaza’s already far exceeding any expectations that anyone had for him; he just needs to remain consistently at that level. Abe’s answer is Speedy, but his explanation is only that he needs Speedy to be solid, and that’s the part I agree with - we’ve got the players where Speedy just needs to be good, not Herculean, particularly if Marvin steps up his game.

By newkid

October 19, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this

Perhaps it isn’t at all A player Sekou. Perhaps it’s entirely possible for EACH individual player to play to expectations, while the team doesn’t meet or exceed expectations because it neglects giving proper attention to those TEAM things that must be done well if success is to be achieved. Talking to each other and switching properly on defense, helping teammates from the weakside, running the pick and roll properly and making the extra pass will likely all be collectively more important than a single player marginally exceeding expectations established for him. What’s that old saying from southern Africa: if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go with the village.

By walter

October 19, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this

Marvin williams, next would be speedy, But I think Josh Smith will become a star this year.

By mike

October 19, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this

That is the easiest question of all, and it is not Marvin either! If Josh Childers would get more agressive he could be a bona fide 15-7-5 player, but will he ever get the gumption?

By JMar

October 19, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

Maybe newkid’s on to something, but maybe instead of being A player, it needs to be Mike Woodson. For all the expectations of being a defensive coach, years later we’re stuck reaching in the draft just to better our defense.

By Floze

October 19, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

I was thinking about the rotations from 6-10 and wondering where in the world are we going to get a shot. If, our second team is made of Sheldon, Childress, Lue, Wright, and Salim, then the key to second team is Staudamire. Perhaps he is the key to our success and the one who needs to play over his six foot head.

I personally would start Sheldon and bring Josh Smith or Marvin off the bench for that much needed spark at the end of the first quarter. But since that isn’t going to happen, we will need a big year from Salim.

By Hawk Doc

October 19, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

Without question…Sheldon Williams. Sorry I got the right answer so quick, gang.

By Astro Joe

October 19, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

I’m voting for Speedy. Lue was brought here to be a back-up and he is almost perfect in that role. However, that assumes that you have a quality starter. Also, Speedy can optimize the talents of JJ by allowing him to play off the ball. Thirdly, he can provide the younger players with well-delivered passes that will allow them to play within the offense instead of forcing up poor shots. And lastly, if he cuts off dribble penetration, he can help stop the lay-up drill that plagued the team last year. So one guy (assuming he plays well and stays healthy) can influence many other teammates and make them all better. And by the way, I truly believe he can do all of that and only play 30-32 minutes a night, with Lue and Ivey covering the other 16-18 minutes at PG.

Oh, and two more. A healthy and well-playing Speedy/Lue combo should allow Salim to be who he is, a sniper. And finally, Speedy was a somewhat unexpected (and expensive) free agent signing. The owners had to go in front of the judge (yet again) after agreeing to a contract with Speedy. His signing was supposed to show fans that the Spirit is still committed to building a winning team despite the ownership divorce. When you have limited chips, you better play them wisely. Speedy received most of the chips this off-season, so his play also means a tremendous amount to the GM and the Spirit.

By Gutz

October 19, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

I have to say Marvin as well since we did lose our second leading scorer and go to guy last year in Al. We need Marvin to step it up big time and be that second leading scorer along with Josh Smith. Speedy would definitely have to be second but if he can just play solid defense, stay healthy and dish the ball to our scorers JJ, Marvin, SMoove, and the big guys downlow in The Landlord and Zaza thats all we need from him. But Marvin has to step it up to be that second go to guy other than JJ.

By mountain_jim

October 19, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

I agree with JMar - it’s Coach Woodson. Can he get them to play great defense and can he get them to be a team looking to run and gun off the stop all the time, wearing other teams out with depth and youth and atheleticism.

Will he get more vocal and more passionate in working the refs to get a fair shake for the Hawks this year. Last year the refs gave no respect in the closing minutes and that cost several games.

By vdunkndunk

October 19, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

It’s gotta be Marvin, in my opinion. I think we need to have another legitimate scoring threat on the floor besides Joe Johnson, someone who can create his own shot so that defenses can’t just key in to stop JJ.

Other candidates for second scorer would be Smith, Childress, Zaza, or Speedy.

By mountain_jim

October 19, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

If it’s a player I agree it’s Speedy (well said Astro Joe)

By Marcus

October 19, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

Speeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeedy…

By up4da100

October 19, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this

Salim Stoudamire!

By doc

October 19, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

sheldon is the man.

he was brought in for a specific role and he has to do it for this team to deliver. it is a huge thing to exppect from a rook but that is what it is. for a rook to deliver in his first season is to go way over his head and fits the criteria well.

By newkid

October 19, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

“Who is the one player they have that must play above his head in order for them to exceed [the already low] expectations people have for them?”

I think we EXPECT Speedy to do all the things Joe, Abe, and others described. I think there are, or ought to be, reasonably high EXPECTATIONS of Marvin and Smoove. And so it is with many of the others. Heck, on a 26-win side, no one should be on the squad for whom the expectations aren’t high. If we assume they all at least MEET the expectations for them individually, who (or what) could have the sort of ‘above expectations’ year to get us say 3-5 more wins than expected. In my view the response has ‘Coach Woodson & staff’ (thanks JMar) and/or TEAM written all over it.

By Hulk Smash

October 19, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this

It’s gotta be Marvin Williams. This must be his breakout year. I really don’t think J-Chill will be doing much better than he did last year.

By Glutton for Punishment

October 19, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this

That is easy SS… The one that has to push the team is Speedy…. Plus he must not get hurt..

By St. Bernard

October 19, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this

If you didn’t tell the man Marvin Sekou, you were wrong.

By Kappy

October 19, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this

its Jsmoove even though he was on your excluded list. He was the lifeblood of our team on the defensive end last year. When he played exceptionally last year, we usually won the game.

Speedy will be steady. Marvin will replace Al’s minutes and stats. JJ will be all-world. Be for this team to exceed expectations, JSMoove has to show up night in and night out.

By clyde

October 19, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this

I think its Zaza. He has to be consistent on the offensive end and improve significantly on the defensive end. Lets not forget he was a major reason why opposing teams had their way with us in the paint last year.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Trillness

October 19, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

Easy…every team has to defend, rebound, and score. The question was who have to play above their head.

JJ, Speedy, Josh (Smith), and Marvin are expected to do big things. The one player who needs to step up tremendously….

SHELDEN WILLIAMS.

Easy answer ‘Kou.

By Trillness

October 19, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

This is an easy answer ‘Kou….

SHELDEN WILLIAMS.

By Swatguy

October 19, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this

Ah I’d have to agree with Trillness. Shelden is numero uno on the hit list of needs to be Big (I couldn’t help the pun). After Shelden it would be Zaza. But the BullsEye is on Shelden with and assist from Woody.

By Wedgie Evans

October 19, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this

Gotta be Speedy — in the East we don’t necessarily need great big men to be successful, but our point guard better be able to set up his teammates with easy scoring opportunities, particularly when JJ is pretty much the only guy on our team who can really create his own shot consistently.

By MannyT

October 19, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this

Expectations are already high for Marvin & Speedy. If you get a hurculean effort from Josh Childress, you can create all sorts of match up problems.

Let your 6th man come in the backcourt with JJ and there is the size advantage. Put him in the front court with Josh & Marvin and you can have a version of the Phoenix small ball. Put him in the front in place of Josh or Marvin and you can have a “normal” rotation.

If Childress plays great, you get more versatility than most teams can handle.

By G-Money

October 19, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this

Speedy would be the answer because of things that have already been said. Given the talent levels that are here, if Speedy can give guys the ball in the spots that they need them to do what they do best, then everyone looks better. As an insider friend said about Paul…”He makes it go, dog.” Speedy can make the Hawks go as long as he is healthy. If he sets up everyone so that they don’t have to work as hard to be successful both defensively and offensively then that builds confidence as well. If at the end of games he can still break down defenses so that Marvin, Smoove and JJ can attack the rim, then 35 will be an easy number to reach. If he can defend using his quickness and keep other teams from comfortably getting into their sets, then it makes it easier on eveyone else. The opposing bigs don’t have as much time to back our guys down; wings like JCarter don’t have as much time to take us off the dribble. Opposing guards aren’t penetrating and dishing. A great point just makes everything work better. How in the hell does Diaw go from looking like a chump to looking like a champion?? If Nash can do that for his team, just think of the possibilities the Hawks might have. [Reference: Magic, Kidd, Billups, Nash]

By billy sucks

October 19, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this

I think you need a miracle for this team to compete in the nba. I feel sorry for you hawk fans, The preseason and Offseason is probably the best time to be a hawks fan. This team will not win 20 games this season. good luck with your team but not too much luck Phoenix needs your 1st round pick this yr for oden or Noah. GO SUNS Joe Who?

By Native Son

October 19, 2006 07:16 PM | Link to this

Mr. Smith,my W-A-G, would be Ivey,and thats only if they keep him on the roster.This Q should have been posed after the final cut.I’m waiting to see what F-A,usurps a spot.Of the 20-25 games they may have won last year,Ivey kept choking on the jumpers.Whenever!- he was in.There was a reason he was a first quarter starter,he could’nt stop anyone in the fourth.I’ve got another answer,but I’ll play this hand.

By KB

October 19, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this

Matt Freije! If Woodson would give him a chance to play, he’d realize the potential of this kid. Watched him play at Vandy for four years and wind up the SEC Player of the Year and lead the Commodores to the Sweet 16.

By mykhalc

October 19, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this

herculean effort?? above his head??? my guess…gotta be SHELDON!! was gonna say SPEEDY at first. but SPEEDY’s just gotta be SPEEDY. SHELDON would have to be herculean!!

By mykhalc

October 19, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this

and SS, you never did hit me back on the BOOZEMAN question!! maybe he’s just tooo far off the radar for you to address??? still curious tho!!! ‘cause he’s seeing the court pretty much nitely!!??!!

By Kappy

October 19, 2006 07:54 PM | Link to this

anyone else having a problem with the 790 website. i just want to stream the game!!!!!

By KP

October 19, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this

Kappy, try nba.com

By Steve T

October 19, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this

The player has to be Shelden. This guy has to play well in order for the Hawks to make it past the first round of the play-off. I would love to see him average 12 points 10 rebounds and 2 blocks his rookie seasons. This is the kind of play we need at power forward.

By Chris

October 19, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

They are all looking good. The question is can they repeat in 08’

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/scorecard/10/18/brushback.atlanta/index.html

By billy

October 19, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this

Got to be SHELDEN WILLIAMS.

Who has to play “above his head” in order for the Hawks to be a strong team? That’s SHELDEN. If he doesn’t come through, we’re no where near the playoffs.

By reese

October 19, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this

My first response was going to be the future player that we trade for. But since the question has to deal with the current players, I say it has to be Zaza.

He has to be consistent with his scoring. The times of Zaza not finshing shots has to be diminshed greatly. We need a low post presence when the long shots are not falling. Also, he has got to average at least 1 block shot a game. He has got to average double figure rebounds a game.

Marvin Williams is a close second. He has got to average double points and double rebounds. Josh Smith may never average double digit rebounds because he is too busy trying to block shots and alter shots. This leaves Marvin and Zaza to grab the boards and the loose balls rejected from Josh’s blocks.

I wish it was as easy as 1 player making the difference for this team. But, the reality is that no one player is going to be the difference maker. It is going to take major improvements from all players. Joe Johnson and Speedy are going to have to be the vocal leaders and if its not in the nature to lead by voice, then they are going to have to lead by example.

I also, agree that woodson has got to step up his in game chances. The time of playing individuals like Royal the 1st and 3rd quarter only has got to stop. He has too learn to adapt to which players are hot on a particular night or too which scheme/combination of players is getting the job done.

By Reasonable Dawg

October 19, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this

Halftime is about over SS.

By Matt

October 19, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this

Marvin Williams needs to make the leap this year if the Hawks want to make the playoffs. He absolutely has to play like a good starter, putting up a 17/8 on a consistent basis. Chris Paul almost took his team to the playoffs, and Marvin “Sexual Healing” Williams needs to do it this year with Atlanta.

-Matt from Hotlanta Hawks Blog

By JB

October 19, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this

I dunno if Speedy has to play “over his head”, which seems a little off-base. If you’re playing “over your head”, you’re over-achieving, and eventually, the law of averages will catch up with you.

But I do have to say Speedy, because what we need him to accomplish is to stay healthy and give us mega minutes all year.

By Sekou K. Smith

October 19, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

My man is Zaza Pachulia. He was fantastic last year but he has to be even better this season. Now I think the threesome of Josh Smith, Josh Childress and Marvin Williams is the true X-factor for this team. But in terms of who has to bring it above and beyond what’s reasonable this season, Zaza has to be a horse inside. And I think he has to do so playing fewer minutes (that’s What Lo Wright is for). Zaza has to pack the production he gave the Hawks last year into a more concentrated package.

By mykhalc

October 19, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this

SS, part of me wants to disagree with you ‘cause i think ZAZA gave a herculean performance last season. afterall, he was the ONLY big that produced AT ALL at the 5. almost the ONLY 5 on the roster!!! but when i read, ‘bring it above and beyond what’s reasonable this season’, then that should be termed HERCULEAN x2!!!LOL but there is always a ‘next’ level!! at least for most…

By HB Ando

October 19, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this

It’s truly a trick question, Sekou. How does anyone establish realistic expectations for unproven players, who are still of college age. I expect Marvin to exceed the expectations of most, but does anyone truly know what should be expected of a kid who should be entering his junior year at North Carolina. Zaza is 22 this year, a year younger than Shelden. Big men, typically, do not develop fully until their mid-20’s. Expectations for Josh started last season sky high. He was lost and absent before the all-star break, and then either his light bulb, or the coaching staff’s (I’m still not clear which) came on brightly, as he provided numbers that matched AK47’s, making him a fantasy hoops darling.

Ultimately, Speedy has to stay healthy and match his production from the times in his career when he’s been a starter. Johnson has only to match his play from the second half of last season to be more than anyone could ask. The young guys need to continue to show marked improvement, if not for themselves, then, clearly, for this team, if it is to play anywhere near as well as most of the “fans” here expect. I believe that how much either Childress or Shelden can show us, will be limited by their minutes, and the challenges our imbalanced roster creates for the rotation. I doubt either of them will get the opportunity to play above expectations.

But if Marvin is given the minutes, and touches, that Harrington received last season, then I expect him to match his production. If this team is to over-perform expectations (28.5 over/under on wins in Vegas) then he has to grow up quick. I think he is capable. But how the coaching staff manages the rotations will impact Marvin as much as Marvin’s efforts.

By GuyFromUruguay

October 19, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this

Lol I was going to say Batista or Shelden, but yes, it has to be the low post player, because the backcourt is very solid.

By ray

October 20, 2006 01:28 AM | Link to this

I would have guessed Shelden or ZaZa. Speedy is what he is. The signed him for a decent chunk of change, so there’s some expectation. Shelden, because we really need the added toughness and he was picked higher than a LOT of people think he should have been (I’ll probably be sorry I said that). Zaza simply because we need the low post scoring threat, interior defense, and rebounding from what is pretty much our biggest guy (unless we keep Glyniadakis). Hopefully both guys bring it hard and consistently.

By G Money

October 20, 2006 04:18 AM | Link to this

Interesting that you would pick ZaZa. We are all talking about how we expect to see marked improvement from both Josh’s and Marv. We all know the steady and allstar caliber performance levels JJ consistently plays. No one has even mentioned how improved ZaZa is or isn’t. Is it because we think he’s ultimately going to be just a journeyman and not a Kaman or NOwitzki or Mohammed.

While I have to agree with Ando on all his points, I think you have a point SS. We’re all talking about needing a presence down low, a big, a 5. We’ve got one and so what do we really expect out of this guy? Is it because of how much we paid for him?

By G Money

October 20, 2006 04:50 AM | Link to this

After further review…Geez, SS. I kind of feel like you out-ed the guy. His numbers so far this training camp are only marginally better than his averages for all of last year, granted we thought that he did well in many ways. He’s averaging 15pts this year vs. 13.5 last year. He’s shooting 65% vs 61% last year from the field. His FT is around 80% nearly the same as last year(78%). And his rebounds are atrociously low for a center at 4 per last year and 4 per this year. Given the defensive push this season, you’d have to expect ZaZa to pick up some of the defensive slack. So far stats don’t show it. At 6-11 and 265lbs only the Big Greek is bigger. Why isn’t it reasonable to expect the same kind of development (not necessarily same numbers) as Howard? Both are 6-11. Both are from Georgia.

By Andy

October 20, 2006 07:24 AM | Link to this

Like I said what SS is really saying is THE BIG GREEK FELLA!!!!!!!

By doc

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

zaza has to repeat what he did last year, he far exceeded expectations so i think you are asking waaaay too much of him to repeat what he did with less time on the court, only so many basketballs out there. if he does something special you wont see it in the boxscore ss. totally unfair of the man who carried a huge load last year to try to get it by the numbers.

By doc

October 20, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this

meant to say EXCEED what he did last year with less.

By Astro Joe

October 20, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this

If I go to a position analysis, I have a little more confidence in my center position (Zaza & Lo) than I do in my PGs. Let’s face it, Speedy should be ready for the challenge. We should have decent depth with Lue & Ivey (3rd year in the system). All 3 PGs have a toughnessabout them that you have to like. But can they translate that into on-court leadership. I think blue-collar types are always more consistent than glamour-types. Take the Sacramento Kings PFs as an example. Kenny Thomas is much more consistent than SAR. Not neccessarily a btter player, but you are likely to get a steady line of performance from Thomas night in and night out. Zaza is like that (as long as he’s not tired and worn down). With Lo and Shelden helping him with the dirty work, I’m willling to put him down for Kaman/Magloire-like numbers, 12-13 points and 9-10 boards. (But at half the price).

By HB Ando

October 20, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

Doc, why is expecting continued improvement from a 22-year old big man unfair? Big men tend to peak in their mid-to-late 20’s. He’s younger than Shelden. Zaza is fairly athletic, and has a very good skill level. Last year he was a little soft finishing in traffic. Another year of strength, maturity, confidence, and repetitions, should all see a better version of Zaza. I don’t expect his rebounding to go up much, but I expect his offense to continue to develop.

Not calling you out (especially after the last few days), but truly curious to your thoughts.

I actually believe that Zaza will not just split time at the five with Wright. I believe Zaza is the guy, and Wright is the back-up, with minutes for either to support the four. I still think we can go big with those two, since we talked quite a bit last season about whether Zaza was really a classic 4, more than a 5. Again, the idea that these classicly defined roles are rapidly being blurred by smaller, quicker lineups, that are increasingly in vogue, makes all these comparisons somewhat of a challenge.

I’m serious when I say that the one thing I’m dying to learn is how the rotations play out with the players we have on this roster. The implications for the upcoming years will be tremendous. I want to know if this is going to be a team built around Josh and Marvin, playing together, or if one of them is going to move on at some point, with an acknowledgement that they just play the same position, and are both far too talented for either to take a back seat to the other.

By Astro Joe

October 20, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this

Last night, Smith and Marvin combined for 3 rebounds in about 57 minutes of play (oh, and 7 turnovers). Hard to win anything when a pair of 6’9” starting forwards combine for 3 rebounds. Or when they commit twice as many turnovers as rebounds they grab. YUCK! Only 1 Hawk had more than 3 boards last night. PATHETIC! I have no doubts that Shelden (8 boards 10 points) will get his minutes this season. A team can’t win without someone on the glass and as I said yesterday, are we really ready to gamble that Smith will be that guy banging down low with Zaza?

By Terry

October 20, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this

No comment, just a question: Will Mr. Greece make the team?

By HB Ando

October 20, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this

Joe, I think you’re right. It’s always been, at least since last year, about whether Smith wants to commit himself to taking on that role. If he doesn’t, or Marvin doesn’t, then one of them will sit more than they think they should this season. And Shelden will play. Because either of them, or both of them, collectively, will have failed to step up on the defensive end, enough to justify their playing in tandem. In that instance, we are going to suffer offensively, as an Atlanta lineup with Marvin and Josh rarely on court together is a lineup that will struggle to score.

This is what I’ve been saying all along: that our best offensive lineup might not be able to defend and rebound sufficiently to win, and our best defensive lineup, which might better enhance our chances to win, will, ultimately, down the line, lead to the exodus of one of the young, gifted, small forwards (if neither can or will assume the defensive presence in the post, necessary to play together). This isn’t any different than the end of last year, when Harrington sat out, and the team scored with Marvin and Josh, but couldn’t stop anybody else from getting to the rim (remember the nightly lay up drills we were watching?). It would be a shame, because the most exciting thing I can imagine is those two being able to successfully play together, on both ends of the floor. But it won’t happen if neither can step it up and play bigger than his frame.

By HB Ando

October 20, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this

Joe, I also just saw your 9:33 post and couldn’t agree more. This must be an aberration. I thought last week was Friday, the 13th………

By Astro Joe

October 20, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this

“Playing bigger than their frame” requires heart. And I am not sold that either has developed that organ yet in their young bodies. And if it doesn’t develop, then good riddance. I will have no remorse. We can go with a line-up with enough heart to at least make us proud of the team’s effort. I didn’t see nor hear the game last night, but the box score suggests we rolled over and that is not acceptable. 3 boards in 57 minutes.

By Kappy

October 20, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this

Ok, ive got an idea. Lets start shelden at the 4 and bring Marvin off of the bench. I know Ive been touting Marvin since he got here but its obvious he doesnt have the body mass to compete on the glass. Im not just basing it on last nights game. So we get Shelden to do all the dirty work on the glass and in the paint, then we bring marvin in for an added scoring punch for the 2nd unit. Plus, Marvin has been used to coming off the bench so it wont ruin his confidence. I think this works. Plus, we’ve been wondering where our points would come from off the bench. I think this works. Anyone?

Starters(when healthy)- Speedy,JJ,Smoove,Shelden,Zaza

2nd unit- Lue,Salim,Chil,Marvin,Lo

Ok, I convinced myself. This is what we should do. Woody, DO IT! Anyone have any problems with this?, outside of drafting a #2 pick to play off the bench(just beating you to the punch Ando).

By HB Ando

October 20, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this

Kappy, why don’t we start Speedy, JJ, Smith, Zaza and Wright, and then we can have our last 3- top six draft picks, all coming off the bench. It would be, collectively, the highest drafted bench in the history of the NBA!

I like you’re thinking (if we have any hope of keeping that top-3 pick next year)!

By Traceman

October 20, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

I think it has to be Marvin. I honestly think that this team will finally become a playoff contender when Marvin starts to consistently play like the player he is capable of becoming. In my mind, that means we can count on him to give us 14-16 a night and a lot more than that on a good night. Whether that happens this season or not I don’t know but he is showing flashes of being able to do that.

If we are going to surprise people this year, I think Marvin will be our 2nd leading scorer (with JJ first of course). Marvin’s ability to get to the line is something that this team needs because no one else on the roster has shown the ability to do that on a consistent basis.

Smoove or even Speedy may end up being our second leading scorer but I think it will be Marvin if we are going to take that next step.

By The Flash

October 20, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this

Sounds to me that there is a lot of promise here. Who’s the most important, that’s easy for me, Woody. If this talent does not produce, and I am not talking wins, I am talking style of play, than it is on Woody. There are guys with athleticism, brains, character, talent, guys who seem comfortable on the court and with the ball, real ballers; they should be able to play in a style that let’s them all shine, makes us all proud. If not, show me some different concepts. Woody gotsta forget about bobby-ball; if he don’t, you are all wrong.

By jhan

October 20, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

Was that an Astro/Ando agreement on a subject I just read? Must be getting pretty cold “down below” if you know what I mean.

I believe the combo of ZaZa & LO must play beyond their expectations if we are going to the playoffs. We will need 20/15/3 from that combo every night. Tough interior D & keeping the other teams C off the boards so our forwards can grab some rebounds is also a must.

By The Flash

October 20, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

Sounds to me that there is a lot of promise here. Who’s the most important, that’s easy for me, Woody. If this talent does not produce, and I am not talking wins, I am talking style of play, than it is on Woody. There are guys with athleticism, brains, character, talent, guys who seem comfortable on the court and with the ball, real ballers; they should be able to play in a style that let’s them all shine, makes us all proud. If not, show me some different concepts. Woody gotsta forget about bobby-ball; if he don’t, you are all wrong.

By The Flash

October 20, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

Sounds to me that there is a lot of promise here. Who’s the most important, that’s easy for me, Woody. If this talent does not produce, and I am not talking wins, I am talking style of play, than it is on Woody. There are guys with athleticism, brains, character, talent, guys who seem comfortable on the court and with the ball, real ballers; they should be able to play in a style that let’s them all shine, makes us all proud. If not, show me some different concepts. Woody gotsta forget about bobby-ball; if he don’t, you are all wrong.

By The Flash

October 20, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this

Sounds to me that there is a lot of promise here. Who’s the most important, that’s easy for me, Woody.

If this talent does not produce, and I am not talking wins, I am talking style of play, than it is on Woody.

There are guys with athleticism, brains, character, talent, guys who seem comfortable on the court and with the ball, real ballers; they should be able to play in a style that let’s them all shine, makes us all proud. If not, show me some different concepts. Woody gotsta forget about bobby-ball; if he don’t, you are all wrong.

By Kappy

October 20, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

Ando I knew that was coming. That’s not fair and you know it. All 3 of those guys are under the age of 23. Name another team in the NBA with that kind of situation where they start all of their recent draft picks. It takes time. Unfortunately, most of those other teams have veterans to lean on under those circumstances. Jermaine O’Neal, hell even Kobe didnt flourish for a year or two. I can name you about 20 lottery picks since 2000 who arent even in the NBA right now. For you to expect all to start and become stars, RIGHT NOW, is, and I’ll quote your favorite word, illogical. These guys take time to develop. Of course, in your little theory, you forget to mention that Jsmoove was a #18 pick in the first round and would be starting. Lets not give BK any credit there though. Wouldnt want to be optimistic on this blog. That would ruin everything.

Not trying to start anything. But I think my theory tackles all of the problems that this team encountered last year. Point guard leadership, boards, hustle plays, interior defense and bench production. Most of those things are addressed with my rotations.

Your negativity cant bring me down Ando. Im not expecting 40+ wins or even a playoff spot, but I am hoping for development and expecting a future with this franchise. Now stop ruining the party.

By HB Ando

October 20, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this

Kappy, honest as heck, I was just playin’ with you. I told everyone that I’m going to keep the talk straight (as folks will let me) on hoops. I honestly think we’re a much improved team. I just think we’re still going to be botom five this year. I mean, I can’t find more than five teams I think we’ll eclipse, record-wise. Most every other team looked to improve in the off-season as well, and, as Joe has pointed out, we’re not spending the money other teams are, while this ownerhsip issue remains up in the air. But my post to you was completely toungue-in-cheek, something that folks here truly seem to struggle with differentiating when it comes to me.

If you guys will just let me, I’ll put Andro to rest, at least for a while (until I get bored again). But you have to let me.

By doc

October 20, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

ando i said it indirectly in that there arent enough balls to go around. we all want the scoring to come from the likes of chills, marvin, jj and josh so he will have fewer opportunities to progress in numbers. if he is playing defense, bounding and taking up room and getting his trash around the basket then he will be doing his job. i just dont think the offense is designed to go through him nor is there any intent to make him an early option, hence he can play well and no one notice because the numbers wont be there. he essentially is going to be sharing time between lo and sheldon to some extent. he shouldnt avg more than 25 to 28 minutes a game down significantly form the rediculous numbers of last year. you know you talk math only when you want to when you tout minutes played to develop your arguments about the relevance for so many tweeners for example, just talking reality and numbers with you.

sheldon is the one who has to come through somehow and play meaningful minutes this year. from what i remember that would exceed your expectations from him and many others just doing that. :-)

By Kappy

October 20, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

Ando I know you were joking. But we get enough negative comments from the national media that we dont need our local fans to rip our team as well. Look, we were(and maybe still are) an abysmal franchise. Bk came in and cleaned house. It takes some time to rebuild a franchise. You have to commend him for abolishing all of the bad contracts and players that were here when he got here.

We are building something here. Whether you agree with his draft picks or not, you have to be encouraged(and I know you are) at our overall progress the past few years. It may not translate into wins and losses this year, it may never as you say our ownership refuses to spend the max money to bring in talent, and our ownership issues remain a mess. But lets try and stay positive here. We all know what kind of garbage we’ve dealt with the past 5 or 6 years and its nice to see us finally on the upswing.

Now lets get the season started. Hawks over 28.5 wins!!! I put my mortgage on it.

By mykhalc

October 20, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

man, i could not find the boxscore of the game last nite. but lookin’ at JOE’s post of the rebounding numbers, that AIN’T gonna get it!! i listened to a bit of the game last nite and the one thing i came away with is that if anyone is gonna step up to playin’ the 4 is gonna have to be MARVIN. most of JS shots were perimeter shots (at least the ones i heard him take). and like many of you have said, someone is gonna have to want to bang down low. maybe last nite’s game was not the best one to judge but not gettin’ more than 3 rebounds is not gonna cut it. i have not been able to view any of the games but i’d be curious to know how they’re settin’ up the offense and who’s at what spots on the floor.

i really do think MARVIN, JS, and SHELDEN are the keys to the team gettin’ outta the blocks in the right gear. for whatever reason, i’m not concerned about SPEEDY nor ZAZA. i think those guys will be what we expect and more. and while it’d be nice for ZAZA to give even more of a herculean effort this year, i think he just needs to bring the kinda numbers he brought last year with an emphasis on improving his defense. hopefully, the fact that he’ll get relief this year will allow him to stay fresh.

and let’s hope for the obvious…that the BIG GREEK is on the opening day roster. WE NEED HIM BAD!!!!

By HB Ando

October 20, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this

I don’t think we can put too much stock into last nights’ rebounding numbers. Both Josh and Marvin showed, last season, that they can board. JJ didn’t play last night, and that’s all you need to know about this teams’ fortunes should he go out injured. Of more concern is Smith’s ongoing habit of hanging out on the perimeter. It continues to worry me that it’s a statement that says, “I don’t care what’s best for this team. I’m gonna play my game and let someone else worry about what’s going on inside the paint”.

I’ll put it this way: if Marvin and Josh aren’t looking each other in the eyes and saying, “Between the two of us, we can prove that we can play together, show everyone we can win as a tandem”, then one of them will go sooner or later. One, or both of them, have to put the team first, on the defensive end. One, or both, of them has to WANT to defend opposing fours. Heck, I wish I could tell who was going to do what, if for no other reason than they’re making it really hard to do my fantasy hoops’ draft lists. Smith is pre-ranked by ESPN, at around 35, while Marvin isn’t even in the top-100. I can’t see anyway that there is that much discrepancy in their productivity.

The thing I’d most like to know, and maybe Sekou can address this again, is: which guy is the franchise looking at to defend the four when they are on the floor together? Will it be strictly based on physical matchups, from night to night? I’ve seen no consensus on who that guy will be. Some folks have it as Marvin, and some, Josh. But how do Woody and Billy see it? THAT is what I’d like to hear.

By Astro Joe

October 20, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this

If you can’t find the box scores of pre-season games at nba.com, try espn.com from the scoreboard section. ESPN does have last night’s box score with the ridiculous numbers posted by our starting forward combo.

And by the way, I would personally keep Smith and Marvin as the starters. If either decide not to play a complete game (including defense and board work), then they can have a seat right next to Lil Jon and Bow Wow. This team has enough depth that Woody should not have to tolerate half-hearted efforts. But I am all for giving this tandem every opportunity to start each game. Who finishes games (especially close ones) should be the true goal of these players. Hell, Ivey started a bunch of games last season, but probably didn’t finish any close ones.

By honest_abe

October 20, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

it’s the weekend fellas…who cares about basketball……the weather is TOO nice outside! have a great weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i will miss “andro”

By THL

October 20, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if Zaza needs a herculean effort for the Hawks to go far. He just needs to do a lot of what he did last year with a little bit of defense added and some flops subtracted. Hopefully he got a little stronger in the offseason so he could finish around the rim a little better.

Bold @$$ prediction…Playoffs!

Go Birds!

By Clyde

October 20, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this

Hey Sekou I’m the only one that said ZAZA. What I win mane? I need some press passes or something.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By mykhalc

October 20, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this

ANDO, your last post is dead-on point!!

at this point, i’m REALLY ready to see how SPEEDY affects/runs this team. it’s the only thing we have not been able to get a glimpse of yet in pre-season…

By mykhalc

October 20, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this

CLYDE, you’ve won a VERY SPECIAL t-shirt!!!LOL

By Astro Joe

October 20, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

Clyde, I’m sure Sekou will be able to get an untold number of interviews with Woody and BK with you sitting on press row wearing your t-shirt. Sekou will be banished to covering UGA basketball or some other horrific assignment.

Sekou, get Clyde a coupon for a box of popcorn and deny all knowledge of the guy.

mykhalc, GREAT line about the t-shirt prize.

By Tyger

October 20, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this

What a great question. Hawks need several players to step up to fill their needs. Speedy, Lo, Marvin, Chill and Shelden. But if I had to choose only one, it would probably be SHELDEN.

Our biggest need is defense. Shelden can bring that. We also need to replace Harrington’s scoring but I believe Smoove, Marvin and Chill can do that.

But secretly I’m pulling for Salim Stoudamire to turn the corner. He is an incredible talent, much like Marvin. If he could raise his overall play the Hawks would have a weapon of nuclear proportions.

By jhan

October 20, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

Great point about the team ‘D’ with Marvin & Josh. There has to be an attitude of “do what’s best for the team” at this point. If the team is playing well and winning, the individual accolades will follow.

I agree with Salim being the X factor on this team. He has the ability to score 1 point per minute he is on the floor. Ideally he would come in for 7-10 minutes per half and light it up! Let’s see if he has the mental toughness to produce. His defense and ball handling are weak, but we should be able to surround him with players that allow him just to score.

By Ken Strickland

October 20, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this

ANDO and I don’t see eye to eye on a number of things, but I have to agree with him on JSmith. He seems to be falling in love with his outside shot. Kind of reminds me of RWallace. You know, that was a major factor in the Pistons downfall the 2nd half thru the playoffs last yr.

By The Flash

October 20, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this

Just caught on draftexpress.com that a 6’2” guard named Mire Chatman or something suddenly and unexpectedly got cut from a Russian team, for whom he had been a big time player, 19 a game, last year. Anybody interested in this guy?

By The Flash

October 20, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this

A trick question: why is it that everyone talks about needing to improve the defense, but when they talk about individual players they pull out stats, which are, in the main, offensive measures (boards being partially the lone exception)? I don’t have to tell you the trick part, as I rise from my bow?

By The Flash

October 20, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this

There was only one major factor in the Piston’s collapse in the playoffs last year; they no longer had one of the best tweakers in the game tweaking folks’ games on the go so they could get over. It was the coach, Larry, that was missing last year. Oh, by the by, he is missing this year too. Flipper ain’t that guy when the real league starts; it’s just not in him. Larry is an incredible bench coach and has his guys understanding so well the language that he uses, has them able to translate what he says into very precise images, sequences, and actions, that they all are made as smart as him on the fly when the going gets tough, which is pretty damn smart.

Few guys are as smart about the game, the way to change to beat the other guy’s changes, as Larry, and fewer still have established the communications he had with his boyz, including most prominently Sheed, but actually all of them, to make them game to game, quarter to quarter, the superior team.

Detroit will show strong in the regular season and go nowhere in the playoffs, just like all Flipper’s teams have.

We, on the other hand, got Herb to help Woody, who if he would only get off that bobby-knight thing … .

By HB Ando

October 20, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this

See, Flash, that’s the rub. Folks point to our offensively gifted players and expect them to cover our asses there. Then they point to our defensively sound players (which, from a fundamental standpoint seem to include Speedy and, possibly, Shelden) and say we are solid there. Problem is that you can’t put them all on the floor at the same time. With one group, your offense will flourish and your defense will be fairly weak. While with the other, you’ll feel confident of a solid D, but scoring will be sporadic at best. There’s a lot of emerging talent here, but I’m just not sold on the chemistry or fit. But hell, I guess it’s better than the past, when there was virtually nothing to be hopeful about, at all. Things look much better on paper, but I continue to fear that a lot of fans will be frustrated by how challenging is will be to balance things out.

By The Flash

October 20, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this

Hey there andoman, me, I been like the lone ranger, there’s been real danger elsewhere and I’ve been riding in on my white horse to the rescue. But, never far from home.

I’m still on my “it’s all about offensive flow” kick Ando. I do feel your pain about Roy; the two of them might well have been the closest thing to MJ and Scottie this league would have seen. Roy was my guy all along. But, I ain’t crying, I’m all about being positive, well almost. Being positive all the time, who here would give my Yankee behind the time of day. Later, my man.

By tee

October 20, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

jones is guy like diaw in that you didn’t expect much and did blossom and if solomon can be x-factor in middle, atlanta (ha, ha,) can be a RISING PHOENIX. Yes. OK, SUE ME. I SAID IT.

By Native Son

October 21, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this

Mr.Smith,I respectfully have to disagree with that call.The “Big Zee”,is already playing over his head.Thats why they brought in Wright,so he would’nt wear himself out by the end of the season.Like he was last year.He’s going to improve by just keeping fresh.As I stated before.Pose this Q,after the final cut.I think two spots could be stolen by F-A’s.

By maurice

October 23, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this

andre brown..this guy is the best low post scorer,shot blocker and rebounder on the team…all he needs is minutes!!!