AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2006 > October > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThe kids not stepping up
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Never has the need for veterans been more obvious than it was Thursday night in Birmingham. Without Joe Johnson, Tyronn Lue, Zaza Pachulia (and the still injured Speedy Claxton) the Hawks looked like the Junior Hawks while being taken to pieces by the Magic.
I know the folks of Birmingham were expecting to see JJ, Lue and Zaza. But trust me when I tell you that the Hawks needed to give those guys a break more than they needed not to. But it’s a whole different mess without them on the floor. The point guard situation without them is dang near tragic. And the inside game is much like last year’s, making the added depth there arguably the most important offseason move made by any franchise in the league.
Now, for Friday’s edition of the five things we know right now:
— Boris Diaw has nine million reasons per year these days to thank Joe Johnson for wanting out of Phoenix. Sure, JJ got his cash. But Boris is about to get his now with a five year, $45 million deal from the Suns.
And Boris is my poster child for never judging a player too harshly before he comes into his own.
— Speaking of dough, four years and $40 million for Josh Howard. Sounds fair to me. A good friend of mine said he wouldn’t have given Howard that kind of money. But I watched Howard all last season and particularly close in the playoffs and NBA Finals. The Mavs don’t have a better or more crucial player, and that includes Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry.
— It’s cutting season for NBA teams and their free agent campers. The Hawks will head to Columbus (Ohio) for Saturday’s game with Cleveland with all 18 of the guys they started camp with. But I suspect by Monday they’ll be a down to 16 or fewer players. Cedric Bozeman, Andreas Glyniadakis and Matt Freije have seen the most minutes of the free agents, so I wouldn’t expect any of those guys to be released by then.
— There will be another round of cuts later, and one I think will be extremely difficult for the Hawks to make. They have to decide if they want to eat a guaranteed contract in order to keep one of these free agents. Bozeman, the Big Greek and Freije (who turned in an impressive 5-for-7 shooting performance in junk time against the Magic Thursday night).
Sports Illustrated isn’t nearly as high on these Hawks as the Buzzards were hoping they’d be. The Hawks are picked dead last in the Eastern Conference in SI’s NBA preview. And there was even a needless shot taken at the Hawks in the preview’s main feature about the NBA hitching its marketing wagon to Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony.
Where is the love SI, where is the love?
Comments
By Gutz
October 20, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this
Let them all hate on the Hawks again. No different than any other year except we actually have an exciting team now. We will definitely finish better than last! That just shows how much these idiot writers know that work for SI. They just assume were the same old Hawks and haven’t improved at all. We just have to go out and win some games to get some respect now. I hope the team knows that.
By Swatguy
October 20, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this
Sekou, I was surprised by both contracts. I also looked for Andre Brown to get more minutes. It looks to be that Big Glyn is a lock. Which you didn’t mention, impressed you over the last three weeks?
By By Cory H
October 20, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this
wow SI picked us dead last hugh and they also said the Suns would win the title. Yeah there better than the Spurs, Mavericks, Rockets, or even the Hornets. Please this Hawks team will be just fine by clinching the #6 seed in the eastern conference playoffs were better than they expect and were hungry, trust me were way better than the Bobcats, knicks, raptors, celtics, magic and 76ers in my opinion. I don’t take a preaseason game against a team without 3 of our starting 5 that seriously, it’s hard to step up without a point guard at all ya know. And I love the passion Shelden Williams is playing with Go Hawks
By charles
October 20, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this
So who has thoughts on the final roster. Will Batista be on it? What about Ivey?
thoughts
By Gutz
October 20, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this
I would have to think the Big Greek gets a spot before Batista. He has proven that. The one guy I wanted to see play was Chalmers but he has been hurt. The guy could ball when he was in college at Xavier. I don’t think any PG has done anything that would bump Ivey from the roster but who knows. I would still like them to retain Chalmers eventhough he didn’t play. I know this kid can play the game. He was lights out in college. We will see though
By rainman
October 20, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this
to me ivey has to be cut we dont need him as bad as we need another big.
By Tyger
October 20, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this
Last nite was a good wake-up call for everyone. This team is still mostly a team of redshirt sophomores and predictions have to fall in line with that reality. Yes, we’ve improved but so have the other 27 teams.
It’ll take a helluva coaching job by Woody to stay competitive and further underscores how still dependent we are on JJ. Which further weakens the argument for having an extra wing here or there.
God forbid something happens to JJ, where will our points come from??? That’s the danger and why you keep extra talent at the wing.
I’m looking for more outta Lo Wright, he needs to step up. JSmoove is pressing. I like Marvin’s progress and Salim finally showed up in the box last night, unlike others, I think his emergence will be key.
Chill is steady and could contend for 6th man of the Year if things go well. Shelden is impressive, kudos to BK, he’s making us all eat crow.
Bozeman was my darkhorse outta summer league but hasnt shined. Big G is a bonus and more kudos to BK. Frieje is a scorer but who’s spot does he take: Ivey, Solomon or Estaban?
I say Ivey. We’ve got Lue, Speedy, Salim and JJ back there. And last night showed he isnt a difference maker.
Whereas on any given night, Salim can turn things around rather quickly. Solomon hasnt had a chance and deserves one. And Estaban is a long term investment.
Wonder if Bozeman can be that big defender at PG instead of Ivey? All others are 6-1 or shorter.
By Tyger
October 20, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this
I predict we keep Glyniadakis and Bozeman. I think Ivey stays out of loyalty for his yeoman’s efforts last year, but he showed last night that he’s not a difference maker, just a hard worker.
Bozeman can be the big stopper at PG. Big G is big and can play a little. Frieje is interesting but I doubt he beats out a guaranteed contract, not with our finances. It’s too early to give up on Estaban or Solomon.
By Samuel
October 20, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this
Go to my Oct 6, 2006 post under “Indy incident wont happen here”. That should be the team. I’m not sure how hurt Chalmers is but he is more of what we need than Ivey or Salim. If he’s hurt really bad, then it might cost him a spot since Speedy is hurt but if he is just out for a few games, I say “keep him”. I know Salim probably wont get outright waived but we really don’t need him. Either trade him for another reserve PF, a draft pick or just wait and see who gets cut by other teams and pick up another 2 guard or Big.
Big G should be a lock. I can’t see any competition really. Certainly not Batista. Dickens is OK and Freje can shoot it but I wouldn’t keep either over Big G or Chalmers.
By mykhalc
October 20, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this
these are the 11 that are on my opening day roster. from the second group there is one more for the active roster and 3 inactives. and at this point nobody has either stepped for the 12th spot in my mind and/or i just have not seen/heard/read enough of any of them to make a call…
active roster….
Josh Childress
Speedy Claxton
Andreas Glyniadakis
Joe Johnson
Tyronn Lue
Zaza Pachulia
Josh Smith
Salim Stoudamire
Marvin Williams
Shelden Williams
Lorenzen Wright
Esteban Batista ?? Cedric Bozeman ?? Andre Brown ?? Lionel Chalmers ?? Kaniel Dickens ?? Solomon Jones ?? Matt Freije ?? Royal Ivey ??
BOZEMAN has been seeing the court quite a bit. so does that mean he’s ahead of IVEY?? i realize that IVEY has done everything that the coaching staff has asked in the past but it might be time for an upgrade!!! where does SJONES fit in at the start of the season??? i’ve got more questions than answers!!!???
By roan st
October 20, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this
WOW! I can’t believe the contract the suns gave Diaw. I’m still not sold on this guy because I think nash and their wide open system had a lot to do with making this guy look good. With Amare coming back into the fold his numbers will drop off somewhat. So are the suns paying a guy 10 million per to score 10-12 points a game?
By A Thinking Fan
October 20, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this
DOC I’m surprised you didn’t mention Nash’s stat line last night - Impresseive!
By ray
October 21, 2006 12:31 AM | Link to this
You can give Nash and the Suns’ style of play all the credit for Diaw’s emergence. I would say that’s partially true. But the greater part of that result came from his attitude. Diaw liked the Phoenix system better and responded the way BK probably originially envisioned him as doing. He was clearly not comfortable in Atlanta’s system. He didn’t like it, and it showed. There’s no way he performs like that in Phoenix if he’s not comfortable there. Now, you can break that down into the system, teammates, coaches, etc as far as giving credit to external influences. But it makes no difference who’s there to play with and influence him if he doesn’t accept his role and environment.
So SI picked us to finish last in the East. Some of the fans in Atlanta probably have too. That should only serve as incentive for our guys.
Yeah, games without JJ…ugly. However, we shouldn’t be too completely hasty on that. While there is, once again, no denying his huge impact, if and when Speedy is healthy, this will help even if/when JJ isn’t there (God forbid). What I’m saying is that Speedy was brought here to run the team. Yes, it’s Joe’s team, but you can’t ignore the purpose in signing a veteran pg. Speedy needs to be another on-court leader, we can’t just have one, and a pg is a good one to have. After all, they are the intended ball-handlers and ball-distributors. Consistent, tough leadership from Speedy, combined with good ball distribution could help the team remain competitive in certain games (against certain opponents, anyway) when JJ is missing. Which, of course, we hope doesn’t happen. But last year, we didn’t have that. Not to say that Lue couldn’t do the job. But he was the only real pg we had. And his was the case of a back-up injected into a starter’s role when the original starter was a failed experiment (to no fault of the experimentee). That left us without a good backup and Ivey was used to plug the hole. And yes, I’m using this to bolster my argument that we need another guy, be it Chalmers or Bozeman, to avoid being in that situation AGAIN, if health is a continued issue at the pg position. My pick is Chalmers, of course. But I’m open to Bozeman if he truly is capable of playing the point effectively.
By HB Ando
October 21, 2006 02:00 AM | Link to this
So SI picked us last? They must have called me for their scouting report……….
By G Money
October 21, 2006 02:49 AM | Link to this
While I am high on the Hawks, I can understand to some extent SI’s stance. If you read all of the other press clippings on the various NBA teams, most of the lower tier teams made significant moves in the off-season. The Warriors have Nellie. Celtics have some great rookies. Bobcats have Morrison. Etc. What the analysts haven’t figured on is the impact of Shelden or Speedy. I have never said playoffs, but I have stated…entertaining, competitive, and 35 wins. I still believe.
By Lacsho
October 21, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this
SI doesn’t surprise me. I still say once Speedy is inserted into the line up, and get adjusted the Hawks will be ok. I support my team, and I know what I’ve seen thus far. This team is going to make noise this year in the east. Then we will have all of the band wagon people on the blog making positive comments. Atlanta and today’s NBA fans are so fickle, there is no loyalty. It so sad to see this in presents sports, but this is the current attitude displayed across the board.
Peac Hawks Fans
By doc
October 21, 2006 12:26 PM | Link to this
folks, it is not news that the si folks are not going with the hawks they will look to big markets only, for the time being. it also doesnt matter what the “prognosticators” say as it is rare that they come close, remember this time last year ir was all about the knicks. the season is coming up and that will determine where the chips fall so lets dont go overboard and start shooting off at something like this.
my thoughts continue to be that if this team starts of as they ended at about a .350 pace then they will be close to .500 (within 5 games) at the end of the season. dont panic about this and dont bite on this or each other ….. until the season starts.
atf, yeah how bout those numbers for nash seemed just about perfect but it is only preseason.
By Chris
October 21, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this
John Edwards for a roster spot. Now the Harrington trade is starting to look a little better. Check out this box score the Pacers turned John Edwards into a second Al Harrington:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=261016011
By Chris
October 21, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this
Just read the SI experts review on the Hawks, I can’t argue with anything they said. In a nutshell if everyone on the Hawks stays healthy they will be a decent team. I think this year the Hawks should exit the realm of NBA embarrasment and enter the realm of respectability.
By jhan
October 21, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
If they finish last in the East how is that considered respectable? I don’t see this team as the worst in the Conference unless the injury bug really hits hard. I also don’t see them in the playoffs either. My true hope is for this team to show enough improvement that a quality FA will want to come here thinking they will put us over the top. We have collected enough pieces to make this a realist possibility in my opinion.
By ray
October 21, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this
Jhan, I think the idea is the Hawks will NOT finish last in the East, no matter what SI says. I too believe that this is not the case as long as the injury bug doesn’t strike too hard. But that’s not the only thing that can strike, and our team needs to find ways to continue to push hard, and even win, when our lineup is not at it’s optimum point. Which is why I think it’s very important who we have on our bench, right down to the last person. We have to think about who makes a decent stop-gap and who doesn’t. I know I keep harping on some of this stuff. Look at the guard situation. If the worst happens (JJ injured for a lengthy period of time) or the second-worst (Speedy is constantly on and off the injured list), who do we have for replacement. Whoever it is will be playing all those minutes. So, Say both starting guards are injured. Do we have Lue, Salim, and Ivey on the bench, with Childress occasionally rotating to the sg spot? Is it all good that way, or do you insert a Bozeman or a Chalmers? Unless something crazy happens, the forward spots should be well covered. Pretty much the same at center. However, I think keeping Glyniadakis allows for versatility. Like Ando and others have said, you can play Wright or Pachulia at the 4. Same with Shelden. The G man and only the G man gives you that flexibility. So that shores up the..shall we say…”bigger” forward spot, as well as the center spot. That way, Smith, Marvin, and Childress have the minutes covered at the “smaller” forward position. The guards are going to be key, though.
By doc
October 21, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this
cavs go down in ot. seemed like real numbers of minutes for both sides. gettin l;oser to the tip off.
atf, you seen THE mvp’s new do? takes away some of your ammo.
By ray
October 22, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this
Sweet. I think Doc’s right, that was about as realistic as it has been in the preseason. And the Cavs aren’t pushovers. I’m glad to see that Shelden has maintained his good rebounding. He seems to have picked up a few more blocks than the first game or two. Since I can’t see them play, all I have to go on are stats. And what the devil is up with NBA.com not having the box scores together? ESPN.com sure isn’t having an issue with it. Yeesh….
Looks like Josh is bringing it more consistently than Marvin. Or is it just me? Could be just me…although Clyde has already said that JSmoove is more guaranteed to give the effort than Marvin is. He could be right. Although I think it is wayyyy too early to tell for sure. Man, I knew he was a shooter when he was playin’ for Vandy, but Matt is doing some pretty decent damage in limited minutes. Sekou is right, it will be hard to let a guy like him go.
By Lacsho
October 22, 2006 12:53 AM | Link to this
All I have to say is wait until Speedy joins the line-up. The band wagon is going to get big…
By Clyde
October 22, 2006 01:00 AM | Link to this
Let me quote Sekou in his new article: “They squandered an early 13-point lead by allowing the Cavs to score at will inside in the second half.”
This has to concern everyone on this blog eventhough we won.
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By Ken Strickland
October 22, 2006 01:10 AM | Link to this
Boseman and Chalmers have to really stand out if either is to replace Ivey, who’s has a guaranteed contract. If order for SJones or the Greek to make the final roster, the Hawks will have to eat Bastista’s contract. The question is, will mgt consider eating 1,2 or 0 contracts to marginally upgrade the roster. I believe 2 will possibly be added to the practice squad and 1 will be sent to the DLeague. Bottom line, if this is the outcome, we will have added depth as a hedge against injuries. It is really good to know the team can win against top teams, like the CAVs, when both FWD’s aren’t producing OFF.
By A Thinking Fan
October 22, 2006 06:34 AM | Link to this
DOC It is really about the “Commish** and how they (the NBA) marketing machine will exploit someone like Nash and trash someone like/maybe Shaq! Shaq has four rings and Nash has how many? Yet Nash becomes the poster boy for the new international image of the NBA…
Good win for the Hawks last night! JJ is the man!
By doc
October 22, 2006 06:43 AM | Link to this
atf, dude, i was asking if you like his new doooo!? as i remember you didnt like his look last year and commented on it more than once as if that had anything to do with his skill or heart.
By G Money
October 22, 2006 06:48 AM | Link to this
From the box score it seems as if it were an impressive win for the Hawks. 82% from the charity stripe, outrebounding the Cavs as well as the number of guys who were in the rebounding distribution, and the distribution of points, indicates that it was a great team effort. This is doing it the right way. When necessary JJ takes over, too. Hawks are definitely headed in the right direction. Again Shelden’s production continues to impress (look what he is doing in limited minutes). JChill seems efficient and effective as well. To beat the Cavs with the King and Larry Hughes both playing 40+ minutes speaks to the quality of the win as well!! Go Hawks…I’m sure some boo bird is saying, “Darn, they beat the Cavs!”
By A Thinking Fan
October 22, 2006 06:50 AM | Link to this
Doc SW had 7 rebs in 13 min of PT - not bad!
By Samuel
October 22, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this
I agree that this was the most encouraging and impressive performance of the preseason. Seems as though the Hawks are buying into Woodson’s philosophy. Bozeman looked like he turned in some quality minutes. He seems to be the frontrunner of the newbies. He’s a very versitile player. It’s hard to find a player who can guard 3 positions. Great win!!
Cuz, who guarded who. You said that the Cavs hurt us inside. What were the matchups.
I like your rookie report. About like I expected. Reddick and Aldridge seriously overrated and Farmar and Gay seriously underrated. It really makes me wonder about these “so-called” experts.
By doc
October 22, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this
yeah atf, extrapolate that to a full 39 minutes game gives him 21 boards and 18 ppg. :-) i think he is going to give some quality games and minutes and look like a rookie on more than a few occasions.
still think folks want too much from marvin. i expect him to bloom next year not this. i dont think he is any better than say a bosh in his development and it was in bosh’s third year, your boy lebron’s third year and say kobe’s third year where they come of age. we should remember this as we evaluate his game and capabilities.
flash, now what were you saying about farmar? got it right didnt you?
By A Thinking Fan
October 22, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this
DOC I agree with you on Marvin, that 22-28 age range is when they really blossom into “Prime Time” B-ballers… Sam Boz got 20 min of PT. I think he’s a lock…
By ray
October 22, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this
Sam, what’s to wonder about? You know what the deal is with these “experts”. Some of them probably never played a single pick-up game…
Clyde, I hear you. It is something to be concerned about, and hopefully between Woodson and the on-court leaders, that will be an issue that gets resolved quick. Otherwise, we’re looking at last year re-occurring. We can never afford to give away games.
By Samuel
October 22, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this
Ray,
I’m talking about the coaches,scouts and GM’s. I already know about the writers. (Not you Cuz).
Man, I really hope i’m wrong about this team’s win total of 30-35 wins. I love Woody’s approach thus far. I’m a pressure defense guy myself. Defense has no “off nights”. It’s just, “how bad do you want it and this year’s team seems to want it bad, right now. Keep it up guys.
By GuyFromUruguay
October 22, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this
I’d like for the Hawks to keep Freije and Glyniadakis (who has been outperforming my countryman Batista sadly, can’t the Hawks send Batista to the NBDL to free space for Glyiniadakis??).
And Shelden seems to be getting into rythm, halfway through the season we’ll be lauding Billy??
By mykhalc
October 22, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this
NICE WIN!!!showin’ some new signs early even if it is preseason. that kinda win would not have happen last year!! and on the road!! NICE!!
DOC, you might be right about MARVIN. and i’ve been one of his biggest supporters. hopefully, he start to show some consistency soon!!!
BOZEMAN saw a lot of minutes again last nite. i’m hoping he and the BIG GREEK are on the opening day roster. AND MGMT is ready to eat a couple of guaranteed contracts. ‘cause clearly there seem to be some cats that are upgrades from IVEY and BATISTA. let’s hope mgmt is not counting pennies THAT much!!
and RODDY WHITE NEEDS TO BE ON THE BENCH!! sorry needed to get that out!!LOL
By HB Ando
October 22, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this
While some of us worried (or at least touched on worry) about the wisdom of using Johnson so aggressively in pre-season, it’s clear that the team has committed to approaching the pre-season as if it were the real thing. In doing so, they, hopefully, increase the likelihood of avoiding a start like last year. 28 points in the first half, by the Cavs, sounds like a team that didn’t approach a non-official outing with the same level of intensity. Looks like they tried to turn it back on the second-half and fell short.
Closing out other teams was a big problem last year, so the confidence they take from holding on to beat the Cavs, on the road, should be tangible. I don’t think there’s any question that teams who underestimate the Hawks will get caught looking. But we’ve got a history of beating some very good teams in the last few years, who clearly didn’t take us seriously. So, it’s almost like a paradox: the less seriously we are taken, the more wins it should breed. But the more wins we take, early, the more other teams will take us seriously. For this team to improve to the level that many of you hope for, this season, consistency, and the avoiding of protracted bad runs, will be the keys.
I’ll stick with the 31-34 win projection. Don’t want to hedge based on pre-season. But after 3-board combo, from Josh and Marvin, earlier in the week, 18 boards is a nice “rebound” effort.
I have my first ESPN Fantasy draft tonight, and I’ve got all kinds of questions about my draft rankings.
By mykhalc
October 22, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this
ANDO, i agree. and even tho MARVIN had 2 pts or somethin’ like that, he at least showed strong on the boards. that too, is a good sign. but we will need his points. still, i’m waitin’ to see how SPEEDY impacts the team. anybody know when he’s scheduled to play yet???
By Davey
October 22, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this
I think he suppose to be back for the last 2 games of preseason. I also read SI……they did mention JJ as part of THE FAMILY, which includes Lebron Melo James Paul and JJ. Thought that was pretty cool. Hopefully now that JJ is playing the 2 he can score more like 25 points a game. He could be the first All-Star since Shareef!
By Ray
October 22, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this
Yeah, that is a potentially dangerous paradox. Once teams quit reading the current scouting report on the Hawks, we’ll be takin’ it on the chin every night. So while bringing the intensity is a first step, dealing with an equally determined opponent is next.
By macaroni Tony
October 22, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this
I am new to Hawks Blog, but I do read them often. I just want to say Go Hawks, I have been a Hawks forever. I don’t care what any magazine says, these Hawks are going to be great this year. I know that it is pre-season but we have a winning record in some way. JJ Childress, Speedy, JS, MW, and the rest of the team will be ready. I love my Hawks. We are ready.
By G-Money
October 22, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this
Ando, you sounded almost positive about these Hawks. I think that these young Hawks can go far with a defense first mindset (ala Pistons). If the Hawks are holding their own without Claxton, it should be nothing but bonus time with him in there. I think one of the secret ingredients is going to be balance. The Hawks aren’t the type of team (at least so far), that can put it in the hands of two or three players and have them beat a team by themselves.
Earlier there was a question of keeping Frieje. Could they keep Bozeman, Frieje and Glyniadakis? Frieje is seeming like instant offense. Another way of coming at it besides using Salim….
By THL
October 23, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this
SI employs the same experts that called Jeff Francoeur a bust b/c he didn’t put up Mickey Mantle numbers in his second MLB season. Never mind his 29 HR and 100+ RBI.
The Hawks are definitely not the worst team in the league. If they are tough enough and willing enough to go out and compete nightly, they COULD be in the EASTERN CONFERENCE playoff hunt.
Completely off the subject: When are these guys going to change their uniforms? I say bring the old logo back!
By Astro Joe
October 23, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this
Hawks are guaranteed a .500 pre-season record with the win against Cleveland. And this is without Speedy playing one game (hopefully he plays the next 2). While a .500 pre-season record does not translate into a .500 regular season record, you have to be encouraged that this team appears to be playing better defense and closing out games. Woody is playing these guys so that they can experience the reward for putting in the hard work. He is playing to win so that he can stay on message with what he preaches during practices. And he is getting these guys to believe in themselves and the coaching staff. Pre-season is like a 4 week team building exercise. So far, so good.
One last thing, for the past several seasons, the Hawks have had to go out west in their first few games to serve as the sacrificial cow to the NBA. This year, they get to hold off that first trip until December. That should also help them get off to a much better start. I’m feeling much better about our first 8-10 games. I’m still in the 36-38 win range, but I leaning closer to 38 than I am to 36.
By honest_abe
October 23, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this
i said farmar was going to be a bust… and now everybody praising him like he’s going to be an all star this year… cmon folks..be realistic. only TIME can tell if a pick is a bust or not. so farmar comes into these pre season games and goes against some scrubs that won’t even be on an nba roster and people are ready to annoint the guy the next great pg? pulllllllease.. all i know is i saw him in college and i wasn’t overly impressed…then he played in the rookie league down in orlanda with inferior talent and he didn’t stand out amongst the limited talent there….but THE PRESEASON starts and this is the guy that’s supposed to shine against the worlds best… ya right.
By The Flash
October 23, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this
Guess whose getting a lot of ink in DC because of his inside scoring ability, soft hands and slick moves, yeap, our own 10-day man Lang. To hear the boyz here talk, this guy has real ability to create on the inside. We’ll see.
Also, for all you Etan haters, good thing I don’t remember so good because I forgot who you are, Etan is apparently neck and neck with Haywood for the starting job. Yeah, I know, the pair is not exactly like Alidare and that other horse but it’s not some cheap stakes race either (or is it).
Doc, what’s up with my boy Farmar. If he’s not getting any luv out in Lakerland, we should go get him. Kobe likes the ball too much and too long to let a guard really show the kind of skills, know how that I think are Farmar’s biggest assets. Anyway, I ain’t following, what’s up with him.
I see that my man J Will got the axe or partial axe from the Nets. Personally, I’d like to see him hang em up. I think he’s terrific in the booth, and I’d like him to take care of that body, not subject it to the abuse that playing in the bigs can bring. With that said, I really, really like this guy. He scored 8 his last time out.
I don’t know how things work in practices or on the bench, but, if they are going to maximize Herb’s abilities to help guys maximize their potential on offense, I’d have to think that direct communications from him to them would be the best way of doing it. In a few instances, assistants and heads so clearly speak the same language, have the same images behind the words, that nothing is lost in the transmission when there are these little coaches’ huddles, and then the big guy speaks. But, not always. And, having the big guy speak just to keep him the big guy before the camera is so passe.
Anyway, running a fluid offense with confidence in multiple options, not just the number one, should produce opportunities for guys in their rhythm, or with the space and circumstances to penetrate that will spread out the scoring, even at crunch time. Come on, the hoop ain’t that small, and putting the ball in it ain’t that tough if the proper opportunities come in the flow of the game. No bobby-ball!!!
By G-Money
October 23, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this
Hey Guys, the latest is that Chalmers and Dickens have been cut (see Hawks.com). So for all the Bozeman, Glyniadakis and Freije fans, there’s still hope. Andre Brown is also still on the squad.
By St. Bernard
October 23, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this
I took awhile off since the Al fiasco, but it’s about time to start visiting again. Am I the first to point out how well Rondo and Marcus are doing (besides Sekou)? If we draft those guys instead of Sheldon, we keep Freije and have Speedy and a real prospect to be brought up. I expect we’ll all be saying the same things we were saying about Paul last year about Rondo this year. Just wanted to be the first to bring it up, so I can have dibs all season and claim that I’m so much smarter than everyone else! :)
By Phil
October 23, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this
St Bernard,
I think the team will still keep Freije but he doesn’t give them what Shelden does. Its looking like Shelden will not be the “bust” that everyone though of on draft night and during the summer league. He should contribute to the Hawks as much as any other rookie will to their team this season. However, I really would have liked to have seen the Hawks try to trade for one of those late round draft picks to get Rando and Williams when they were falling. I believe the Celtics ended up buying the pick with which they took Rando for cash only. Why couldn’t the Hawks have done that? Anyway its all in the past now, just hoping they can get a quality guard out of next season’s draft pick or a shot blocking center.
By Astro Joe
October 23, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this
St. Bernard, BK was on 790 The Zone shortly after the draft and answered calls from callers. I asked him about trading for the Phoenix pick at #21 that ended up being Rondo. He said that they made Phoenix an offer for that pick but Phoenix chose Boston’s offer. I read today that it was more than just Brian Grant’s expiring contract (as initially announced). ESPN is saying that Boston traded an ‘07 1st rounder AND picked up Grant’s expiring contract. If that is true, I could see why Boston won that sweepstakes. I’m not sure how many ‘07 picks Boston has, but I can’t imagine too many teams trading an ‘07 pick for the #21 pick in the ‘06 draft.
By The Flash
October 23, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this
Samuel, how can you be lovin D first, when you a Knicks’ man. Back in the day, they could play some nasty defense, but they beat teams mentally with that offensive flow, like a five-headed monster, no way to kill the head and have the body die.
Why you betraying your heritage like that, Sam? Or is it that you were just livin too close to 60 minutes of hell; in the end, for all his talk about hell and all that, it still came down to his havin some dawgs nobody could stop, and nobody knowing which one of them dawgs was gonna bite each time down the court. Offensive flow, Samuel; defense can keep you in it, but you gotsta score the ball to win.
By ray
October 23, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this
Flash, you are crazy, man. But I agree again, no Bobby-ball. But if you keep saying it, it might happen ya know. Well, only if you’re superstitious…I think. Heh heh, heh! Well, I was hoping Chalmers would get kept, but when you’re injured you just can’t show much. Looked to me like Dickens hardly got any PT in the preseason, so maybe he just wasn’t a fit. The way Freije’s shooting, he’d be a good short/long perimeter threat. The fact that he’s getting his shot off and making it means either teams don’t know much about him at all (which I don’t find so likely), or he’s got good basketball IQ. Meaning, he knows how to move without the ball, pick his spots, and obviously he’s big enough to shoot over his defender. Kind of hard to say no to that. He’s probably also got some maturity to his game, which always helps. Still, I hope to see Glyniadakis and Bozeman kept in the fold if at all possible.
There’s probably a number of things we can do to acquire a talented, young point guard…without having to wait for the draft. The question is, will the money match up and will Billy be willing to make the bold, smart move. The same could be said of acquiring a big, shot-blocking bruiser of a center, or something along those lines. Perhaps we’d be better off doing the latter through the draft or free agency. The pg could be done through trade. In the meantime, I want to see how our current roster plays in the regular season.