AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2006 > October > 23 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWeekend in Buckeye-ville
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Since I’ve got an overload of observations and points to make from a long weekend, I won’t subject you to my usual lead-in blabber here. Without further ado, here is Monday’s saucy version of the five things we know right now:
1. Kaniel Dickens and Lionel Chalmers we hardly knew ye!
After almost four full weeks, you knew someone was going to be sent packing from training camp. I’ve done my best over the years not to get attached to these guys, these journeyman pros who logic tells us won’t be around come opening night of the regular season. But so often they’re the biggest cynics, and therefore the guys most likely to understand that while most of the guys in camp with guaranteed contracts treat every day like a job, to others it’s literally about putting food on the table.
Dickens is a seasoned pro, a guy who knows that in a perfect world he’d be judged simply on whether or not he knew how to play the game and not whether or not he was a first-round draft pick or a summer leaguer who happened to catch someone’s eye long enough to snag a ticket to veteran’s camp. Chalmers never had a chance, not after that high ankle sprain snatched his early (and quite positive) momentum.
Who knows, much like Anthony Grundy a year ago, we’ll hear from these guys later on this season. The four training camp survivors — Andreas Glyniadakis, Cedric Bozeman, Matt Freije and Andre Brown — will continue to do battle for one of those open roster spots.
Anything is possible, people. Anything.
2. Someone in charge of scheduling at the NBA hideout has a great sense of humor.
How else to explain sending yours truly to Columbus, Ohio, for a weekend exhibition game? You don’t know mental anguish until you spend a couple days in the lair of your most despised enemy. I know those are strong words. But when it comes to me and the humans that call themselves fans of The Ohio State University, that’s the way it has to be.
I’d root for Lucifer’s All-Stars against the Buckeyes. For real. Not only did I have to contribute to the Columbus economy this weekend, I even trudged into the Horseshoe for a couple hours to view the Buckeyes’ demolition of Indiana (and yes, to all of you SEC lovers, you’ve got the rest of the country smoked when it comes to game-day atmosphere; that was the quietest 100,000-plus I’ve seen this side of Ann Arbor).
Lazy atmosphere aside, there should be no doubt that the best-looking football team not playing in the NFL resides in Columbus. The Buckeyes are monstrous and just as fleet-footed where it matters most. Now I need you all to cross your fingers twice for my Wolverines, ‘cause we’re going to need all the good mojo we can muster on Nov. 18 when we invade the Horseshoe. I got the ball rolling by shouting “Go Blue” as often as possible on my way in and out of the stadium. And you better believe I engaged anyone I could in a spirited debate about what’s going to happen on Nov. 18.
3. The best scene of the weekend.
Aside from the fantastic game between the Hawks and Cavs Saturday night, it had to be seeing the Hawks coaching staff out at a local restaurant Friday night while the Ohio State coaching staff sat a table over entertaining a recruit and his family. Without fail the Buckeyes coaches trotted out uber-recruit Greg Oden, sling and all, to greet the recruit. Little did Thad Matta and his crew know that an NBA coaching staff would be at Brownstone on Main (one of the finest soul food joints I’ve dined at in a while).
Hawks coach Mike Woodson is an Indianapolis native like Oden, so when they shook hands it was hilarious seeing Matta, with a smile a mile-wide on his face, gesture for the Hawks coaches to stay away from his prized freshman big man. If you’ve never seen Oden, think David Robinson at 18 or 19 but with a beard and perhaps even longer limbs. Oden’s a massive young man.
Hawks assistant coach Greg Ballard is no little fella himself — I believe he was listed at 6-foot-8 during his title-winning days as an NBA player. Oden is tall enough to eat a dish peach cobbler off the top of Ballard’s dome. As you’ve seen and read elsewhere, he’s already in possession of the NBA goods, from a physical standpoint. And if he’s one year and done in Columbus, he’s an absolute no-brainer for the No. 1 pick in next June’s draft.
4. Back to that Hawks-Cavs game.
So long as the teams involved are willing to go after each other the way these guys did Saturday night, charging fans full price for exhibition games isn’t a total rip-off.
When you’re best players log regular season minutes, it’s no exhibition game. And when both teams are acting like they’re playing for a playoff bid and not just to entertain the folks in a non-NBA city, it’s clear that there is more at stake than just pride.
I think the Hawks and Cavs were both trying to send a message. The Hawks want to show everyone they’re not going to be the doormat of the East, as some have predicted. And the Cavs were trying to show that they’re a legitimate East contender and not just a paper contender.
Cavs showman Damon Jones had a great line during one sequence in the second quarter when he ran by the Hawks bench and said, “I know [expletive] well we’re not losing like this to the Hawks.”
They were. And they can thank Joe Johnson and his crew for the loss. In trying to explain why Joe Johnson is such a special player, I offer his performance Saturday night as proof. Even on a night when his shot wasn’t falling early, he finds a way to impact the game (he finished with 10 assists and would have had several more had his teammates converted a couple more). Someone asked recently what I expect from Johnson this year? How about an All-Star caliber season.
5. Finally, it’s cutting time around the league.
I think the Hawks (and any team) would be wise to keep one eye on the waiver wire to see who might be floating around out there. The Nets have already let Jay Williams go and the rumblings in Boston are that Luke Jackson, formerly of Cleveland, could be a casualty because of the Celtics’ overload at his position.
My point is there are going to be several intriguing players who are simply caught in the numbers game elsewhere that cause me to take a hard look, were I the one making roster decisions.
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Comments
By G-Money
October 23, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this
Sekou, you say that anything is possible. Is it possible that the Hawks keep Frieje, Glyniadakis, and Bozeman while sending Batista, Ivey, or someone else packing or to the practice squad??
By Tyger
October 23, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this
CUTS, CUTS AND MORE CUTS….
Hawks have some serious decisions to make. Are they serious enough about winning to cut a vets under contract for campers?
A strong case can be made for both Bozeman and Freije. I think Glyniadakis, 7-1, 280, with skills, is a lock.
At 6-6 with PG skills, Bozeman can defend three positions and has some offense to his game. Ivey is smaller with no offense and his starting job was given to Speedy a long time ago.
Bozeman is a huge plus against teams with big guards: Clev, Wash, Det, Miami, etc. where Speedy and Lue are at a big size disadvantage.
Freije is 6-10 with an inside-out game, a natural vs. Batista, who’s still a bull in a china cabinet. Moreover, did Shelden, Solomon, Big G etc. make Batista expendable?
Glaring holes have been filled, all that is left now is to grow as a team. There is a case for keeping the #15 spot open in case someone of interest shakes loose, but what are our needs?
Luke Jackson is interesting, but why is he being cut? Would he be better than Salim as our designated 3pt. specialist? I doubt it, I think he’s injury prone and a step slow for the NBA.
By Sekou K. Smith
October 23, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
Like I said, ANYTHING is possible.
By Gutz
October 23, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this
Good points guys! I would definitely keep Bozeman and the Greek for sure over Ivey and Batista. Ivey just has zero game offensively and not that great of defense. Batista does nothing but foul. Its obvious to me you keep Bozeman and the Greek over IVey and Batista hands down. They bring more to the table both offensively and defensively.
By TonyG
October 23, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this
That quote by DJ is classic!!
By Astro Joe
October 23, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this
Is Speedy playing tonight?
I’d be surprised if Ivey is shown the door. Speedy is injury-prone and having a 3rd PG who knows the system, players and coaches is important. This is Ivey’s third camp and while he does not offer upside and all that stuff, he knows what he is doing. I’d expect Batista to leave with the team opting for Freije & the Big Greek. Solomon will likely be sent to the NBDL. If there were an “upside” PG worth grabbing after cuts are made, that would be the 15th player to join the team. If Bozeman sticks, I’d have to say that either Childress and/or Salim are on their way out.
But one thing is for sure, Sekou knows something but can’t say it yet. But I have been around long enough to pick up on his clues, when something is bubbling over there in Hawksville.
By the way, did Oden offer to buy the Hawks coaching staff dinner? I’m sure he had enough cash in his pocket to handle the bill.
By Bob
October 23, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
F*** YOU ASSWIPE!!! GO BUCKS!!!!!!!
By John
October 23, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this
“One foggy night, a Michigan fan was heading south from Ann Arbor and a Buckeye fan was driving north from Columbus. While crossing a narrow bridge, they hit each other head-on, mangling both cars. The Michigan fan manages to climb out of his car and survey the damage. He looks at his twisted car and says, “Man, I’m lucky to be alive!” Likewise, the Buckeye fan gets out of his car uninjured, he too feeling fortunate to have survived. The Michigan fan walks over to the Buckeye fan and says, “Hey, man, I think this is a sign that we should put away our petty differences and live as friends instead of being rivals.” The Buckeye fan thinks for a moment and says, “You know, you’re absolutely right! We should be friends. In fact, I’m going to see if something else survived the wreck.” The Buckeye fan then pops open his trunk and removes a full, undamaged bottle of Jack Daniel’s. He says to the Michigan fan, “I think this is another sign- we should toast to our newfound friendship.” Michigan fan agrees and grabs the bottle. After sucking down half of the bottle, the Michigan fan hands it back to the Buckeye fan and says, “Your turn!” The Buckeye fan calmly twists the cap back on the bottle, throws the rest of the bottle over the bridge into the river and says, “Nah, I think I’ll just wait for the cops to show up.”
By Josh
October 23, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this
Yep you are a typical scUM fan. You can always talk trash when you come to the INDIANA game!! Like most of the fans from that state up north we won’t see you within 4 hours of the ‘Shoe on November 18 because you’ll be to chicken but you can come a month early and talk trash. Typical wolverine. I invite you to come for The Game if you want to see a real atmosphere. It will be louder than any game you could witness in the SEC. Then you start to hate on the basketball team because you all are finally realizing Tommy Amaker isn’t the second coming after all. Keep up the great work. Don’t come begging to us when you are out of work with quality column’s like that.
By honest_abe
October 23, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this
LOL….talk about sensitive! that’s some really funny stuff, josh… a word of advice and this will confuse most of the regular bloggers (because of my childish outbursts) GROW UP!
stop paying all your athletes and let’s see how great “THE ohio state university” really is…heh
By doc
October 23, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this
lets see almost getting thrown in the tank at an airport last year and now almost being pummeled in columbus. i am not sure who is on roids or a head case or both, you sekou or my friend andro.
i do believe you read the mood in columbus before acting that way, we call it ambivalance. my how times have changed since that great ali mcgraw movie waiting for columbus.
good stuff both of you. keep it scintillating this year both you and andro with a mix of clyde for pepper.
By Basketball Princess
October 23, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this
Well, the princess is back. I’ve been gone a long time boys tryna get my grind on in this sports journalist career. So far so good. Hell, I aint gotta work a 9-5 anymore, if you know what I mean. It’s starting to pay the bills.
So look for me to be back in action on the board, bringing the drama from the wood.
I’m getting ready for this Wizard pre-season game so no time to look back on what yall been chatting about, but will catch up tomorrow…..
Missed yall!
By mykhalc
October 23, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this
JOE, i’m not following your logic on why BOZEMAN would out either SALIM or CHILDRESS and not IVEY???? you got me on that one my friend!!??? i have not seen any games but just lookin’ at the boxscores, it looks like they are takin’ a good look at BOZEMAN. i think if he makes it, he bumps IVEY, which would make sense to me. like i said in the previous blog, i really hope mgmt has MORE of a REAL committment to winning this year. time to eat the contracts of IVEY and BATISTA!!! time to pay for the needed upgrades!!!
on another note…SALIM??? SALIM and WOODY = DIAW and WOODY is that fair to say right now??? that’s what i’m feelin’ tho!!?? again, ‘cause i live in SF i haven’t been able to check out the team much at all, last year to present. so could someone help me out with gettin’ a handle on SALIM’s game??? at 6’1” is he able to create his own shot or does he fall into the REGGIE MILLER mode of havin’ to run behind picks, etc??? if the later is true, then i see that, the lack luster PG skills, and his defensive liabilties as to why he’d go before CHILLS. WOODY pretty much always has somethin’ positive to say about CHILLS. now SALIM, that’s another story!! like SS said, ANYTHING is possible. and i’m ready for a few surprises!!LOL
By ray
October 23, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this
Salim is going to have to have a Tyron Lue-like attitude and influence in the locker room if he keeps playing like he has this preseason. He’s not a pg, his purpose is “sniper”. But he’s not doing that so well. Ivey knows the system, but if you can get a bigger, more versatile player at his position who shows he is capable of learning the system in a decent amount of time, don’t you keep him?
Joe, I can see Salim, but why would Childress get beat out by Bozeman? Just wondering what you’re thinking on that one. And I think you’re right, Sekou knows something about who might actually be a lock for staying, who the staff is really talking about.
Sekou, why you make us drool about Oden? If he’s a #1 pick, we’ll NEVER get him. Makes me sad just thinking about it.
By reese
October 23, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this
Its hard for me to comment on who to keep or who not to keep since I have not seen the new guys in camp. However, that has never stopped me from commenting before.
Based on stats, no one seems to be standing out. That even goes for Shelden Williams (not scoring in double figures, not rebounding in double figures and less than 1 block per game, I give hims some slack because he is a rookie and draft pick). Solomon Jones is getting a little reprieve because he is injured and he was a draft pick. But, it sounds as though there is interest in the 6’10 frieje kid.
I agree that having salim, speedy, lue and royal is too much of a duplication of small guards. I wouldn’t be surprised if salim and/or royal starts the season in the NBDL to light a fire under them, get them the playing time they need and as a backup if lue or speedy become injured.
My question to anyone who knows about Bozeman is can he handle the ball. If so, he may supplant JChill and make him dispensable.
I cannot see the hawks, nor do I want them to keep batista.
So to me it seems like the 12 man roster will be Zaza, Wright, Greek, Frieje (amazing all above 6’10” and can play both the 4 and 5) Shelden williams, Josh smith, josh childress, marvin william. Speedy, Lue, joe, bozeman. NBDL (salim, solomon jones, maybe ivey)
By the way clyde, I too said that zaza was the player that needs to improve the most.
By reese
October 23, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this
Sekou, I should have asked the following questions before I stated that 4 players 6’10” or taller would make the 12 man roster.
1)Has Coach Woodson placed two players above 6’10 on the court in the 4 and 5 spots in any of the pre-season games or in any of the practice scrimmages.
2)If he has, how has the team played when that combination has been on the floor.
3)Is Woodson still trying to place Childress, J Smith and M Williams on the floor together (I have to go on record and say that I do not like it when he does).
By roan st
October 23, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this
I think what astro means about childress not being here is because of a possible trade. No way do the hawks part with a number one pick like childress for a street free agent. Childress catches a lot of flack from some bloggers but I really like him and think if he is let go it will be the boris diaw story all over again. Childress hustle, attitude, abilty, and hard work ethic will eventually turn him into a solid pro that any team would love to have. He will be a very good player for somebody else because I do believe he will be the odd man out.
By mississippi
October 23, 2006 09:26 PM | Link to this
I think SS maybe talking about Jay (don’t call me white chocalate) Williams. I thought about him months ago when he announced he wanted another shot. I think he could fit in well, without the pressure to play him right away. Could he become a solid back-up PG in a year or so? I think it’s possible and other than the health concerns you know what you get, head wise and hustle wise. It doesn’t drastically change the makeup of the team but it a card in the hole for tomorrow.
By Sekou K. Smith
October 23, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this
Don’t be crazy folks. Childress isn’t going anywhere. As for what I know, or better yet what I’ve heard, none of it is ready for print (not even here on the blog). So let your imagination run wild all you want. But the only thing I can say about who makes the final roster is until you see it in a story, it’s just rumors.
By macaroni Tony
October 23, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this
I do feel good about these Hawks. The Wizards had us by 16 and we came back and took the lead, even though we lost it was the effort. SW is going to change everyone minds with the effort that he is showing. Childress isn’t going anywhere if you keep giving double figures off the bench. With Speedy starting while Lue and Childress coming off the bench, we will be fine. We need the Big Greek to stay to bang with people like Shaq. We are going to change people minds this season, Go Hawks.
By NumbaOneFan
October 23, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this
Hey guys I haven’t posted in a while but have been reading your posts religiously. I am happy to report that I have gone way out on a limb at my office and predicted a 5th to 8th seed in the playoffs by the Hawks this season. I have to admit a few people at the office asked me if I could share whatever I was smoking, unfortunately I ws out of dank. Did not get to hear the game tonight against the Wizards and was wondering if anyone here can bring me up to speed on who played and what their linescores were, especially from Sheden Williams Lo Wright and the likes of: Glyniadakis, Cedric Bozeman, Matt Freije and Andre Brown. I am enjoying what I have been reading and hearing regarding this years Hawks edition and I will say it again ” this team remends me of the first Hubie Brown team in 1980, lots of interchangeable pieces with few stars. Well men I cannot wait for the season opener and hearing your comments. Go Hawks!!
By mykhalc
October 23, 2006 11:41 PM | Link to this
box score for tonite’s game looks pretty damn good…well except for the loss. but the shot distribution across the board was very nice. ZAZA’s numbers were low but that might have been because there was a lot of small ball goin’ on and his minutes seem to have been limited!!?? i really liked MARVIN and JS numbers tonite. hopefully most of that occurred with them on the floor together.
might not mean anything, but then again??, BOZEMAN, the BIG GREEK, and FREIJE all saw the court again for good minutes. whereas, SALIM, IVEY, and BATISTA did not. i think this is the second game in row for SALIM and third for IVEY that they received a DNP. I WONDER WHAT’S COOKIN’ IN THE LAND OF THE YOUNG GUNS??? alright SPEEDY, what cha got??
By G Money
October 24, 2006 06:26 AM | Link to this
Astro Joe, you’re right. Sekou is on to something. It involves all the guys who haven’t played the last several games. Those guys include Batista, Salim, Ivey and Solomon not to mention the invitees to camp. Either the Hawks are going to eat all the contracts (doubtful), ship them to NBDL, or do a combination. There are 17 on the roster including all the invitees. Brown is cut along with Batista. Solomon goes to NBDL. They have enough bigs with the Greek, Lo, ZaZa, and Shelden. Frieje and Salim offer interestingly versatile sparks when the team sputters or is in need of opening up defenses. Ivey is on the bubble. He gets put on waivers because Bozeman offers more flexibility on the defensive end. They don’t need his offense. The magic number is 14 and as some have said it allows the Hawks to keep a space available for the “lucky” pick up.
By Swatguy
October 24, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this
Alright, I see mo’ clear. I believe the number is 14 to allow flexibility in the event some other teams cut becomes attractive. If not now down the rode. BK is a smart guy. So Bozeman and “Big Glyn” are the camp prizes, that leaves a (one, 1) guaranteed contract to eat. Enter Batista through the door. You cannot have enough good, strong, skilled (to a degree) Bigs. Batista has a specialty, think Luca Brasi or atleast Jeff Ruland. Salim stays,period. It seems it is Bozeman or Ivey. Royalits been nice, GOD BLESS.
By GuyFromUruguay
October 24, 2006 08:58 AM | Link to this
I know Batista has been outperformed, but can’t they send him to the NBDL (along with Solomon maybe)?
BTW may I remind you he’s only recently turned 23 (that’s the same age as Shelden !!!) and he started playing basketball late and in the FIBA system, I still hope he has some upside.
By Swatguy
October 24, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this
Oh, by the way. Did you notice Brandon Mitchell? He with the Jack Tatum number(32) and the NFL intentions. Did you notice? The guy went to school “up on the hill” in the Swat.
P.S. Shooters we got,we gotta have bigs that can control the paint and the boards.
By A Thinking Fan
October 24, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this
Always remember that the ownership situation will play a big part in any player personnel moves…
By G-Money
October 24, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this
Given the money BK has saved, he should be allowed a little discretion. The more I read about Bozeman, the more I’m sold on him with an asterisk. He was a 5th year senior in a great system (UCLA) with a solid coach (Ben Howland) and played in important games (NCAA championship to name 1). He was a point guard as a freshman and sophomore and he has also played forward on the college level. He was originally touted as the next Magic Johnson until (here comes the asterisk) a spate of injuries — torn cartilage in rt knee as a freshman, blown ACL in rt knee as a senior, and a hurt shoulder as a 5th yr senior. Nonetheless, some of his own players called him Mr. Versatility for all the things that he could do to help the team win. Age-wise he’s more mature than a large portion of the team. It’s what they thought they might have had with JJ. Thus, if this guy is healthy, there is no way that Woody isn’t going to take a chance on him. It’s his spot to lose at this point — my opinion.
By redrum
October 24, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this
This team will not eat any contracts, they are losing to much money….40 million in losses last year alone! bankruptcy is in the future.
I know it’s only preseason, but at the game last night, there were maybe 1,000 fans at the beginning of the game=PATHETIC!
By mykhalc
October 24, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this
pathetic to me would be, NOT eatin’ the contracts of BATISTA and IVEY to allow the team to upgrade!!!
By John
October 24, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this
Why is everyone so down on Ivey? What has Bozeman done to show he is better than him. Also, why do people not realize the importance Salim? He was a second round pick who was a major contributer last year. He is not a point guard, but I don’t think we need him to play point. We NEED his three point shooting.
By Andre'
October 24, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this
Listen, if you think that handing the ball off to Mike Hart 25 times a game & relying on Michigan’s defense to hold the Bucks to under 40 yards rushing like they do against other inferior opponents then a fool & his opinion is soon departed. Ohio State is @ least 10 points better than than ANY team in the country & it will be proven ON THE FIELD!!!!
By Lucifer
October 24, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this
Sekou, First off, we would never allow you on our team, you smell. Secondly, I hate to say this especially to all the Hawks fans out there but…. Are you kidding me? Hmmm, let me see, do I want to go to a Big Ten football game or a crap-a* NBA EXHIBITION? I thought you were joking at first about going to Columbus and staying there to cover the Hawks preseason. WOW, you must be a sad soul if you can say that you would rather go to a freakin’ Hawks preseason over an OSU-Indiana game… It perplexes me that sports fans can not only watch that garbage but actually know the players and their names… HA!
By LakeCoBuck
October 24, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this
I will be at the Shoew for OSU & UM and it will be my 30th version of the rivalry. If OSU plays like it can; Hart, Manningham, and Henne will need the game of their lifetime just to hang.
To top it off, I am going to the UGA / GT game to see some of the so called southern speed that y’all talk about. The “U” certainly does not have it.
Peace, out! LCB
By G-Money
October 24, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this
Maybe we can keep both Salim and sign Bozeman. Perhaps its not an either/or situation. However, if it is I’d take the big guy because of his versatility and 3pt range while also signing Frieje who has that range as well (cheap version of Nowitski perhaps). Additionally, I think I’m right in saying that the NBDL is for 1st and 2nd year players. Maybe that’s where he might profit a little bit from more playing time. Besides, if you make a 3 on one end and give up a 3 on the other end, what have you gained?
By honest_abe
October 24, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this
bleh… when did this place evolve into a big 10 football blog….YAK!
By ray
October 24, 2006 08:44 PM | Link to this
Is it an attack of several trolls or just one with a multiple personality disorder? Either way, I am going to laugh my bahonkas off if Michigan upsets OSU. And then we’ll see how many trolls come back to post…