Hawks

By vdunkndunk

November 6, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

Here’s the 6th thing we know: it feels a lot better to be 2-1 this season than it did to be 0-9 last season.

By honest_abe

November 6, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

yes phillips is run poorly… that is an understatement.

the big greek is a nice story… i doubt he will make an impact in the nba this season.

who care how much sheldon smiles…just as long as he starts pulling in double digit rebounds with some consistency…i’ll do all the smiling for him :)

the new additions are great and are already having a nice impact… less playing time for salim means no more defensive liabilities.. which is something i won’t complain about…

and i knwo it’s early…but yes i shall rule fantasy this year! heh

By Remembering Roundfield

November 6, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

In response to question #2, I think that Ivey is either going to step up his game or be replaced outright by Bozeman. We all know he wasn’t a “real” starter last year in that he would play a few minutes at the start of the game and not return on most nights until the second half. Add the fact that his shooting really hasn’t improved (this is his third year as well) and you begin to see that his time here may be limited. As to question #3 I actually think we made a mistake by keeping Bautista and not “Big G”. Bautista is never going to be more than he is right now, a “banger” who may get you a few rebounds, give up a few fouls, then go sit down. Glyniadakis may one day grow to be a servicable NBA center that we’ll tell people was “the one that got away”. Wait a minute, this is the hawks. Almost all our good ones get away! I am impressed that our defense has gotten us out to a good start. Even when the shots aren’t falling good defense gives you a chance to win every night! Keep it going Hawks! I’ll be real happy if we can win 2 out of every 3 games the rest of the year!

By Remembering Roundfield

November 6, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

I forgot to mention Salim. I don’t know if he’s pressing, but the shots aren’t falling for him like they were last year. If he just keeps working hard I’m sure he’ll be back to his old “microwave” self in time.

By Dooley

November 6, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

I’d say the olympic experience has had a very nice effect on Joe Johnson. Looks like we have our next great superstar in the ATL.

By Dooley

November 6, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this

I’d say the olympic experience has had a very nice effect on Joe Johnson. Looks like we have our next great superstar in the ATL.

By David Bell

November 6, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this

I am a University of Arizona Alumni, and a very good freind of salim stoudamire, I thinl he is instant offense and can really give this team an offensive boost. I speak to him often and its gotta be frustrating for him to see cedric bozeman get more Playing time then him .. He used to kill in the pac 10, including killing Ucla.. I think he is top ten pure shooters in the league, maybe top 20..

It frustrates me as a knck fan even not see good talent get playing time on a medioker team.. Is it woodson?

By Reasonable Dawg

November 6, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

SS…I definitely agree w/ you about the whole “a win is a win theory”. Saturdays win was the first time that my brother has called my phone specifically to talk about the Hawks. And last month made 8 years since I left moms crib. Not to mention during football season. I’m not setting high expectations, but I want to believe that I’m seeing improvement.

By Reasonable Dawg

November 6, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this

That is Sunday’s win. My bad.

By John D.

November 6, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this

No comment on 1-4, but the scoreboard problems go back to the Omni. The story told there was that the Hockey clock operator sat on one side of the floor and basketball on the other. The ice had some effect on the cabling and the scoreboard was hit and miss, at least Omni engineering used that as an excuse.

Last year 3 control units caught fire in the first game, yes all 3 on the premises, before someone decided the units were not at fault. The new radio outlet had plugged a 220 line into the 110 circuit with the control units and overheated them.

The auxillary boards high above the seats and the boards on each end continually need re-sets to continue working, when they work at all.

These problems are a distraction from the game, irritate the officials, coaches and players, and disrupt the flow. Perhaps fewer promotional skits during the times out and more attention to the GAME would be a good thing.

Is the primary focus a basketball game or as an event? I would suggest the event has taken on the greater importance.

By honest_abe

November 6, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this

john d….. with the product we have been throwing out there for the past two years…can you really blame them for promoting it as an event rather than a game? lol

By Hulk Smash

November 6, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this

Hulk was at the Knick’s game on Friday, and it was a great experience! I LOVE the drumline—they really rock the house! The new flame throwers were quite a sight. I do miss Salim out there, but I miss Marvin even more. I hope he’s a fast healer, like Hulk is.

HULK SMASH!!!

By Ed W.

November 6, 2006 06:18 PM | Link to this

Shelden may not smile much normally, but I also think he’s a little tight and not very confident right now. Hopefully he’ll find more of a grove as the season goes along (like the Joshes & Marvin did).

Has Joe Johnson lost a few pounds since last year. He looks a little lighter and quicker to me.

By Waydowntown Bang

November 6, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this

The only thing that kind of worries me is Salim maybe getting down on himself a bit. We forget a lot of times that these guys have had this dream forever and if you’re young and not playing it could wear on him.

Or he could be challenged by it but viewing our history….

By TD

November 6, 2006 07:17 PM | Link to this

I am still wondering about the Salim not being in the 2nd game when JJ had to sit down with early foul trouble. The Hawks were having a little trouble scoring and it seemed to me that he should have been in instead of Freije. Freije was getting some minutes and went an impressive 0-3 on 3 PA. This guy led the SEC in 3 pt scoring? it just goes to show the college game needs to move the line back.

By michael m.

November 6, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

salim is not hitting his shot right now and doesnt show enough effort on defense. he’s a liability out there when he isn’t sinking his 3-ball. more importantly, our identity thus far is playing good team defense. if our d was like it was last year, we would be 0-3 right now because we haven’t exactly been setting the world on fire (the backboards, yes) offensively. woodsen would be undermining the team if he gave salim minutes without his showing a willingness to play on both ends of the floor. and if salim is stewing over a pac 10 rivalry with his current teammate, then he’s got bigger issues he needs to deal with. this isn’t college anymore. he needs to step up his game if he wants to get some run.

By Tmike

November 6, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this

Don’t forget the first game when Philly used a zone. Once more teams deploy the zone and double team Joe Johnson. We will all be screaming Salim Stoudamire!!!!!!!! The NBA is about playing roles. We didn’t draft him to be a shut down defensive player; we got him because he’s a scorer. Who else on the team besides Joe can go off for 20 points in a quarter? Halla!!!!

By jhan

November 6, 2006 08:33 PM | Link to this

The lack of handle & defense is probably prohibiting Salim from playing right now. Since he can’t play the point, it’s going to be hard for him to get on the floor with Lue or Speedy. Too small of a lineup. He must be slumping in practice as well. If he was lighting everyone up in practice you’d have to believe he’d be playing.

By ray

November 6, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this

Salim is an emotionally charged player. Unlike Shelden, everything that’s going on with him seems to come out on his face and in his play. I agree with Michael M, if he’s not torching the nets, he isn’t helping him. But Sekou does say that the PT distribution is the issue. People keep talking about what Salim can do, but if that’s not what we need THE MOST at the time, then the player that provides WHAT WE NEED THE MOST at the time is the one who will play. It’s really just a vicious cycle for Salim. He can’t produce if he doesn’t play enough. He doesn’t play enough…I’m guessing because of his defensive and ball-handling deficiencies. And when he has played, he hasn’t been hitting shots. Lue, meanwhile, has been a great backup. He’s hitting shots left and right, and just when we need them.

I have this funny feeling that Marvin will be more effective than Smoove in the half court set. And nearly as effective on the fast break/running game. I’ve gone back and read a few reports by experts, scouts, etc. They said the same thing several people on this blog have said: not high basketball IQ. Childress, meanwhile, seems to have plenty. I’m beginning to dislike the idea of him getting traded. Unless, of course, a KG is involved.

I sure hope that none of our “bigs” gets hurt. Not having JJ around would be disastrous, but imagine Pachulia not being around. Right now he’s the only thing we have resembling an inside offensive threat. And he’s a scrapper…Lorenzen is tough, but who backs him up? Shelden? Not Solomon…too skinny. Why oh why did we have to let Glyniadakis goooooo?

By Tyger

November 6, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this

So far so good, danger with a young team or any team is their own egos. (see Falcons) Most cant stand prosperity and need a dose of reality every now and then.

Hopefully, these young Hawks have had enough of reality over the last two seasons that they should want a lil’ payback.

There are some concerns but its still too early to judge either way. But they are playing hard and rising to the competition, especially at home.

If they just win all the home games thats 41, but we all know that wont happen but winning a good percentage of all the home. And beating all the sub .500 on the road equals a good season.

By Borat Sagdiyev

November 6, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

Jagshemash! Salim no play because he no know play defense. Mike Woodson defense like! Very maach! I no care about strength schedule neither. Beat all the teams who sucky sucky and Hawks will near playoffs almost! Philips Arena scoreboard no work but cheerleader prostitutes me like very much for sexy time!

By A Thinking Fan

November 6, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this

Bozeman = Ron Harper type of player = Salim out…

By Lacsho

November 7, 2006 12:49 AM | Link to this

I disagree about Salim’s handles, but I think his decision making and his defense makes him a liability. We will need Salim, but he has to keep his head up especially when he’s not seeing a lot of playing time. I think Marvin will be our 2nd leading scorer; his basketball IQ is higher than Josh Smith. Josh’s nickname is J-Smoove, if I had his ability and talent, my nickname would be more vicious like J-Smack. (lol)

By RA

November 7, 2006 07:20 AM | Link to this

As far as quality of wins is concerned. The Hawks are not going to get any respect this year. If they beat a good team, it won’t be because they played well, it’ll be because the team in question played bad. If they beat a bad team, it’ll go back to that whole quality of wins crapola. If they lose to either a good team or a bad team playing well, get ready to hear ‘same ole Hawkes’ shouted from the rooftops. They Hawks have to play for themselves this year and not give a crap about what anyone else says because very little of it is going to be positive anyway…

As far as who’s playing and who isn’t. The players that are playing best, have to be playing every night. It’s not like the old days when a Hawks coaching staff was grateful for a few warm bodies to offer up to the basketball gods. Playing time is earned, not bestowed…

By ray

November 7, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

Geez, Borat. Let’s hope you don’t sit next to JohnD at any games. Matter of fact, don’t make mention of those cheerleaders to security, either. Or the cheerleaders themselves…nothing like a woman scorned..or just p** off.

Tough game against the Cavs tonight. We gotta bring it against ‘Bron ‘Bron. Hey, if Adam Morrison and Gerald Wallace can give him a little trouble, we should be able to cause some problems too. Perhaps we should try to really hit ‘em while they are still playing inconsistent, rather than let them find their “A” game against us. After all, that probably is what they are expecting to do.

By HawksW810

November 7, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this

I have not been able to view any of the games, can someone comment on the play and abilities of Soloman Jones, every thing I’ve read about him, makes me think that this lanky kid is going to be something very special. Can he and should he carry more weight?

By b man

November 7, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this

To address topic 1:

Since the nba schedule is so much longer than ncaa basketball/football, quality wins don’t carry the same weight.

All that matters is W’s and L’s (the way it should be) There’s no computer formula that grades teams based on strength of schedule and quality wins…thank goodness.

On a different note…I’m really excited about the Hawks this year. They’re young and athletic and it will be fun to watch the team progress.

I think Woodson is taking the right approach w/ the team…focusing on quickness & defense. I hope Atlanta keeps him around for a while.

It seems Joe Johnson is becoming more of a leader both on and off the court. I know this sound simple but he seems serious about getting the team in the right mental mindset, which is very important for a young team. Physical gifts will only take a team so far…so much of the game is mental.

Oh well,

By crs

November 7, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this

You can’t tell anything after three games, sit back and enjoy us winning for a change and save any analysis for atleast 20 more games.

By David Bell

November 7, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this

Salim is instant offense and that is what hte hawks need, with a good defender.. He works so hard day in and day out, i know this..

Everyday this summer , he was in the gym working on his handle and his game, he is a gym rat. I do agree that he is not a true point, but coach needs to give him a chance and let him do his thing, he take a shot and misses and Woodson pulls him.. He needs to get his shots up , and they will fall.. We all know they will.. He is as consitent of a shooter as you can be, I think if u put him in the htree point contest he will be better then craig hodges was.

I has a tough time dealing with frustrations, and that comes with maturity, he is dealing with it better then i have seen in the past.. He is the first guy up on the bench after a nice play, in college if he got pulled which was very rare, he would sit and be unhappy. The kids needs a chance to paly and show his stuff, he proved to everyone last year he has game..

By crs

November 7, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this

Like I say, its three games, if Salim has improved from last year and has a better attitude I am sure as the season wears on and injuries and fatigue play more of a roll and the back to backs come up, he will play more and more.

By newkid

November 7, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this

David Bell, it’s not often that we get to hear from someone with the sort of ‘inside’ perspective you have on a player. Thanks for sharing with us.

It appears Salim would be most useful in a ‘Reggie Miller’ type of role where he gets to pop off screens and fire up j’s, rather than freeing himself with the dribble. Usually when Reggie was on the court he was the 1st or 2nd scoring option for the Pacers, and much of the offensive set was geared to freeing him and getting him the ball as he popped off of picks. If that’s the most useful way to use Salim’s strengths on the offensive end, do you suppose Woody would sturcture offensive sets in that manner when Salim’s on the floor?

On another matter, some on this blog have observed that Salim does not seem to be really committed to the kind of defensive effort Woody seems to want from his guards. What do you think his take is on this observation?

Finally, is Salim perhaps wondering a little about the extent to which his set of skills is compatible with the Hawks’ evolving style of play?

Thanks again dude for sharing your insider’s perspective.

By mykhalc

November 7, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

well, i’ll say it again… SALIM/WOODSON = DIAW/WOODSON and it can be for totally different reasons. but for whatever reasons, mainly lack of handles and defense IMHO, they just do NOT sync. and i don’t see it gettin’ any better!! ‘cause for it to get better, one or both of them would have to change (or someone would have to be injured and we are ALL NOT hoping for anything like that!!!) and again, i’m NOT sayin’ that SALIM is NOT bustin’ his butt in practice!! i’m sure he is. but his liabilties are outgunnin’ his assets right now!!

RAY, you said it best in your earlier post. you nailed it again bro!!

By roan st

November 7, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

The reason salim can’t find his way off the bench is because right now Lue has been great scoring off the bench and bozeman has been great defensively off the bench. And sometimes childress has been getting a lot of minutes at the two which has led to no minutes for salim. As long as speedy, jj, childress, lue, and bozeman play well and stay healthy salim will never find much court time.

By Samuel

November 7, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

No students today

A win’s a win. We’re gonna beat some teams we’re not supposed to and also lose to some we’re supposed to beat. I think the Jazz will be a playoff team if they stay healthy. Weather they win the division, I don’t know. The Lakers look damn good. I don’t see a major drop off. After all, we saw what they are capable of last season in the playoffs. I’m also really pulling for Lamar Odom this year. Losing a child. I really can’t imagine what that’s like. Also, the injuries to Brown and Mihm have enabled Bynum to really show what he’s capable of. As long as they don’t revert back to watching Kobe when he gets 100% they will be as good as anybody come playoff time. Philly has one of the best players to ever step down between a jock, never forget that. Wheather they keep it up or not, I don’t know but AI is the Answer

I like Phillips. Its nice and cozy and easily accessable from Marta. I hear that the WNBA is looking to move here. Maybe they can land one of my Tupelo girls. Brang em on.

I’m not surprised Atall about Salim, Ivey or Batista not playing. Come on. Salim is the only one of the three who should even be on an NBA roster and he can only be effective on certain teams. I think his time in ATL is fastly approaching history.

Yall know Big G is my boy. Don’t underestimate him please. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him turn out to be one of the steals of the year. He’ll get some time in Seattle. Just watch.

By mykhalc

November 7, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this

and the BIG GREEK not being on the team instead of BATISTA is a crime!! i’m PO’d with that one!!

By Ryder

November 7, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this

David Bell, great analysis and I agree with your points on Salim’s dedication, but do us all a favor and use a spell check please! Newkid was right, I think it’s a matter of this offense not being suited to match Salim’s (or many of the Hawks’) talents at this point. He is at his best when he’s only set up to take shots from the arc. It does take time to settle into a regular rotation, and I hope that Woodson will figure out the Hawks are a team built to run in transition. I know a lot of it comes from Marvin being out, but once he returns (which I hope is sooner than later) then they need to settle on a rotation that will utilize all of their offensive weapons. It’s early I know but isn’t it great to say that the Hawks are a first place team?

Phillips Arena will finally host a playoff game next spring!

By HB Ando

November 7, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this

I think it was pretty easy to project that Ivey wouldn’t be a part of the rotation. Same with Batista. So you then have to look at cheap owners for not wanting to eat contracts in order to slightly upgrade our frontline, by keeping Big G. Again, predictable.

I think one of the other things you have to consider, regarding Salim’s role, or lack thereof, is that with Speedy here, Johnson is getting to play off of the ball much more. I predicted his 3’s would increase significantly, as he gets more catch and shoot opportunities. There are a finite number of those looks to go around. This year, Johnson gets a greater share, and those come at the expense of Salim. Since Salim offers little else, and JJ is rightfully getting more looks at open 3’s, Salim’s value to the rotation falls accordingly.

If Shelden looks grim, it’s probably because he knows he’s been set up to fail as the fifth overall pick. Like I’ve said, it’s not his fault Billy was a freakin’ moron for taking him there. But he’s just not that good. I’ve played my whole life, and I’ve always known where I stood on a court of players. If you’re a player, you know when you’re just outmatched. Shelden is, and will continue to be.

Soloman really intrigues me, because he has the most potential, on the current roster, to become the legitimate shot blocker in the post, that would make possible the pairing of Marvin and Josh. If he could turn into a Ratliff-type player, then Zaza can play more four, as well. It’s not going to happen this year, but I think he’ll eclipse Shelden as an NBA player.

Passed on Brandon Roy for Shelden. How do you keep your job as a GM with moves like that? I just don’t get it.

By Bryant

November 7, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this

with sheldon we’re number one in defense. with roy we get layup drills run on us like last year.

By doc

November 7, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this

well ando agree again with ya on the zaza thing but didnt think he could surpasss last year where you said he had to. the guy is doing only what i quietly hoped for and have said in the blog earlier hoping not to get the slam down. his numbers might improve since he doesnt have to measure himself to last 45 minutes a game like he had to last year. with his time down i hoped that maybe he could hold his numbers equal to last year and consider that a success. instead, he may become more of a force now that he has someone to spell him for blows or excessive fouls. if this team does well it will be when jj gets his 30 and zaza gets his 15. zaza inside delivering makes jj more effective and vice versa.

as far as slamming sheldon it is not his perogative to get numbers this year but simply to deliver 15 to 20 minutes of solid basketball underneath. his numbers will not reflect his value at all to the game except in wins for what he does without fanfare like bowen does for the spurs. if he gets five fouls in 15 minutes those will be the type of fouls we couldnt deliver last year and everyone wanted to see more of. his fouls will be opportune rather than stupid is my guess. if he couldnt play he wouldnt be out there based on woodsons work ethic and expectations. ando see the light on this one, just for a minute.

thanks, now back to the dark side you go. :@)

well roll tide clyde. you are missing a golden moment not coming out with the fire cmr t-shirts. it seeems things are plenty riled up there and bradley is beginning to point his poison pin at the richt regime much like he does with his billy knight agenda. if you keep it quiet about the bama thing you might make more money there than over on this blog. you know astro rule number one follow the money, a lot nmore folks over there. now how did you get out of bama?

guys if we dont see him for a few weeks as the hawks continue their winning ways we might now where to find roll tide clyde.

samuel are you off and runing or is the korean bulldog just tuning it up on you guys.

now lets see diaw at 8 mil or jj at 10 to 12 mil? 30 a game vs three boards, 1.5 apg with 3 t.o’s a game and less than 10 ppg. diaw is going to get stuck with the expectation tag again like he did as a top pick with atlanta. i still continue to go with the warrior in the hawk uni. god bless him.

peace all.

By Ken Strickland

November 7, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this

A number of you seem to be wondering why we released the Greek. The reason wasn’t his performance, it was MO MONEY, MO MONEY, MO MONEY. The Hawks have added 6 new faces, 2 with veteran contracts, and placed Batista and Ivey, 2 guaranteed contracts, on the inactive roster. If money wasn’t the issue, the Greek, not Batista, would be on the roster. After their contracts expire, Ivey and Batista will no longer be Hawks.

The game against Cleveland tonight will be very important. I don’t mean from a win or lose standpoint, but from a performance standpoint. After a halfhearted opening loss to Philly, the Hawks have recovered to claimed 2 strong wins. To have consistency and be competitive so early in the season, with our injuries and 6 new faces, puts us in position to makes a strong 2nd half playoff run. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!

By BB genie

November 7, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

Dear, David Bell Salim couldn’t hold Craig Hodges Ball Rack in a NBA 3pt shooting Contest. Hodges still holds the record for the highest score in a Round (25) pts. I love Salim but he MUST LEARN TO DEFEND!!!! Defense = Minutes.

By newkid

November 7, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

Probably off the beaten path, but just wondering…

To set it up, here are a couple of excerpts from an article that appeared in the Monday edition of the Florida Times-Union:

“I see an increasingly greater role that will be played by Georgia,” said Zhou Wenzhong, China’s ambassador to the United States. “… I think this is the place of the future.”

Zhou announced last week that he is seeking approval from the U.S. State Department to locate a consulate in Georgia. He also announced his support for the state’s request to establish direct flights to China by the start of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

So, are the Hawks perhaps the perfect fit - from a broader US/China geo-economic perspective - for the sensational Yi Jianlian (the 18-year old 7-footer with very mature body who loves to play above the rim) if he’s available with our Indy pick during the ‘07 draft?

By b man

November 7, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand the Sheldon Williams bashing. The Hawks needed 2 things from the draft…a point guard and size.

Sheldon will provide a much needed toughness in the paint(rebounds, blocks, defense). This year the Hawks probably won’t push scoring from him too much. His scoring will primarly come from ‘garbage plays’…tip ins & free throws. If he can score 8/10 a game I’m sure Woodson would be happy.

He’s a fundamentally sound rebounder and shot blocker…something the Hawks lacked last season. Rebounding and shot blocking are ofter taken for granted but are vital aspects of any good team. Not comparing the two but Ben Wallace is a smilar type player and I would be willing to bet the Pistons wouldn’t have won their rings if it wasn’t for Wallace.

In time I think Sheldon will become more involved in the offense…remember he was a good scorer at Duke but the offense Duke ran made it easy for him to score since the floor was so spread out.

Go Hawks!!

By jhan

November 7, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this

Bring him on!

By BB genie

November 7, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this

This could be a BLESSING for the HAWKS in the long run. By placing Ivey & Batista on the inactive roster and later sending both of them down to the NBDL. When they return both players will be out to prove to the coaching staff that they belong and can help in their respected area of need. Ivey,must become more aggressive with scoring, & Batista needs a L/post game. They both will push the rookies for P/T. And the Hawks 2nd unit will become stronger.

By GuyFromUruguay

November 7, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this

BB genie: I hope so. Will the Hawks send anyone to the NBDL? I wouldn’t mind Batista getting minutes there.

By Astro Joe

November 7, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this

Yeah, somehow I doubt that Shelden goes to bed each night thinking he can play worse than the number 4 pick but has to play better than the number 6 pick. Seems like a very smart, level-headed guy who knows that what we say will not impact his paycheck over the life of his NBA career. He also likely knows that because of the CBA, his “value” is secured for at least a good 3-4 seasons. In fact, I would guess that none of us go to work concerned about how peers or on-lookers view our performance. Why should a rookie 3 games into his NBA career?

By michael m.

November 7, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

no one is saying you should draft shelden for your fantasy team, but he does all the little things well and has been an integral part to our improved defensive play. he has a role on this team. like i have said previously, he will be the equivalent of fellow dukie shane battier, not positionwise, but in terms of being a very strong role player and positive presence on his team. he will make his team better even if he never is the sexy pick or gets a max deal. that’s fine, we don’t need another big contract. we needed what shelden delivers night in and night out. even though he has played with nerves thus far, he still defends and rebounds. you really think we would be leading the league in defense even at this early juncture if he wasn’t around? i bet at the end of the year if they had a +/- on our defense when each player is in the game, you will find that we give up fewer points when shelden is in the game although we will score more when it’s marvin and josh smith manning the forward spots. shelden will also team with those guys to play the 5, just as he has been playing center some thus far, as teams leaguewide make greater use of small lineups. if 40 is the new 30 life, then 4 is the new 5 in bball.

shelden may not have been the pick i would have made at that 5 spot, but i understood the rationale. roy will be the better player in his current situation, but he didn’t fit at this juncture with our hawks. makes me laugh when last year everyone talked about causing a riot if we drafted another swing player, and yet quite a few people on here have since remarked that they wish we’d drafted gay, foye, etc. i guess you just can’t win. no matter what you do, there will be critics.

and i say all this believing that solomon jones ultimately has more upside than shelden williams. but that doesn’t negate what shelden will do for our squard right now. and he will improve going forward as well. he’s smart, wily, and his mental acumen will serve him well as he figures out the league. his shot will get better as he settles down, providing a nice offensive complement to his strengths.

regarding salim again, i was not saying he has no role on our squad. when he shows in practice that his shot is falling again, woodsen will find him minutes to get our offense going. perhaps when a team employs the zone against us. it’s a long season and salim will win us a game or two with his shot. he’s also a nice decoy or option at the end of the game when we need a 3 and jj is being double teamed. he might find himself in there playing alongside bozeman at some point. keep your head up, salim. he’s a baller who just needs to get back on track and understand that he needs to at least show discipline and effort on defense.

good luck to the hawks tonight. really hope they show some mental toughness on the road. they need to come away with a win against either cleven or toronto on the road this week.

By David Bell

November 8, 2006 12:29 AM | Link to this

Your team is gelling with or without salim at the moment, however i think he can easily give you 15 points off the bench if the oppurtunity arose..

And the kid was 2nd team pac 10 defensive player i beleive, he knows how to play defense..Just doesnt match up with a lot of 2’s if he is playing the 2 and you are in man.. Like the first game he was gaurding iverson, that is a tough matchup,. but he did ok.. It was not like iverson was schooling him every play, salim defintly held his own against one of the best players in the league.. YOu gotta shoot to win..