AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2006 > November > 30
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Which All-Star bumped for JJ?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fine. If no one else wants to start this argument I will. Which usual suspect do you leave off the list to put Joe Johnson on your All-Star team?
Come on now. You know he’s playing like an All-Star. You know he’s deserving, certainly thus far he is. So who stays home from Vegas (working anyway) to make room for JJ? The field is going to be awfully crowded in the Eastern Conference.
You’re talking about Dwyane Wade and Allen Iverson being the front runners for the starting nods in the backcourt. That leaves a group including (Joe, of course) Chauncey Billups, Gilbert Arenas, Jason Kidd, Rip Hamilton, Mike Redd, Grant Hill, Paul Pierce, and probably Quentin Richardson (another guy putting up All-Star numbers this season). And those are just the guys I can think of off the top of my chemically influenced (I’m under house arrest today, by order of the lady of the house) dome. (And by the way, thanks for the all the suggestions yesterday, I’ve got some Airborne and will start popping those tablets in the a.m.).
I think solid cases can be made for just about every single guy on this list. But I’m wondering, who has put together a more All-Star worthy first month than JJ?
Now, on to Thursday’s five things (I gotta say before the ‘if-you-don’t-stop-coughing-i’m-driving-you-to-the-hospital’ police comes in here and makes me get back in the bed):
— 1. I remember someone here saying Solomon Jones had a chance to make an impact this season. Did you catch young fella’s performance last night?
He was good and active in the first half against the Bobcats, though not nearly as exciting as he was in defeat Saturday night in Orlando with his five blocks. What I like about him is that he’s shown no fear in mixing it up around the basket, despite being the slimmest man in the building most nights.
— 2. When in the world is someone (other than Lorenzen Wright) going to set a teeth-rattling screen to help get Joe Johnson, Tyronn Lue or Salim Stoudamire open for a shot? I’ve been waiting nearly a month to see if someone’s going to follow Lorenzen’s example. And I’m still waiting. JJ would have gone for 60 last night if he’d have had some help getting open after halftime. When the defense kicks up, as it did last night, someone has to assist JJ in getting open. Do that and there’s a good chance the ball comes back to them for all the easy shots they could ask for.
— 3. I understand the AJC was the victim of some drive-by-hating on local radio this morning. The classy thing to do would be to ignore it and keep it moving. The grimy thing to do would be to retaliate against any perpetrators with some venom-laced verbal tirade fit for a blog. Since I have Sirius Satellite Radio in my ride (highly recommended) and very little energy for the latter, I’m willing to forgive and forget.
Besides, clearly I can take a playful jab a bit better than most. But the next time someone attacks the home team baby, Blog Z won’t be this diplomatic.
— 4. Salim Stoudamire might not be pleased with his 0-4 shooting performance last night. But I saw plenty to like. He was active on defense and was a perfect fit when the Bobcats decided to play small ball (with Brevin Knight and Ray Felton on one side the Hawks countered with Tyronn Lue, Speedy Claxton and Salim. I don’t remember seeing that many 6-foot or shorter cats on an NBA floor at the same time before, it was interesting). Salim’s role is coming around on this team and I think he’s shown his value, even when he isn’t nailing shots.
— 5. Much like the All-Star campaign for Joe Johnson needs to get going, someone needs to start the Tyronn Lue Sixth Man of the Year project as well. T. Lue’s been a victim on this blog, unjustly I might add, many a times. And each time I remember trying to explain to the doubters that this guy’s value goes far beyond the court. But he’s getting it done on and off the floor these days and making it possible for Speedy Claxton to work his way back into game shape. If he keeps this up, he should be a serious candidate for the Sixth Man honor.
