AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2006 > November > 30 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWhich 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.
Comments
By HB Ando
November 30, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
I think Johnson makes it as a 3, not a guard. He and Pierce both fit that 2/3 hybrid, though Pierce is a better rebounder. I think a lot of it will come down to who is where, record-wise. Arenas is shooting under 40% right now. If Washington goes in the tank, Arenas could lose his spot. Johnson makes it in front of Rip. I see AI, Wade, Chauncey and Kidd, for sure. Arenas gets bubbled, with Johnson and Pierce. I have to say that Vinsanity makes it. With very few quality big men to choose from, you could see 8 guys that play one through the three. Damn, forgot about Redd. He’s on for sure. SS, you didn’t even mention LeBron. The East might have to take all these guys and then place Howard, Bosh, J. O’Neal and Okafor as the only legit big men.
So, we get 12 picks. I’ll take the four big guys, and AI, Wade, Kidd, Johnson, Redd, Billups, LeBron and Pierce. Jeesh, that leaves Carter and Arenas off. You know, with Johnson stepping up and making the national team, while Arenas didn’t, and guys like Carter, Billups and Kidd passing on the commitment, Johnson’s chances of getting the respect of the coaches is pretty solid. I have to believe that team records are going to have a big impact.
By John Koncak
November 30, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
What happend on the radio this morning? Also, can someone please tell Zaza not to bring the ball down after an offensive board!
T Lue aka Big Shot Lue
By Matt T
November 30, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this
Bill Simmons on Espn page 2 gave you a shout out yesterday as one of his favorite beat writers.
By phar71
November 30, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this
Vince Carter is a usual suspect for that All-Star list as well, even though I dont think he has gotten off to a hot start. Right now you’ve got to put JJ in the game though, if not for him the Hawks would be 0 - forever.
By HB Ando
November 30, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this
Wait, my 12 doesn’t leave room for Shelden Williams……….
By bojo
November 30, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this
Sekou, When is Marvin coming back?
By Kappy
November 30, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
SEKOU—You’re getting some props from one of my favorite columnist’s/bloggers, Bill Simmons, the Sportsguy from ESPN. Keep up the good work!
“The Hawks have one of my favorite NBA beat writers: Sekou Smith of the Atlanta J-C. He always breaks a sweat, does a good job breaking games down, passes along a steady stream of inside gossip/anecdotes and strikes a nice balance with his newspaper stuff and blogging. While we’re here, I also like Brian Windhorst of the Akron Beacon-Journal, Ivan Carter and Michael Lee from the Washington Post, Jason Quick from the Oregonian and Howard Beck of the New York Times. All of those guys do an excellent job. I don’t know why I’m telling you this.”
By Astro Joe
November 30, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
I agree with Ando except I don’t see Kidd making the team this year. So put Carter in the list instead of Kidd and I’m on board. (JON needs to stop complaining everytime his team loses or he’ll be sitting out Las Vegas too).
Don’t worry Ando, Roy nor Foye nor O’Bryant will be on the squad either. By the way, check your Yahoo mail for an olive branch (of sorts).
By mista follows the hawks
November 30, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this
The East has to take six guards: Iverson and D. Wade, Joe, Chauncey, Gilbert and Mike Redd are in. Everybody else you mentioned is out.
Three things, since I’m at work and don’t have time to do five:
All I can say about Joe Johnson torching Adam Morrison was you had to be there! The whole arena wanted Joe to have the ball every time down in the second quarter.
I watched Woody go with Speedy, T. Lue and Salim together and it reminded me of B-League intramural games at Georgia State! Norcross High’s 2nd team is taller than that! Matt Carroll has an 8-inch height advantage over any one of them and Charlotte went away from him. Their loss I guess. You have to admit that
In spite of Zaza’s bad shots last night, they were fun to watch. Johnson/James Part II, tomorrow night!
By Ryder
November 30, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this
JJ will make it this year if this keeps up and Atlanta is still hovering around .500 by late Jan (a lot will be determined after this upcoming west coast swing). He has already won Eastern Conference player of the week once before(a strong showing tomorrow night and he may get it again). Coaches have raved about his game from the World Championships and he has gotten (deservedly so) all of the credit for the Hawks’ decent start. It’s not as if he’s scoring just to score, but he knows that as the Hawks’ main option he is putting this team on his back. Hopefully he can improve on his free throw shooting.
I see the Guards for the East as follows: Iverson, Redd, Wade, JJ, Billups, and Kidd. Arenas will be left out and so will Rip.
By **NATIVE SON**
November 30, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this
Joe Johnson, has outscored most every other so -called all star. He is a shooter, they are scorers.
By Boheezy
November 30, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this
MY All star squad so far for the east.
By rian
November 30, 2006 06:33 PM | Link to this
Somebody please elaborate on the “drive by hating” by a local radio station. Who said what a/b the AJC?
By rob
November 30, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this
I think Rip gets the boot. Although he is a solid player, I thought that it was a stretch putting him on there last year…same for rasheed. I have to agree with mista, the energy in the arena was incredible during that stretch. We were all just waiting for the next bucket! The thing that worries me is that we aren’t stepping on the throat in the 3rd and 4th quarters. It seems like we have had extreme offensive droughts around the same time each game (win or lose) which have killed us. Hopefully Marvin and Josh will solve this problem, specifically Marvin if he becomes the second option when fully healthy. There is too much ability to go that long without scoring every night though. Between JJ, ZaZa, Josh, Josh, Speedy, Tlue, Marvin, Salim and Sheldon you have 9 guys who are capable and have put up at least 20 in a game before. With that depth you shouldn’t go six minutes without a fg on a regular basis. Overall I am very excited about the team, esp since they have played so well while shorthanded. Looking forward to the Cavs on friday. Lets hit .500 before the west coast!
By The Flash
November 30, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this
I think JJ’s in. Why? The Hawks are starting to become a draw. Remember where you heard it. They are a fun team to watch. That counts. The game should be fun.
There ain’t a scowler on this club, well, maybe SS, a tad, but only cause he wants it so.
Value to the league, the Hawks are on the rise and JJ is leading them. Cannot leave him off; will not leave him off.
I agree with Ando man that it will be about team performance, as much as anything, but not necessarily about Ws and Ls. Is a team competative and do you like watching them. The Ws will be there, are there, but more importantly, they are showing some CLASS. The league needs that.
Oh, and BTW, JJ deserves it. That helps.
By The Flash
November 30, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this
Vince is off; Rip is off; Kidd is off.
Arenas is on. The guy is the best looking guy in the league, period. He also has the prettiest one on one game in the league as well, unless you just can’t live without seeing someone throw it down. For me, as seeing the doctor, the other doctor, doc, Nique, and MJ, it don’t impress me. Arenas plays with his legs under him, with grace, speed, and power (yes, you heard me right), pound for pound better than anyone in the league. Yeah, I know, he can’t play and pass it inside at the same time. A fatal flaw if you really want your team to get somewhere; but, in terms of theater, who cares about no stinkin passin. You know I’m right here folks.
Doc, that stuff help me get skinnier. Otherwise, I ain’t interested. I was at the Verizon Center at a Georgetown game the other night, real good seats. Lucky, cause I had a hard time getting in and out. BTW, my kid and his boyz took it easy on me. His Daddy didn’t raise no fool; he’s gettin his license soon. I’m milkin it for all it’s worth. Heh, heh, heh.
when he is on, is probably the most entertaining, unless you just totally are sold on the most boring play in the game.
By Richie Rich
November 30, 2006 07:34 PM | Link to this
SEKOU, Grant Hill and Q-RICH? You have got to be joking!! Please tell me you were joking!
By Volman145
November 30, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this
Sekou, glad to see you’ve chosen the correct remedy, Airborne.
I agree with most of your All-Star picks, but you did forget LeBron. He’s a given.
Watching Salim and his confidence out on the court is AWESOME. The first week or so when he wasn’t in, you’d see him pouting on the bench, wearning no head band. He’s come back strong, played some good games, and gotten that confidence (and headband, sorry Big Ben!) back. I truly believe everytime he shoots it has a REALLY good chance to go in.
Zaza has been making some bonehead decisions recently with his shots.. Sometimes I just want to go through that screen and say “what were you thinking!” haha.
The same thing goes for J-Smith, as well. He has forced a lot of 3’s as of late, and I just wish he would drive and keep on driving. LeBron drives CONSTANTLY and just rips through defenses. We need J-Smith to be able to do that, be able to penetrate, and kick to Joe for a three. Easy.
We have to definitely give props to Joe Johnson for carrying this young Hawks team on his back. I really don’t think that the Hawks would be anywhere without T-Lue, though. I don’t even count Speedy’s minutes as him playing with the team yet. You could substitute “Speedy Claxton” with “Royal Ivey” on the screen and you wouldn’t know the difference. T-Lue has come in and made some BIG shots and changed some games for us. The Hawks would not be where they are right now if it weren’t for him.
Speedy, get well. Get 100% soon please. We need you at full “speed” so we can unleash the beast at full power! I can’t wait to see more alley-oops on fast breaks to Josh Smith!
When is Marvin coming back? Hurry!
By Clyde
November 30, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this
I think Jermaine O’neal or Shaq might not knock JJ off the squad.
Why would someone hate on a blog? Expecially on radio. We need to be hatin’ on them cause all the sports talk shows in Atlanta suck with the exception of the 2 Live Stews. They alright.
One stat for thought. Al Harrington only has 2 blocks this whole season.
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By Samuel
November 30, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this
I would say that JJ makes it ahead of either Hamilton, Hill and possibly Kidd. I think Shaq makes it no matter what and he should.
Dwade,AI,Chauncey,Lebron,JJ, Areanas, Pierce,Shaq, DHoward, Bosh,JOneil, Okafor.
By Samuel
November 30, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this
Forgot Redd. Redd instead of Okafor.
By HB Ando
December 1, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this
Joe, Nazr for Franchise or Starbury is an olive branch? You are too kind, sir. I’ll see if I can offer you a counter.
By Astro Joe
December 1, 2006 01:04 AM | Link to this
Check email again. Wrong branch.
By Astro Joe
December 1, 2006 01:06 AM | Link to this
The BEAN is back. Kobe is AMAZING.
By reese
December 1, 2006 01:11 AM | Link to this
as far as the radio comment goes: Bruce Levenson was on 790 the zone Thursday morning and commented about the AJC sports writers. I don’t remember his exact words, but he followed up with “Thats why the AJC circulation is going down”.
I don’t know why there isn’t a bigger uproar about 790 the zone continually lowering their signal at exactly 5:30pm everyday.
Also, Sekou, your article about the Atlanta fan base not supporting the hawks touched a nerve as well. I had been trying to buy Cav’s tickets online, via tickemaster, before thanksgiving. I could not get 2 tickets together. I went to empire tickets and they had over a 100% markup. The Friday after thanksgiving I went to the Philips ticket counter and was told that there were not any tickets because the game is a sellout. I’m watching the charolette game and they are saying tickets are available. I go online and tickets are available. I buy the tickets and have to pay a surcharge, convenience charge per ticket and email delivery charge to print the tickets. Their ticket seller lied to me and the team is basically performing Legalized scalping with all of these fees.
By Wedgie Evans
December 1, 2006 01:32 AM | Link to this
If they go by actual performance instead of reputation, Gilbert Arenas is out. Arenas has been playing like s** this year comparatively; he is shooting under 40%, is one of the league leaders in turnovers and is averaging less points per game than Joe Johnson. As of right now, Joe is definitely more deserving of an All-Star spot than Gilbert.
By Willie Coyote
December 1, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this
Thank you Reese! I have had the same problems trying to get Hawks tickets. I try to get good seats and they aren’t available but I look at that game on TV and there the empty seats are in abundance.
If Joe got the foul calls that people like Wdae or James get, he’d be a lock for the All Star game. well, I think he should be a lock now with his scoring average along with his assist, rebound, and steal numbers. I don’t really care who he bumps out but he better be selected.
Lue should be one of the front runners for 6th man and when J Chill comes back, I think he should get some consideration as well. Both of those guys are doing it for the team this year.
By Boheezy
December 1, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this
MY All star squad so far for the east.
By St. Bernard
December 1, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this
Haven’t been on in a while. Seems the bandwagon got really full there for awhile. Do we have a timetable on Marvin’s return???? Here’s a fantasy question for you pros: Is Marvin worth dropping Pietrus in hopes that Marvin plays like he did this summer?
By Astro Joe
December 1, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this
So the Heat may trade for Maggette. i always thought he’d be perfect for the Bulls. They need a big SG and Ben Gordon would match nicely with Livingston out in LALA Land. I wonder if Maggette can stay healthy playing against SF on a nightly basis. Interesting trade idea.
By Ryder
December 1, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this
I’d like to reflect on the article regarding the NBA as a viable market in Atlanta. Remember that back in the 80’s and the early 90’s the Omni used to be packed to watch ‘Nique, Spud, Doc, and a slew of others as the Hawks took on the big boys of the East. While Atlanta never made “that leap” to contender status, the fans were here to root for Atlanta and not the opponent.
Let’s not fool ourselves here, this all ended on Feb 23, 1994 (correct me if that date is wrong) when that idiot Babcock and Wilkens forced the trade of the star player on the team WITH THE BEST RECORD IN THE EAST!!!! Would Miami trade Wade in that situtation, or would the Cavs trade Lebron if they were on top? Worse they traded Nique for the Human Egg Danny Manning, and he flopped and was gone in a heartbeat! You can’t debate THAT was the move that set this team back for the next 12 seasons!
That being said, Atlanta is just like any other city, when the team wins the fans will come point blank. I live in DC and I can tell you no one cared about the Wizards until they made the playoffs.
That being said, for the first time since Nique Atlanta has a franchise player they can build around in Joe Johnson. He’s selfless and can take over a game when necessary. Billy Knight has worked hard to build a team with depth and can run with almost every team in the league. Josh Smith is a highlight reel waiting to happen on both offense and defense. Marvin Williams is going to become that much needed second option on offense to JJ.
It just comes down to the young core maturing together. Based on what i’ve seen in the last year on this blog there’s a lot of reason for optimism with this franchise.
Funny, you don’t hear anyone complaining anymore about coulda/shoulda/woulda about Chris Paul, Randy Foye or Brandon Roy.
By HB Ando
December 1, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this
Joe, I got the right branch this morning and sent you a response. I appreciate the offer……
By Astro Joe
December 1, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this
No problem Ando.
Zaza for Shaq? It really is a fantasy world.
By HB Ando
December 1, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this
Yeah, I decided I couldn’t afford to lose for the next 3-4 weeks, waiting for Shaq and Gasol. I’ve been playing with one, or both, center slots empty, and I’m digging too deep of a hole, record wise. So I took the short-term damage control over long-term uncertainty with Shaq’s knee.
By The Flash
December 1, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this
Ryderman, don’t think your read on DC is correct. Juan, Googs, and the big guy from eastern europe, with a couple of solid and entertaining guards, played the best ball I’ve seen in 30 years in DC, period. Only a slight drop off when Webber arrived, that is until they brought in the poison man, good old Rod. And, MJ did entertain.
BTW, everybody here has dropped the acrimony, as the drama plays itself out. Let it rest.
By honest_abe
December 1, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this
as much as i hate pete babcockadoodle and i love my man nique… ol petie had the right idea… he just had a horrificly bad eye for talent… let me clarify that i hated the trade when it went down… in fact it really p** me off just like i’m sure it POed all you other hawks fans… BUT, the idea behind the trade was actually pretty good… nique was clearly on the downhill of his career.. this was a chance to get younger and better. i mean if babcock had gotten half a decent player for nique there wouldn’t have been as big a backlash. instead.. babcock got an overrated tweener, with two artificial knees… who couldn’t stay on the team much less lead them. it will forever go down in hawks history as the worst trade ever… but only because mr. manning was really THAT bad.. ( oh ya and that whole thing about lenny not being able to coach superstars was a bunch of garbage.. lenny and nique might not have had a perfect relationship but i believe the entire trade idea was the brainchild of babcock)
By mykhalc
December 1, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this
RYDER, i think your post is on-point about the jelling of the current HAWKS and the days of NIQUE. i was a season ticket holder back in the 80’s and the OMNI used to rock. and don’t let the CELTICS roll into town!! the rivalry and intensity was there on the floor and in the stands!! those were some fun times for the franchise even tho they never did make it over the hump. but the team was defintely worth watchin’, nite-in nite-out. but the young guns are headed in the right direction.
SAMUEL, i like your picks for the all-star team. so i’ll go with the same… Dwade,AI,Chauncey,Lebron,JJ, Areanas, Pierce,Shaq, DHoward, Bosh,JOneil, REDD. tho there is still achance KIDD makes it at the expense of AREANAS. but i think JJ is good to go with his numbers and with the current competiveness the team is bringin’. they should not be able to find a way to leave him off!!
ABE, BABCOCK was the WORST thing that ever happened to this franchise. it is REALLY AMAZING how some people can keep a job regardless of their job performance!!! (yeah FALCONS, you listenin’!!??)
DOC, thanks again for the link. the products look really good. did u get my return email??
By John
December 1, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this
When will Childress be back? We are really missing him.
By doc
December 1, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this
myc man, sure did. looks good but havent had the time to really filter it out. the vital adapt is solid if you dont need much heat; if you do combine with power adapt. nightgain is the real stuff too. it you do any serious workouts it might be reasonable to check out some of their other products as well. their immune stimualants should help those with significant stress of daily grinds, especially, when they are exposed to a lot of sick folk or cant control who they are around.
you are right on abouth the good ole days as the ahwks were the only franchise to come close to being a winner from the late 70’s into the nique era. feel it is coming back.