Hawks

By J. Shuttlesworth

January 11, 2007 01:40 PM | Link to this

It is time for a new coach.

By Paul

January 11, 2007 01:43 PM | Link to this

The Hawks have already passed on an opportunity to take on Hodge’s contract from Denver for some future draft compensation. Anything short of an AJC headline reading “Mike Woodson fired” won’t turn this team around. It may not be all Woody’s fault, however he has obviously lost the team. You can see it in the players body language on the court. If the Hawks wind up giving a 4 to 8 pick to Pheonix Knight will likely be next.

By Edgar

January 11, 2007 01:48 PM | Link to this

FIRE WOODSON TODAY

By vdunkndunk

January 11, 2007 01:49 PM | Link to this

I think Woodson needs to go. This team has given up and they’ve got to be tired of hearing Woody trying to fix it after all this losing. They just don’t have it anymore, it doesn’t even look like they’re trying, so it’s time to make a change there.

And it’s too bad that we’ve squandered so many assets with bad decisions. For instance, the number 5 pick we had would have a lot more value right now if we had taken Roy or Foye instead of reaching for Shelden.

And if we had done the sensible thing and drafted Chris Paul or Luol Deng instead of Marvin and Childress, we either wouldn’t need to make a trade, or we could be in the running for a superstar like KG.

And Al Harrington should have brought us a better return. I just don’t get waht BK is thinking. I mean, even if we did want to package a few of our young players, all we have is a bunch of forwards…so I’m not sure who would be interested in adding a bunch of overlapping young players who were drafted too high (other than BK, of course).

By honest_abe

January 11, 2007 01:55 PM | Link to this

it’s too bad that woody has to go.. he was stuck in an impossible situation. no coach can win this current roster. i don’t know what bk’s vision for this team is, but i’m starting to lose faith in him as well.

as long as this team doesn’t have a viable owner. we will always be trash!

By Bill E. Night

January 11, 2007 01:59 PM | Link to this

What are you people complaining about? RELAX!

Aren’t you excited about watching the Joshes? Or what about the Jordan-esque antics of Marvin Williams?

Haven’t you seen “The Landlord” and his shoulder strap intimidate anyone who steps in the paint?

I gave you people Rasheed Wallace!!!

By HipHopTalkShow

January 11, 2007 01:59 PM | Link to this

Billy Knight shops the ?Clearance Rack? for free agents. (Speedy, Lorenzen, Medvedenko)

Compare: Hawks Payroll: $45,747,460 Cap Room: $7,387,540 Record: 10-23

Bulls Payroll: $54,754,904 Cap Room: $-1,619,904 Records: 20-16 Ben Wallace, PJ Brown, Adrian Griffin

Wizards Payroll: $62,563,389 Cap Room: $-9,428,389 Record: 20-14 Gilbert Arenas, DeShawn Stevenson, Antawn Jamison

By honest_abe

January 11, 2007 02:04 PM | Link to this

hey hiphoptalkshow… go away!.. billy knight isn’t privileged to go out and spend as much money as he pleases. obviously you don’t follow this team, so i have no idea why i’m even disputing your argument other than the fact that you are an absolute moron.

By ROD

January 11, 2007 02:07 PM | Link to this

The team is not responding to Coach Woodson.

No veteran leadership for the youngsters

JJ is to mild mannered to take charge.

Lorenzen is just dumb.

Speedy start the offense too late in the shot clock.

Marvin is not a jump shooter (somebody tell him)

JJ, Solomon Jones and J Chill are only positives

By Matt from Hotlanta Hawks

January 11, 2007 02:11 PM | Link to this

The Hawks aren’t exactly a trade away from being title contenders. At this point I think the only players that should be safe are the Joshes and Joe Johnson. Everyone else can go. But don’t trade for anybody over 30, it’s not worth it.

By Dan

January 11, 2007 02:12 PM | Link to this

What would a trade do at this point? I understand a change is needed, but does anyone really think it will help? I think Woodson has to go. I agree with the poster above. Woodson has lost this team.

The Hawks have always lost games. However, this is the first time I see them losing games because they are giving poor effort. I have lost all hope.

By the way, have you guys seen the schedule for February? I am not sure if they will win a game that month. If you think this is bad, wait until February rolls around.

By HipHopTalkShow

January 11, 2007 02:14 PM | Link to this

Hey honest_abe Tell us just what a GM’s Job is. Thank you in advance for your response.

BY THE WAY, your previous comment: i don’t know what bk’s vision for this team is, but i’m starting to lose faith in him as well.

By Volman

January 11, 2007 02:14 PM | Link to this

I really feel bad for Woody and the situation he was put in with the youngest team in NBA history. That says it all right there.

I don’t see any F/A’s next year wanting to come to Atlanta.. I just don’t.

Does hiring a new coach REALLY help?

I pray that we can get a 1-3 pick next year. I pray.

Hopefully we can find some studs next year in the draft and try and get a trade soon for someone who helps the team immediately. No more slava.

“Go Hawks”.. eeh, I’m so disappointed in this team right now.

By Pete Babcock

January 11, 2007 02:15 PM | Link to this

Trade Joe Johnson for Danny Manning.

By jamal

January 11, 2007 02:18 PM | Link to this

sekou you need to watch captain planet or or some $hit becuz “the power is yours” sekou, you are the only one that can right an article about all this bull$hit basketball and get the gm and coach fired.

By doc

January 11, 2007 02:24 PM | Link to this

excuse me sekou but it is the dregs now and i am apologetically bringing forwards from previous blog later.

yes there is no such thing as a “cap” as it is only there for worthless ownerships to hide behind but the disimilarity in money spent means, i dont care who you are as a coach, if you let your good guys go you dont win. though some thought the suns were thrifty and stole from us they are not and signed their fourth or fifth best player diaw for 8 mil a year this year. that would make diaw our second highest paid player to compare apples and oranges, that said there is time for a change either in coaching or philosophies of the coaches as this one aint working.

sekou, funny i just read your gloves come off comment having written the same earlier, and i have often said the draft choice at the end of the year doesnt count for beans for several years. teams are not made through the draft only look to the pistons for confirmation there. it only gives certain folks reason to cry, whine or worry and us something to discuss in the off season, read on…

yes reese, it is really ugly right now and there is no end in sight, when we cant beat an equally beaten up team and dont see any effort for owners to get something done. ultimately, the lack of action shows issues with the owners which we cant do amything about. the next guys will be equally handcuffed whoever you fire.

right now i am sorry that there does not seem to be any true changes being made to win games. though it may have cost the hawks an earlier draft pick i really admired what stotts tried to do when he didnt have the horses the other guys had and actually won a few games with a very rag tag group of players. as a fan i can admire even the little things that none of us seem to be able to appreciate right now; i guess out of our own ignorance is probably how the owners depict us now. they are beginning to look like the emperor’s with no clothes on.

as an aside it was really fun to hear an interview that cowherd did with mike d’antonino of the suns (prob missed the spell on that name). first of all he was very glib and comunicated well. when asked about nash and how he seems to enjoy watching others score he made a point to say that it is more than that, that stats mean nothing to the guy and he just wants to make the right play. ok ill go further to say he threw diaw into that heading as well saying he was the same way always wanting to see the right play made. yes, i know i have ridden the guy hard. it was refreshing to hear mike d’ and his philosophy of playing ball not always the idea of playing defense which we have heard until we are blue in the face. it is fine to play defense if you have sheed, hamilton and wallace, but we dont so you come up with another plan. yes reese and ray and so many others say nightly, imagination. if you are going to lose at least try another way. it is like the definition of crazy if you continue to do the same thing getting the same result expecting something different.

it would be a breath of fresh air to hear a guy like mike d ‘of phoenix as the coach of the hawks. now who would ever come here that thought he could become anything with this ownership. that is why we are stuck guys and i continue to say hold the owners responsible. though there are probs with ownership in memphis supposedly the assistant for the suns is the guy west wants to coach for him next year. i dont want a retread as my next coach, give me a guy like mike d’ when that time comes.

ok, the gloves are slowly coming off which i said they would if we continued to mire in the muck. going skiing friday maybe things will be more defined by then if we can see josh back and a trade made. still need the offensive presence inside that isnt there when zaza is cut off from the basket by a defensive minded center or many bigs clogging up the lanes.

By Ricardo

January 11, 2007 02:25 PM | Link to this

This is an absolute disaster. Look at how things flow down hill: Broke owners w/out a clue fighting to keep control on an asset that they don’t even know what to do with, a GM who doesn’t have a clue (and is a know-it-all-jerk who alienates what is left of the rapidly diminishing fan base) and a coach that can’t get a medicore and poorly assembled group of “talent” to play hard.

If this team stunk but played hard it would one thing. But this team stinks and mails it in almost every time out on the court. Unacceptable. What a waste.

That said, if there was someone in charge that had a clue, had some real money to spend from ownership and was willing to “shake the bag” and make some deals (Slava Medvwhatever doesn’t count!) there are some pieces that could bring a good return.

It’s now time to tear this thing apart and start over (once again, for the 214th time).

Right now the Hawks might well be the very worst run organazition in all of sport.

By bill

January 11, 2007 02:27 PM | Link to this

The BK/MW bashing will conitnue until one of the esteemed Spirit conglomerate speaks to the media to take the heat off…but the longer the losing continues, Knight & Woodson are getting paid the big bucks to keep their mouths shut!

I’ll bet Larry has a seat for Mike right next to him on the Sixer bench next season…

By DBELL

January 11, 2007 02:29 PM | Link to this

Fire woodson is right..If he had such bad injuries and no point gaurd, why did Salim only get 16 minutes? Woodson said, that everyone hung there head low after zaza and t lue went out.. I doubt that, he is the one who has had his head hung all season, He is a horrible game coach, and from what i hear even worse of a practice coach..

Salim needs to get traded asap, this system sucks for him. He is not a player who should just sit in the corner either, he should be allowed to create and make others better around him ,but coach WOODY does not use him that way. He sticks him in the corner..

By mykhalc

January 11, 2007 02:31 PM | Link to this

SEKOU, like i said to you in your previous blog bro…COPY-N-PASTE bro, COPY-N-PASTE!!! it’s all been said before!!

when is the court set to hear the SPIRIT/BELKIN case? only then should you abandon the more efficient, yet still appropriate and ‘NEWS-ACCURATE’ COPY-N-PASTE reportin’ style!!!

JJ, i luv ya man. BUT SAVE YOURSELF!!!!

By CSI Atlanta

January 11, 2007 02:34 PM | Link to this

Speedy and Lorenzen were reserves and they still are. Get JJ some real Help. C-Webb’s stock has droped but he can help us.

By Edgar

January 11, 2007 02:38 PM | Link to this

in case you wondering, Woodson is now 49-148. Only one more loss to go before he’s a 100 games under .500 in less than two and a half years! What a milestone! His winning percentage as a head coach is .249, placing the immortal Woody behind such coaching legends as the miserable Tim Floyd (.280 for the awful post Jordan Bulls); former Detroit, Orlando and Dallas coaching great Richie Adubato (.346: he was even at the reign during the bulk of Dallas’ mind boggling 11 win season.); Denver’s Jeff Bzdelik (.365 in just under 2.5 recent years at Denver); and leaps and bounds behind our own beloved Terry Stotts (an incredible .380 in two seasons). In fact, I challenge anyone to find one coach who has been a head coach in the NBA for at least two full season with a worse winning percentage. I don’t think one exists. Not one case. I could be wrong, if I am, prove me so. FIRE WOODSON TODAY. Granted he hasn’t been given a whole lot to work with, but he literally may be the worst coach ever. His players have finally completely given up on him. FIRE HIM TODAY!!

By mykhalc

January 11, 2007 02:42 PM | Link to this

i’m embarrassed to be a HAWKS fan these days!!!! this team has NO HEART, NO PRIDE, NO DIRECTION, NO LEADERSHIP, NO REAL EFFORT!! and all that leads to NO CHANCE!!!

CLEAN HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By LimpFoamFinger

January 11, 2007 02:44 PM | Link to this

I want game. I look at the nba scores & Hawks lose again. Not a suprise, That’s the problem. Atlantans have become too compliant with Atl sports. We glance by the Hawks scores and sigh. No more! The fans deserve better. The players look for a leader but their coach & JJ divert their eyes down. The spirit,the fun, the game is gone. I want soaring Hawks, fierce consistent Falcons, non-streaking Thrashers, and a tom-a-hawk chopping Braves. I don’t want people to be released but Coach Woodson, a fighter, not working. The GM…tried his way…needs change. So no more…I want game!

By LimpFoamFinger

January 11, 2007 02:45 PM | Link to this

I want game. I look at the nba scores & Hawks lose again. Not a suprise, That’s the problem. Atlantans have become too compliant with Atl sports. We glance by the Hawks scores and sigh. No more! The fans deserve better. The players look for a leader but their coach & JJ divert their eyes down. The spirit,the fun, the game is gone. I want soaring Hawks, fierce consistent Falcons, non-streaking Thrashers, and a tom-a-hawk chopping Braves. I don’t want people to be released but Coach Woodson, a fighter, not working. The GM…tried his way…needs change. So no more…I want game!

By Edgar

January 11, 2007 02:51 PM | Link to this

oh yeah, have the worst owners in all of pro-sports. And People throw things at me when I wear my JJ jersey.

By Anakin Joe

January 11, 2007 03:18 PM | Link to this

As I forever enter the darkside of this blog, I formally change my nomiker. I am no longer Astro Joe, I am now Anakin Joe.

Woody and BK have pushed me out of the light. Off the bridge of optimism and into the murky waters of dispair. My rose-colored glasses are black as night. The silver lining is raining down buckets of hail the size of microfiber basketballs. My hope has lost it’s hop. I have moved to the dark side.

I salute you KING CLYDE. Honors to Herald HB Ando. I bow to your greatness and I submit to the darkness that is true, everlasting and constant.

I am your humble brother in the darkness. I am Anakin Joe.

By Not_Ready_for PrimeTime

January 11, 2007 03:22 PM | Link to this

Isiah Thomas would be Coach of the Year when compared to what MW has done in Atlanta and Thomas will get fired at season end. The only reason BK/MW are still employed is becaused the Hawks ownership is still up in the air.

By Khao$

January 11, 2007 03:34 PM | Link to this

Between Billy Knight, Mike Woodson, and the Spirit Group, Woodson deserves the least amount of blame and some compassion. He inherited a team from that had pieces suchs as washed up Kenny Anderson and Kevin Willis, two draft picks by the name of Josh and a ball hog name Antoine Walker. The next year, his GM drafted his 15th swingman with the # 2 pick (instead of a needed PG), and this year he drafted an undersized big man at five. He’s signed an overweight big man name Loreznen, and a broke down PG named Speedy.

My point? Woodson ain’t the best, but ownership and his GM haven’t given him much. I’m tired of hearing about injuries and “the process.” I’m sick of hearing about BK’s hands being tied. His hands weren’t tied when he drafted Marvin, Shelden and signed Speedy.

I never thought I’d say this, but bring on Belkin. It couldn’t be any worse than it is now…

By Willie Coyote

January 11, 2007 03:41 PM | Link to this

I’m almost ready to start a corporation and get investors to buy the Hawks. I’ll put up lemonade stands and have bake sales outside Phillips to raise the money. That way, the Hawks will be a fan-owned franchise. I’d keep BK so he would have to answer to the fans…that would kill him.

I’m only half kidding about that by the way.

And, ahem, Anakin (lmao), if you are on the dark side now, shouldn’t you be Darth Joe or something :)

By mykhalc

January 11, 2007 03:42 PM | Link to this

JOE, say it ain’t so!!!LOL

your JJ prediction is lookin’ more and more likely everyday!!!

By honest_abe

January 11, 2007 03:42 PM | Link to this

lol ANAKIN… ha! i’m at the edge.. and it’s hard to find any positives right now. but i will continue to keep the faith!!!!

By Tyger

January 11, 2007 03:43 PM | Link to this

What can we get for Joe Johnson???

By Atlanta Spirit

January 11, 2007 03:50 PM | Link to this

Keep on buying tickets you fools!! Billy Knight is a f’n genius!!! Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!!!

By mykhalc

January 11, 2007 04:05 PM | Link to this

KHAO$, you’re right. WOODSON does deserve some compassion. but my compassion STOPS when he fails to make any kind of coachin’ adjustments!!! he has lost the team because the team has realized HIS FAILURE to adjust and lead!! that much is on HIM!!

there have been many things predicted within this blog. but i don’t think ANYONE predicted the team would JUST FLAT OUT QUIT!! that’s a reflection of the players first, with WOODSON runnin’ a real close second!! (and if anyone did predict it then i stand corrected)

By Chris

January 11, 2007 04:12 PM | Link to this

I agree Woodson needs to go, there is no doubt about that, but Knight also needs to go. Can’t just let Woodson go and expect to win as long as the idiot Knight is running things.

By Anakin Joe

January 11, 2007 04:12 PM | Link to this

Willie Coyote, I will remain Anakin as long as there are significant injuries. The moment we lose 4 out of 5 with a relatively healthy line-up, then I will transition fully into Darth Joe. But I am at least beginning to learn the “ways of the dark side” even now.

By Larry

January 11, 2007 04:14 PM | Link to this

The Hawks are to the NBA what the Oakland Raiders, Phoenix Cardinals and Detroit Lions are to the NFL. Regardless of coaches, draft, trades or tinkering, the team is lousy. This team started 4-0 with promise and has gone 6-21 since then. I live in Michigan and can attest to the way a poorly managed franchise (Liosn) tends to reflect itself in the game. Compare them to the three Detroit teams with wonderful ownership (Tigers - World Series, Pistons - NBA champs, Red Wings - Stanley Cup champs.) The Hawks completely reflect their incompetent ownership model. It doesn’t matter who the GM or coach is, until ownership is improved this team will be in the toilet.

By Steve

January 11, 2007 04:16 PM | Link to this

The Spirit is horrible…Billy Knight needs to go NOW! And Woodson should have been gone last year. We need Rick Adelman. NOW.

By Steve Belkin

January 11, 2007 04:16 PM | Link to this

Billy Knight is a basketball genius. You mortals just don’t understand his true greatness yet. Be patient, his masterwork will be revealed shortly.

By Wedgie Evans

January 11, 2007 04:18 PM | Link to this

This was supposed to be the year the Hawks made the playoffs. Billy Knight traded away Atlanta’s first-round pick this year, indicating that he expected this team to be a playoff team this year. He’s been given his chance — obviously his experiment failed, and he’s gotta go. I have always thought Woodson has the ability to be a good coach — even if he’s not the greatest X’s and O’s coach out there, he’s done a good job in the past of getting maximum effort out of the Hawks. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened this season either. This is a roster built to run, and instead they play slow-down, half court basketball. That’s fine for developing fundamentals in young players, but when you have no post presence you can’t honestly expect to play half-court basketball and win games. I think Woodson’s gotta go too, and they should replace him with someone who speeds up the tempo of this team — similar to what Memphis just did, firing Fratello and replacing him with Tony Barone.

The Woodson/Knight experiment has failed — time to start over. Luckily for whoever replaces them, this team is not in salary cap hell like Philadelphia or New York, and there is talent on this team. A trade or two to acquire a post presence and a reliable point guard will have this team comfortably in the playoffs.

By jonathan friedman

January 11, 2007 04:39 PM | Link to this

I’m born and raised in the atl, and now live in N.J. and of course watch every game on direct tv and I can’t believe that i spent the money to see such regressing, its embarresing, I’m seeing NO improvement, i dont care about win/loses right now, i just wanted to see improvement, which were not. No direction and i blame this to the GM, the coaching and of course the stupid ownership situation. Disgusting!Where do you go from here?

By Ron Roberts

January 11, 2007 04:55 PM | Link to this

In football, the Detroit Lions continue to let their team president, Matt Millen, collect checks despite the team continually going south, year in, year out, with marquee draft picks and coaching changes.

In basketball, the Atlanta Hawks continue to let their general manager, Billy Knight, collect checks despite the team continually going south, year in, year out, with marquee draft picks and coaching change.

The Lions are stupid to keep Matt Millen all this time.

The Hawks are stupid to keep Billy Knight all this time.

Do these two guys have naked photos of their supervisors with a 13-year old kid or something?

By Steve Brown

January 11, 2007 04:56 PM | Link to this

Forget about their basketball IQ. As entertainment value all I can say is you must be kidding. And for all you new age fans that don’t respect old school, there is no hope unless you get your heads out of your xbox and smell reality, it is laughable. If you are no better than your weakest link the NBA is on its deathbed. Thugs, lazy rich guys, zone defenses, three point shots, oh my god what I would give for one shake and bake fadeaway by Earl the Pearl. The NBA is broken and it just might be permanent.

By Khao$

January 11, 2007 05:01 PM | Link to this

My problem with the whole “fire Woody” sentiment on this blog is the fact that the real culprits (ATL Spirit and BK) should receive tons more criticism and scorn. Woodson is only playing the hand he’s dealt. Although he might not be the best “poker player” at the table, the “dealers” (his bosses) have given him rotten hands. It’s ridiculous. For every “Fire Woody” post on this board, there should be five more fire BK and and get rid of The Spirit Group posts. This thing is rotten from the top and these guys all need to go.

By Steve T

January 11, 2007 05:06 PM | Link to this

The Hawks need a good big man that can rebound and block shots. Has anyone notice how the other teams take control of the paint since Josh Smith is not around.

Billy, it is easy to find some guys like this. The development is full of them. I keep telling Woodson that he needs to play Solomon and Esteban more. We can move Zaza to power forward. The center on this team has one mission…. play tough.

By Gwinnettian4life

January 11, 2007 05:18 PM | Link to this

Haven’t the Hawks done this every year since 1997? Like clockwork? And when those of us who have lived in Atlanta and followed the Hawks for decades actually remain hesitant each November and pose constructive questions we are pummeled by Blogga Head Kool-Aid drinkers. Well, drinkers go get your shine box now.

By AK-47

January 11, 2007 05:21 PM | Link to this

You know your team stinks when you say that we should play Solomon and Esteban more. These are our options?

By RBG

January 11, 2007 05:25 PM | Link to this

I gave up on the Hawks after the season where they guarunteed they would make the playoffs. The Atlanta Hawks might as well be the Montreal Expos because they are eternally hopeless….I would rather see the Hawks leave town and have more rock and roll concerts at Phillips….I am sure the arena would make more money with that as well!

By RBG

January 11, 2007 05:26 PM | Link to this

who cares about the Hawks?

By Bertie

January 11, 2007 05:28 PM | Link to this

Sekou, you need to take your gloves off. I have read most if not all your posts this season. I feel that an article from you saying what you think its really wrong with this team. If some people don’t like it, PSSST!! You can pretty much go and cover any other team in the NBA you want, you do quality work.

By Tyger

January 11, 2007 05:32 PM | Link to this

In respect to Woody, he didnt miss 30 shots last night, but JJ and Marvin did. When your’e the franchise player and the future, you’ve got to be held accountable. And thus, far not one negative word has been said towards JJ, as though he were Jordan-esque.

He’s not the $70M dollar man he was made out to be, and has us looking like fools right now. Without Nash, Marion and Stoudamire leaving him wide-open, he’s just average. He’s avg. 10 ppg. for the last two weeks.

Marvin and half the team need to be in the D-league or sent back to college to learn how to play first.

This is a grown man’s league and BK and Ownership need their collective a*******e$ whipped for attempting such a lengthy and massive on the job training program at the expense of honest paying fans!!!

Rebuilding with 2-3 promising players is feasible, but 9-10??? Give me a break, now their spirits are broken and the stadium is empty. What next???

Oh, I forgot, we give the #4 pick to Phoenix.

By Players blog2

January 11, 2007 05:43 PM | Link to this

fans are not the only one who can blog, players do too. we have the anonimity factor, too. i know that 98% of you will think that this is bogus, but for the 2%: The team is just as frustrated as you all are. I won’t publicly call out any of my teammates, but every one is not giving 110%. Most have tuned Coach out. Just the other night when I was coming back to the bench, the look that guys had on their face said that they have given up. When Coach is drawing up plays, we are looking at him, but not listening and it shows on the court. Just look at the bench on Friday night. You’ll see what I am talking about. I’m going to continue to bust my butt, but I ain’t sure that Coach can inspire the others. (Excuse the “ain’t”).

By Dale

January 11, 2007 05:49 PM | Link to this

Bottom line folks, if anybody has one ounce of optimism towards this franchise, they are out of they’re minds!!!!!
I didn’t think it could ever get worse than Stan Kasten and Pete Babcock, but it has.
I believe Steve Belkin saw this coming and got out of town.

Somebody please tell me how these owners ever made their money in the first place.
It’s gotten to the point of unbearable, I don’t even watch the games anymore.

Dear Spirit Group, if you are reading this, I want you to know, that as aformer season ticket holder for 6 years, who has bought “Fan Man” a drink, talked crap with Dusty Rhodes, flirted with the waitresses and all that…..I will never buy another season ticket, until you, your sorry Uncle Tom GM, and your group of over paid, no-defense playing, 6’9”, over-rated players leave the City I love.

Sincerely, Dale

By Coaches blog2

January 11, 2007 05:59 PM | Link to this

Sheldon, get off this damn blog and get your a* back to practice! Typical rookie, exposing all of us to the internet. Sorry everyone, you can go back to blogging now…

By rob

January 11, 2007 06:00 PM | Link to this

So are we gonna throw money at Webber or what?

By honest_abe

January 11, 2007 06:04 PM | Link to this

hmmmmm sounds like bogus, but in today’s world of cyberspace i guess you’ll never truly know. i look at it this way. (this has been said many times before) the spirit aren’t going to change coaches or the gm position based on the fact they don’t want to fork out anymore money….. their pockets are thin and at this point they don’t even know if they’ll be owning this team next year. so yes like most of us that follow the hawks know we’re the ones screwed in all of this. woody has lost the respect of most of his players because it looks like he yells and screams but he doesnt’ have any idea about what he’s talking about. i’ve never seen a team looked so lost coming out of timeouts. doug collins used to say a mark of a good coach is how well a team executes a play coming out of a timeout. well the hawks are the worst team in NBA history coming out of timeouts. so i wonder what that says about our coach.

and the hawks players are overrated? lol okaaaaaaay!

the spirit group think i’m probably joking but when i threw my hat into the list of possible candidates to replace woody i was dead serious. the hawks are not a professional basketball team. they need something to generate interest. a no name coach off the street might be the answer. hold open interviews to the general public and hire someone with no credentials just someone that loves the hawks and basketball…. seriously what’s the worst that could happen? lose to the paul less hornets by 20?

it would be a PR bonanaza. hire me!

By CLS

January 11, 2007 06:07 PM | Link to this

Players blog2,

If you’re for real, let me ask you, why do you think your teammates have tuned out Coach Woodson? Is it simply that the losses have broken the guy’s spirits, or do they have good reason to think Woodson isn’t capable of coaching them to a win???

Because I’ll tell you what I see…I see an offense that has no imagination, is predictable and doesn’t make adjustments. I know it’s up to the players to play, but it’s also up to the coach to put those guy’s in position to win with his gameplan.

This offense does not play to the strengths of it’s players. Right now you guy’s are struggling mightily to score the ball… why isn’t coach Woodson adding new plays to get you guys some easy baskets? If he is, I’m not seeing it. What do you think?

By ustink

January 11, 2007 06:09 PM | Link to this

BK is the poorest gm in the league. Anyone who buys a ticket (other than to put a bag over his head)is a moron. Name any other city inwhich he would not have already been fired.

By SR

January 11, 2007 06:15 PM | Link to this

My feeling is that this league (the NBA) and especially this pathetic excuse for a franchise are essentially irrelevant but even so, I have to ask: Why is it that the GM and the Coach still have their jobs? Do they have compromising pictures of the owners? Are the owners living abroad or under a rock and don’t have any idea how badly mismanaged their investment is? Are Knight and Woodson Atlanta’s version of Matt Millen? Good grief, this is embarassing? Do something, anything. Pathetic beyond words.

By LL Cool Scott

January 11, 2007 06:19 PM | Link to this

Honest Abe, Oh, Great Emancipator - why has it taken you this long to lose faith in Billy Knight? The moment he drafted Josh Childress over Luol Deng I knew this was a bad, bad talent evaluator. I mean, has there ever been a worse evaluator of talent in league history? Other GM’s are worse with the cap, but no one approaches Billy Knight’s terrible draft picks. He’s actually worse than Babcock. Three straight top picks and you end up with Josh Childress, Marvin Williams, and Shelden freaking Williams?! This clown is ridiculous. I’ve been telling people how awful this guy is for the past three years, and I guess it’s nice to see that other more “optimistic” fans are starting to see the light as well.

By TP

January 11, 2007 06:36 PM | Link to this

Billy Knight got just what he ask for. In my opinion, Billy Knight cleared out the entire old roster so that he would recieve all credit if the new squad have success. Selfish! Selfish!Selfish! When he got rid of Nazr Mohammed and Chis Crawford I was heart broken. You never ever replace veteren players for youth. Young players don’t get respect around the league until they have establish themselves and sometimes that takes 4 to five years. And about the Joe Johnson trade. I was hoping it wouldn’t happened and at the time I didn’t even know that Billy was giving up two #1 draft picks for this guy who played coming off the bench. You never ever giveaway your #1 draft pick because you never know when a Larry Bird , Kareen, Magic Johnson or Michael Jordan type players will come into the league. How he got away with making those decisions is beyond me.

By T-Dawg

January 11, 2007 06:37 PM | Link to this

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME, HOW IN THE HELL, IS IT THAT BILLY KNIGHT & MIKE WOODSON STILL HAVE JOBS? THEY HAVE GOT TO BE THE WORSE GM & COACH IN THE HISTORY OF PROFESSIONAL SPORTS, EVER. BUT IT’S NOT ALL THEIR FAULT. THOSE IDIOT OWNERS ARE TO BLAME. I KNEW EARLY ON, THAT SITUATION WOULDN’T WORK. WHO HAS THE FINAL DECISION? NO ONE, I’M GUESSING. WHAT OTHER REASON WOULD WOODSON STILL BE COACHING. COME ON, THE GUY IS 99 GAMES UNDER .500. I GUESS THEY’RE WAITING TILL HE REACH 100. THE GUY IS IN OVER HIS HEAD. PUT HIM OUT OF HIS MISERY.

By Richie Rich

January 11, 2007 06:40 PM | Link to this

A few of the bloggers feel sorry for Woodson, i don’t know why. Last night i was at the game and this guy does not know how to coach…explain to me and everybody on this blog why he plays everyone on the roster, except for Soloman and Medvedenko in the first qtr. 10 players played in the first qtr, most teams only run a 7 to 8 man rotation. Woodson has always done this, since he has been our coach. How do you build team chemistry with his rotation patterns?

By zondy

January 11, 2007 06:51 PM | Link to this

I only have one thing to say. Josh Childress is terrible, probably one of the worst players in the NBA and somehow people around here think he is good. The Hawks can’t do anything right, they can’t draft, can’t sign any decent free agents, and they can’t find a GM worth a damn. I feel bad for Woodson cause he is not that terrible of a coach, it’s hard to win with BK in office. If they should fire anyone they need to start from the top, then work their way down.

By mykhalc

January 11, 2007 06:53 PM | Link to this

RICH, on point. and sorry you had to witness that bunch of quitters last nite!! and WOODSON has NEVER been ready for prime-time!!! PERIOD!!!

By Richie Rich

January 11, 2007 06:58 PM | Link to this

I say fire Woodson And BK immediately, and hire Rick Adelman to be coach and gm!!!

By LL Cool Scott

January 11, 2007 07:08 PM | Link to this

Ok, maybe Woodson isn’t doing a great job. But he is a VERY well respected coach in the league with a solid track record as an assistant everywhere he’s gone. He’s also done a decent job improving the games of some our young guys like Josh Smith, Childress, and Marvin.

Billy Knight is the problem. He’s the worst GM in the league not named Isaiah Thomas. THE WORST. Every single one of his draft choices (with the exception of Josh Smith who was a no brainer since he was a local kid who shouldn’t have fallen that low in the draft) has been disastrous. And we’re stuck with him until our ownership dispute gets settled in the courts. I can’t wait to see us land the top draft pick this year and then have one of two scenarios play out: 1) Oden decides to stay in college because he can’t stomach playing for the Hawks 2) Billy Knight drafting a long athletic 3/4 hybrid instead of Oden.

It might be argued that Billy Knight is the 2nd worst judge of talent in all of professional sports, behind only Charley Casserley of the Houston Texans.

By mykhalc

January 11, 2007 07:14 PM | Link to this

i’m glad that HAWKS fans are showin’ how PO’ed they are right now and have been!!! i only regret that it is mostly an exercise in futility since this ownership group is NOT gonna act nor make any changes!! hell, they don’t even have ONE comment for the ventin’ fans!!! it’s really as classless as an organiztion can get!!

CLEAN HOUSE!!!!!! NO SPIRIT…NO BELKIN..NONE OF ‘EM

By Paul

January 11, 2007 07:14 PM | Link to this

Until the hawks get rid of Billy Knight they will not have a winning team. And for coach woodson he is not the right coach for the hawks. We really messed up when we gave JJ 20 Million for a year that was not the answer.

By mykhalc

January 11, 2007 07:44 PM | Link to this

SEKOU, pls answer this if possible. when is the case being heard in maryland?

By Anakin Joe

January 11, 2007 07:53 PM | Link to this

Mykhalc, according to the ajc’s Tim Tucker, in March with a ruling a few months later. In other words, expect BK to be making the draft pic for this esteemed franchise.

By Anakin Joe

January 11, 2007 07:59 PM | Link to this

I sent in my “I hate you” email to the Atlanta Spirit owners. I won’t cut and paste it like others would. Here’s there email address:

owners@atlantaspirit.com

Also, Bernie Mullen often appers on 680TheFan every Friday morning around 8:30. For those who don’t know, Bernie is BK’s boss. The dial-in number is 404-231-1680.

Since you guys like to write about the Hawks, please take a few seconds to send in an email. If the radio stations and the ajc won’t call these guys out, let’s make sure that they have an email folder full of hate mail.

I’m beginning to enjoy the dark side :)

By mykhalc

January 11, 2007 08:05 PM | Link to this

JOE, thanks!! and i for one hope to see the re-emergence of my fellow blogger, ASTRO JOE, sometime in the near future!!! i don’t expect it to be a quick return. but a return none-the-less!!! give ASTRO my best!!LOL

By mykhalc

January 11, 2007 08:10 PM | Link to this

my new sig…

CLEAN HOUSE!!!!!! NO SPIRIT…NO BELKIN…NONE OF ‘EM!!

CLYDE, what cha think??LOL

By morris

January 11, 2007 08:55 PM | Link to this

The worst possible knightmare has come true. Marvin williams is a bust as the #2 overall pick. He was supposed to step up this year and become our second weapon behind jj but he simply lacks the skills. I here his defenders say he is just young and full of potential. However, I just don’t see this amazing upside that some folks talked about. He can’t shoot even though he has pretty form. He can’t blow past defenders off the dribble. He is not strong enough to play down low, nor does he have any low post moves anyway. He is not a great rebounder or passer. And I just don’t see any amazing athletic abilty like you see in josh smith. Can someone please tell me something I am missing about this guy? I’m not being facetious either, I would like to hear some opinions on this guy. I think were going to regret big time on passing on chris paul and deron williams. It didn’t bother me as much when I thought marvin was going to be a star player, but after watching him for the last season and a half I don’t believe in him anymore. This franchise is headed for disater if we don’t get a top 3 pick next season. Billy the knightmare experiment needs to end before next season.

By OneTrickPony

January 11, 2007 09:04 PM | Link to this

Even with all the injuries in the handful of games I;ve watched I can honestly say Woody is totally lost. I swear to you on the last game I watched on TV….. Woody called a time ut with the Hawks down by 1 point and as he calls the players into the huddle he was calling Lorenzen Wright….Sheldon Williams repeatedly until Lo Wright sid to him . coach I am Lorenzen Wright not sheldonn Williams, and even then Woody was scratching his head and looked lost. The man is incapable of coaching an NBA team. He is an ignorant POS.

By Blogaddict

January 11, 2007 09:27 PM | Link to this

Why are we blogging about the HAWKS??? I’m going insane I’m bored I’m addicted I quit Why are we blogging about the HAWKS??? I’m going insane I’m bored I’m addicted I quit Why are we blogging about the HAWKS??? I’m going insane I’m bored I’m addicted I quit Why are we blogging about the HAWKS??? I’m going insane I’m bored I’m addicted I quit Why are we blogging about the HAWKS??? I’m going insane I’m bored I’m addicted I quit Why are we blogging about the HAWKS??? I’m going insane I’m bored I’m addicted I quit Why are we blogging about the HAWKS??? I’m going insane I’m bored I’m addicted I quit Why are we blogging about the HAWKS??? I’m going insane I’m bored I’m addicted I quit I’m SORRY!!!

By cc

January 11, 2007 09:41 PM | Link to this

How about Rick Adelman or Mike Fratello? They are still on the market.

By Dave

January 11, 2007 09:59 PM | Link to this

This team is destined to be the bottom of the barrel. Billy Knight is a poor judge of talent, Mike Woodson is a lousy coach and the only good thing about the roster is that they are young. Watching the Hawks on TV is torture and I can only imagine what it is like in person. This city deserves better. One last thing Josh Childress is a wasted 1st round draft pick.

By Franchise

January 11, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

Forget about Chris Webber coming to Atlanta. He said tonight he wants to play for a “winning team”.

Sure, the Hawks are struggling big time right now. I say let’s wait until everybody is healthy before we truly make a definitive call on the Hawks - if they ever get healthy again.

What’s with all the injuries? I say it’s a lack of preparation/conditioning in the offseason / pre-season that’s causing so many of the Hawks to break down.

By Volman

January 11, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

all of this negativity makes me sick.

I can’t believe all of you guys who are so “faithful” are going to pack up and go like this. Yeah, be p** at the owners and the GM’s and the coach, but don’t give up on the team. We atleast owe it to them to support them, win or lose.

Yeah, I’m p** that they aren’t giving 100% right now, but that doesn’t mean we have to throw everyone off of the ship. Come on now..

Astro, come on man!

We’re better than this, guys.

By smalvil

January 11, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

Josh Childress a wasted pick? Now, he’s no L. Deng, but are you kidding me? so what if he’s not a flashy player or some show stopper, the guy produces. He’s having his best season yet, and since he’s been back he’s been just as consistant as JJ,if not more. Yeah, he’s not dropping 30+ on opponents, but he’s shooting above a 50% clip, is averaging around six boards a game and is forcing more turnovers than he’s commiting. oh, and he’s not a starter. so, what’s not to like? I could care less if he doesn’t take a game over—or that he mainly shoots threes or layups. he’s consistant. and he can actually shoot free throws, if that holds any weight. I wasn’t thrilled about the pick when he was drafted, but he’s no bust.

By smalvil

January 11, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

oh, and now that speedy’s out, and Lue is still on the fringe, why not give Penny a try? what’s to lose?

By mykhalc

January 11, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

VOLMAN, the team has quit!!!! HIGHLY PAID profs have quit!! HIGHLY PAID profs that are supported/paid in part by a PAYING fan base, no matter how dwindlin’ it is have decided NOT to give total effort!!??!!! i’m afraid i disagree with you on this one. the enire org needs to feel where we’re at on this one!!!

CLEAN HOUSE!!!!!! NO SPIRIT…NO BELKIN…NONE OF ‘EM!!

By Clyde

January 11, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

HOLLA AT ME IF YOU WANT TO REPRESENT AND WEAR THE FIRE BILLY AND WOODY T-SHIRT TO THE GAME NEXT FRIDAY. WE HAVE TO DRIVE BILLY AND WOODY OUT OF TOWN.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By CJ

January 11, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

Everyone is just venting Volman..the blog will get back to normal after all star break. I’m sure we’ll be talking about draft picks and trades again.

By ray

January 11, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

Volman, I don’t think people are giving up on being fans, they’re giving up on trying to support something that just isn’t there. I’m still a fan, but it’s hard as hell to even watch these games now. I still check the boxscores and recaps when I’m not able to watch or listen to the games (work has me listening to a different radio).

Doc, be careful out there on the slopes. The phrase “break a leg” does not apply to skiing, buddy. Have fun, be safe.

Mykhalc, remember back before the season began, back in the summer (maybe late fall) when Sekou said that we were wrong to think that nobody paid attention to this blog? That the things said on this blog were taken note of? I believed Sekou. Had no reason not to. But I also believed that at some point that changed. I think there was a point when the Spirit Group knew that their endeavor was done, that they were in over their heads and just let the fall-out begin gradually. All those witty comments about the “Harbingers of Doom” were fun back then when I had some hope, but now DOOM is here. Or rather, it has finally truly manifested itself. Now nothing’s funny. Not Shelden’s forehead, not Woody’s dumb sideline look, not Billy’s beady little eyes in contrast with his bowling-ball sized ‘fro. Well, okay, that’s still a little funny…But you get my point. I’m not having fun anymore, man. Something’s gotta give.

Anakin Joe, nice to meet ya. You know, I used to detest all the negativity on this blog. Now it feels fairly natural, doesn’t it? And that sucks, but it doesn’t feel so wrong as it used to. Funny how so much really bad losing magnifies every single fault and problem, every little mistake and injury. Speaking of which, was there any surprise to your boy Speedy Hartwell and the hurt knee? I’m not saying it’s his fault, I’m saying “here we go again.” It will likely be a while before we see any good production out of him again…May the dark side of the force be with you.

Ando, I see you’re not around much lately. I guess there’s no need to preach what you’ve been preaching now that it’s so agonizingly, painfully obvious. Ah well, if nothing else, you can bring Andro back out to play with your “alias” buddy Anakin Joe, LOL!! Peace…

By Jay

January 11, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

“All I can say is the activity leading up to the Feb. 22 trade deadline needs to be fast and furious around here. “

…but is there ANY doubt that Knightmare wont botch it up? He literally has done nothing but MISTAKES since he has been here.

By Sean

January 11, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

Alright, I’ve been patient and then I’ve been patient some more. I really thought that if we waited the team would gel. JJ gave us all some hope, but at this point JJ is overworked, overtired and double-triple teamed all the time because every other team in the league knows that the Hawks have no other option. I won’t be seeing any of y’all at the “highlight factory” the rest of this season. Maybe, there will be some hope by 08-09?

Waiting paid off with Waddell and the Thrashers, but Billy Knight has as much in common with Don Waddell as Mike Woodson has in common with Bob Hartley.

I’m on the bandwagon: Fire Billy and Woody!

We have another team in town where the owner said not making the playoffs 2 years in a row is cause for dismissal. How bad does it have to get for the Spirit to pull the trigger? A cumulative 20-300?

Yes, Zaza was a steal FOR a BACKUP center: but not for a frontline NBA center.

I know it’s still early (kind of), but Marvin’s looking like a BUST.

Where did Speedy get his nickname anyway? From the speed with which he gets to the disabled list?

I know we needed post presence, but Shelden @ 5? I tried to reconcile it at draft time. I tried to stay positive, but we could’ve traded down for Shelden. And why tip your hand to every other GM in the league?

Josh over Deng?

Lo? Please.

Once again, Fire Billy and Woody!

…but not until the end of the season, so we can start over once again, but hopefully with Oden.

-And I’m out like the Hawks in December every year!

By cowa

January 11, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this

Just a reminder to everyone hoping for a top 3 pick this year: If we get it, we give the 08 1st round pick to Phoenix, and that is a draft that will be loaded with PGs. Derrick Rose, OJ Mayo, Jerryd Bayless, probably Collison from UCLA and Critenden. Top 3 this year would probably be Oden, Durant and Wright, Noah or Thabeet, and I still think he stays in college for one more year due to his bad right hand now. We might actually want to give this years pick to Phoenix, because face it, we ain’t going ot be good next year either.

By Sean

January 12, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this

Where can I get the Fire Billy and Woody shirt?

By bootsybug

January 12, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this

Why does Mike Woodsen still have a job? Like I’ve seen saying, fire Woodsen, promote Herb Brown, and give Herb Brown a red phone to his brother’s cell so he can ask Larry what to do during timeouts.

By Sean

January 12, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this

Cowa: good point about the trade-off for this year’s top 3 pick, but I would take my chances with this year’s pick, but what do I know. I mean I’m not a genius like Billy Knought.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY!!!

Speaking of Billy (once again), could we get him to call up a sports talk show and gush about how he’d leave the Hawks for his dream job at his alma mater?

Wait a second, Billy only goes on the radio to tell us what a bunch of d******* we are.

Really though, can we blame Billy? Think about it. If your boss(es) didn’t know anything at all about your job (or even the industry they happen to be in), you’d probably keep stealing that paycheck too. I know I could reconcile it if I made what Billy makes.

Can we change the team name to “JJ and the Scrubs?”

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY!!!

By mykhalc

January 12, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this

RAY, bro i’m feelin’ ya. it’s like i posted earlier, i just CANNOT deal with the team quittin’ like they have. yep, hate the losin’ but hate the quittin’ WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY more. and no matter, win or lose, i just think it’s time for WOODSON to be replaced. the change HAS to begin!!! and now seems like the perfect time for the grass roots movement, unfortunately!!

By reese

January 12, 2007 02:37 AM | Link to this

Now that I’ve been chewed out by my sister for continually chastizing the baby hawks, I am going to try to offer positive suggestions to the hawks players. Because, really, I don’t care about Mike Woodson, Billy knight or the Spirit group.

However, if you players care anything about these people, now is your chance to prove it by playing with intensity on both the offensive and defensive end. Watching game tape of yourself and teams who have excelled. Talk to retired and current players. Improve your strength and conditioning. Set small individual and teams goals. Have fun and your play will improve.

Let me expand on my advice and provide leadership from a different voice.

Pride comes from within. Each of you must step up your game. Marvin and Josh, I do see you attempting to use both hands on offense to make shots. I do see you attempting to block shots. The problem right now is that you are not as strong as you opponents. Your not in as good of shape as your opponents.

Well guess what, several former players have not been as strong as their opponents and have excelled in the league. George Gervin, Bobby Jones, Michael Cooper and Alex English are examples of players who were your build and did very well in the league. Watch game tape of these players, call them up and talk to these players.

As far as your strength and conditioning goes. Talk to those players to see what they did to get in shape and stay in shape. Continue to lift weights, eat healthy and come early/stay late to improve the dribbling, shooting and passing aspects of your games.

Shelden Williams, we and you know that you are undersized to play the power forward position. Your not the first and you won’t be the last. Watch film of armon gilliam, elton brand, dennis rodman. When you get an offense rebound in the lane. Never pass it back out. Take the ball up strong in the lane and score or get fouled. To prepare for this new attitude, after practice, play one on one against solomon jones. You are not allowed to leave the paint on offense. He is not allowed to enter the paint on offense. Then switch it up. You both will be improving your low post scoring and mid range scoring.

Royal and Salim, you are polar opposites. Salim, you can’t dribble and Royal who won’t shoot. Acknowledge those facts and talk to each other about what you can do to improve each others games. Stay after practice and play one on one. Salim, you are not allowed to take an outside shot and must dribble to the basket. Royal, you are not allowed to dribble to the basket and must shoot within 3 dribbles. Each of you watch film of Isaiah Thomas, Magic, Nash and John Stockton. Watch how they controlled the tempo of the game, made a shot or pass that resulted in a score to keep the game close. They were leaders by example.

Joe admit that you are not in the best of shape and don’t have the mental toughness to lead a team consistantly. You’ve got to make that defensive steal, rebound or block when you see that your team is not scoring. Push the tempo on offense to get an easy fast break point or foul. Watch film of Michael Jordan, Clyde Drexler and Joe Dumars. Each excelled on the offensive end. Better yet, they were excellent defensive players. They were in tip top shape. Give these guys a call and talk about mental preparation, game strategy and conditioning for the top tier athlete.

To all players, instead of playing games, listening to music or reading books on the plane. Put in a game tape of the Dr J sixers against the Celtics. Watch the early eighties lakers against the Denver Nuggets.

In the first matchup, your watching teams that play offense and defense at a very high intensity level. Watch how the team rotates on defense. Watch how the dr fills the lane and finishes on fast breaks. Watch how these teams execute half court sets.

Remember back to your childhood when you would imagine yourself on one of those NBA teams. Analyze the way they play team defense. Analyze the way they play trapping defense. Analyze the way they execute on offense. Watch how they execute the pick and roll (a malone and stockton tape would be good as well).

In the second game, you are watching 2 high scoring teams executing offensive sets, fast breaks and balanced scoring.

To All Hawks players, remember that Billy Knight is the person who placed you on this team. Mike Woodson is the person who places you in the game. If you continue to perform like you are, they will be replaced. With a new GM and a new coach, soon there will be new players and you may fine yourself out of the league.

We fans are behind you, so show us you are listening.

By Big Al

January 12, 2007 04:19 AM | Link to this

The sad thing is, no trade deadline can help the Hawks in the way they need to be helped. There is no deadline when it comes to firing your head coach and hiring someone else. W need to be playing uptempo ball and we just aren’t doing it with Woodson at the helm. He is easily the worst coach in the league. Period. Until he is fired, we will not see any progress. What a dunce.

By CJ

January 12, 2007 07:28 AM | Link to this

If they Hawks were serious they would shore up their weak positions with a capable free agent or atleast trade for a marginal starter or skilled bencher from another team. Drop some of the dead weight on the bench. But then again Woodson doesn’t even play our defensive experiment Solomon Jones. They are loosing..why keep starters and guys like Wright on the floor game after game. These guys tanking the season?

By Jere Griffin

January 12, 2007 08:04 AM | Link to this

sign WEBBER! then trade for a consistent backcourt scorer.

By Dan

January 12, 2007 08:34 AM | Link to this

Did you all read the quotes in the paper today from the Atlanta Spirit member (I forget which one) who was at practice yesterday? He is rationalizing that it is unfair to judge Woodson based on this season. I’m sorry, but what a fricking p*y! More reason to not care if Belkin takes over.

I want to hear the powersthatbe on this team be angry. I once saw an interview with Mark Cuban. He was talking about a meeting he had with the Maverick players a few years back. They got off to a bad start and he pulled the entire team aside to say “This is not what I’m paying you do to.” Our owners are too busy sniffing jocks to ever take such a stance.

The Hawks will lose by about 40 tonight. This is going to be a pounding of epic proportions.

By Barry

January 12, 2007 08:38 AM | Link to this

Hey Y’all:

The Hawks are hurting, physically. That’s no excuse,but it is a fact. They can not compete in the condition they are in now until their players become healthy. They have a good young team, however, they are hurting right now. To start trading away good young talent at this time would be CRAZY!!! We do not want to give away potential all-stars on our team. Let’s bear with the Hawks and take these loses until they are healthy. It’s may be rough but we have to bear it. we have a good team. they are just sick right now. Let’s not euphenize them yet like a potentially dead dog. Thsi dog has som BITE. Let’s nurture them back to LIFE. Let’s Be Patient and have compassion for NOW.

SSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! SSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! This is a SECRET from us Hawks fans. Don’t tell nobody!!!!!!

Ringold

By Clyde

January 12, 2007 08:42 AM | Link to this

Sean get at me at atlconnect@hotmail.com. 10 dollars a shirt. I will be around Phillips today.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Floze

January 12, 2007 08:52 AM | Link to this

If it were just injuries then I would be fine with Woody but it is the lack of offensive creativity and enthusiasm his team shows that makes me want to see him go.

By jacson

January 12, 2007 08:53 AM | Link to this

It would make a heck of a difference if Josh Smith & Lue were playing. Josh around the basket and Lue making teams loosen up inside can now be measured without them in the game. Seems small but is not. We need a new coach and probably a new GM. Get rid of Speedy, if we can. A true point guard…Still a dream of all fans. It really is the most important part we are missing.

By Shakedown Street

January 12, 2007 09:20 AM | Link to this

Just heard Belkin on the radio this morning. His comments on the Hawks did not inspire confidence. He feels that injuries are the reason the Hawks are struggling. He believes the Hawks will return to early season form once they get healthy. This just in……Belkin has no clue. He has cancers growing on this team but will wait until they become terminal before doing anything about them. Anyone in medicine will tell you that early detection is the key to survival. Belkin simply chooses to look the other way and hope that it goes away. The Hawks are the WORST professional franchise of all time in any sport. Babcock to Belkin only preserves their place in history.

By Marie

January 12, 2007 09:23 AM | Link to this

Yes- it’s undeniable that the Hawks have been in a slump, but nevertheless they are still my favorite team in the league. I do think Joe Johnson is capable of leading the team to success. He is a great player with tremendous talent.

I also think we have a really good team, but in the midst of all the injuries, it seems like they’ve forgotten how to play together. It’s definitely something they need to start working on ASAP!

As fans, at least those of us who are true and enjoy the game simply for what it is, we have to be patient. How many of us can run up and down that court over and over again and still make baskets every night without fail? If you were injured, wouldn’t you expect time to recover? For the rest of you, who only pretend to be Hawks fans, do you think that simply because you buy a ticket or a even a season (I am a season ticket holder) of tickets, that the purchase gives you the right to insult people you don’t even know? If you do, get a life! Your ticket entitles you to a seat in the arena at the time of the game and nothing else.

And to the Hawks – for the past few weeks, I’ve watched you walk out of Philips Arena with your heads down after your losses. If you’ve played your best, then your heads shouldn’t be down. You should be waving to your true fans who are still there when the final buzzer sounds. We are being patient, but at least show us, that you care that we came. If you didn’t play your best, we are still there for you, but don’t make the same mistakes over and over again. At the end of the night, all we ask is that you did everything that you could to earn a victory. That is all your true fans ask.

By Anakin Joe

January 12, 2007 09:29 AM | Link to this

Bernie Mullen switched up and was on 790TheZone this morning. Basically said the same thing Gearon said in Sekou’s article. Injuries are rampant and there will be no changes in the GM/Head Coach as no one can be evaluated due to the injuries.

I have argued for years that the owenrs are at the root of all things that are wrong about this franchise. We have a bottom 3 payroll. BK is the only GM who can’t eliminate his draft mistakes by trading for basketball assets (see the Al deal). This franchise is far too pathetic for it to be at the nads of a single GM. This fish stinks from the head, Gearon and down through the ranks.

By honest_abe

January 12, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

it’s nice to see another women gracing us with her presence. even though she doesn’t have a clue as to what she is talking about. heh j/k welcome aboard! but marie, first of all a lot of people that have posted on here are venting their frustrations. i’ve been posting on this blog for over a year and quite a few others have been doing this for considerably longer. they are just as much if not more of a hawks fan than you. but when the team and the organization don’t take necessary steps to improve the situation, fans who pay money to see that product are going to be upset, and rightfully so.

as for the comment about not being able to assess coach woodson’s performance this year due to injuries, that’s basically another way of saying “we’re broke beyond belief”… i never wanted belkin as the owner, but now i’m changing my opinion as maybe an owner with some deep pockets is just what the dr. ordered.

doc.. stay safe on the slopes! at least you get to skip out on tonight drubbing by the pistons.. heh

ando, all of us are ready for the tongue lashing “i told you so” article that’s sure to come. BRING IT! HAHA

By Volman

January 12, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Reese, very well put..

I can see the guys on the plane or in their free time not doing what needs to be done to get better.. I’d be in the gym 24/7 trying to step up my game.. getting with ‘Nique for some pointers on how to take over a game… ANYTHING.

Right now our guys need to go into that survival mode where they’re scratching and clawing for wins.. Getting technicals.. playing dirty.. playing with heart. We need that.

I thought Marvin was going to be a vocal leader? I haven’t seen anything out of him.

Is everyone out of their “venting” stage yet?

By Derrick

January 12, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

It might make sense to make some trades, IF YOU HAD A GM WHO KNEW WHO TO CONSTRUCT A ROSTER OF NBA TALENT. The ownership is obviously awful, and those who are still mad at Belkin just don’t seem to get why he was right about BK’s judgement and you were wrong. But besides that, BK has put a terrible collection of players together that prevent this franchise from moving forward in any real way. He refuses to be accountable and still has not shown that he is competent in his job.

I hope that the few BK fans left realize that he is the Matt Millen of the NBA. And I don’t mean the Matt Millen from his playing days.

By William

January 12, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

Breakdown of the Hawks roster:

Joe Johnson : to the few people that say he’s not the 70mil man, you are, in a word, wrong. He is more than solid all over, but now he is keyed in on by defensive squads yet the offense is not geared towards him being in position to work out of the double teams or teams cheating towards him. Plus he is playing way to many minutes for a guy that is partially injuried.

Speedy Claxton: He is the “does stuff that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet” guy. Yes he is having good assist numbers and steal numbers since he has been healthy (although that run is over again) but he also disrupts the other teams offense ALOT. he is always getting his hand on the ball even when not getting the steal, and his defense is needed. If not for the injuries it would be a great signing.

Sheldon Williams : Really good rebounder, gambles a little too much on defense, but not a bad pick for a presence against back to the basket players. Alot of people don’t notice how well he fights guys and keeps them out of position down low, but he is damn good at it. Offensively his midrange jumper will be helpful soon, but he is not threat on the blocks(which doesn’t stop the offense from going through him on the blocks for some odd reason) The Hawks could have traded pick 5 and still gotten him a little later, but still, with Aldrige gone, he was the best resonable pick at that position.(I say reasonable because if someone says Millsap or some other nonsense you know full well no one would have taken Paul Millsap at pick 5)

ZaZa Pachulia - Easily the most frustrating guy in the NBA to me. he takes horrible shots and is treated like a offensive threat in the offense when he really shouldn’t be. With at least 4 other bigs that have decent midrange shots on the team, they run the screen and roll with the one whose midrange game is flawed. He is there for the occasional big game against defensive gamblers who get in the air with his hundreds of pump fakes, but on most nights, he just turns the ball over, brings the defense to a halt and provides NOTHING defensively. NOTHING!! I do feel if he were moved over to PF, he would be way more productive as a offensive rebounder.

Josh Smith - The guy is needed to win games. Simple as that. At one point this year he led the team in Rebounds, blocks, and steals. He gets more deflections and challenges at the rim than any of our bigs and gets the fast break going (can be good or bad sometimes) and is a really underrated passer. Still can’t dribble to save his life, and parks at the 3 point line. if he steps in about 2 steps he would be a consistant jump shooter. 3 is outside his range. but even with the bad threes, he does so much in the game that he makes up for it 5 times.

cont.

By GLid

January 12, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Someone said this might be the worst run organization in sports. I agree it’s up there, right with the Detroit Lions. Look at the similarities - two awful GM’s who have drafted as badly as a couple of fourth graders (the fourth graders would probably do a better job because they’d draft big name players such as Paul or Deron instead of a player who played ~10 min a game) and as a result their team has been a laughingstock for multiple years. The coach might help, but would only add 5-10 wins a season, still not nearly enough to contend.
Get a real GM first, then worry about the coach. Billy’s been hamstrung by the “ownership”. How long does it take to sell a team? Jesus, it’s been almost two years, I can’t remember a team’s ownership being in limbo this long. Regardless, the draft is one thing Billy has control over and he’s screwed that up too many times to count. Sell the team already and get a real GM. It’s not rocket science.

By William

January 12, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

cont:

Josh Childress - The guy is another guy needed to win. I will say this, if the draft was done over again, i would take Childress at number 5 over Deng and Iggy. He is a better defender and rebounder than Deng, and a better offensive player than iggy. he shoots better than both, will get more hustle plays than both combined. Deng, while a offensive force is a joke defensively and Iggy is just inconsitant and neither has the basketball IQ that Childress has. People get too caught up in Iggys dunking or Dengs midrange shot to relize that Josh does things that show up on the stat sheet and those that don’t and it makes him a better all around player. And I dare someone to point to a game where Josh Childress has quit. he was still trying to get people to hustle in the NO game the other night down 27 in the forth.

Salim Stoudimire: Shooter, and in the right system a 20+ point scorer a night. Running screen and rolls for him or just Iso him at the top and spread the floor and you get offence out of your second unit. underrated defensive player who will stay glued to a guy but plays horribly when screened or picked off. Standing him in the corner is a waste of offensive talent.

Tyrone Lue: Decent at everything basically. A decent shooter when open, a decent finisher at the basket. Think Eric Snow with a more consistant jumper. When he is in the game he doesn one thing….get the main guy the ball. So he will freeze out everyone else on the court but Joe will get the ball with him on the court. He is a good vet to have on the court though because he brings stability to the offense. The reason the team plays better when he is inthe game is because he won’t give the ball to ZaZa or anyone else on the post. Only Joe.

Solomon Jones: Will challenge every shot and will go for every rebound. And a very good free throw shooter (this is important for later). Sets weak screens, but cuts to the basket well. Should be the first guy off the bench for the front court.

Lorenzen Wright: Sigh…where do I start. He doesn’t challenge shots, he just fouls the shooter. He doesn’t go for rebounds, he only gets the ones that come right to him. He is shooting like 30 percent from the free throw line when he does get there. he doesn’t cut to the basket, he waits so he can take a jumper. Yet gets 3 times the PT of Solomon Jones. And he is not a does things that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet guy outside of setting monster screens….that he gets called for fouls on.

Estaban Batista - Guy is just physical. he will beat people up, go for the boards, and is all hustle. lost on offense, but will kill and maim anyone in the paint for the offensive board. Should be getting more PT.

Royal Ivy - Really underrated this year. His midrange shot is very consistant and his ball handling has him getting by people easily. Not much of a playmaker, but a hell of a on the ball defender. Good for spot minutes but not at the expense of Salim.

Dijon Thompson - Damn good defender and the guy can flat out score. I know we haven’t had a chance to see much of it, but he is a deadly shooter, and finishes well at the basket. Need to sign him for the rest of the year and work him into the rotation. if Salim isn’t going to be used correctly, give him his minutes.

Slava Medvadenko - Yes I probably spelled it wrong, but anyway. Great midrange shooter. he will freaking shoot the ball. And when he touches it again he will shoot it again. I say give him minutes when you need consistant shooting from a big. He will spread the floor. What Matt Frejie was supposed to be.

Marvin Williams - The guy is coming along. For every good game there is a bad one. he is having the season that he would have had last year if he was given the PT. The hand is still throwing off his jumper and he needs to get more control on his drives. but he is showing flashes and being aggressive which is a good thing. Blah blah blah Chris Paul blah blah blah Deron Williams. We have a 6’9 pf that can handle like a guard and with a midrange and deep game (when he doesn’t have that huge glove on his hand). He will be fine.

I broke down the roster to say this…the tools are there. You are missing a low post scorer(although not really because that was where Joe was getting the bulk of his points early in the year) and thats about it. This team can win and win now, even with some of the injuries(although smiths is big). The problem is a coach that runs horrible offensive sets. His offense would work wonderfully with the pistons (enter the ball on the block to the PF, Iso you SF on the wing with the PG up top) but he doesn’t have that same personel. A simple tweaking of the offense and this teams wins…its that simple. but when guys that don’t warrent PT are getting time, and the offense consist of giving guys that can’t score the ball for the bulk of the clock, it won’t happen.

By Greg

January 12, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

Everyone just relax, why make a move to make a move. Can we wait and see how everything goes once the coach has some healthy players? We started off very well this year and the coach cant get around the injurie issue. If we have a healthy team we are a much improved franchise, its amazing the mistakes people want to make by thinking they can get a quick fix…give the guy some time and some healthy players…if we are healthy and we still have issues then you think about making moves. I dont care who you bring in player or coach its not going to make a difference when you have 4 of your top 6 injured.

By EJ

January 12, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

Maybe I’m wrong, but I thought the Hawks were barred from making any major contract moves until the ownership matter was settled. Don’t they have some kind of an legal injunction against them? I don’t think they can make any trades.

By Bring Reeves Back!

January 12, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

this franschise has been cursed since we traded Dominique for danny freakin manying. way to go pete babsuckscock. Only hope for this team…tank the season, get a top 3 pick. Get Durant or Oden. U cant possibly mess that up!

By Chris

January 12, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

It’s not about injuries anymore. I’m sick and tired of hearing that excuse about our team. These guys simply don’t play hard at all. JJ is the only true scorer on the court now, and Childress helps out a bit. Marvin is still slagging, and the rest of the team walks around like zombies. I don’t know what we were thinking when we got Lorenzen Wright back, but he’s a joke.

The only thing needing to be done is to fire Woodson, and get a coach in here who can get an offensive scheme for these guys. We are a team of quick shooting forwards and guards, just like the Suns. Problem is, Woodson refuses to let this team run and gun. He wants us to become the next coming of the Pistons, and it’s not happening.

Besides, Woodson is one more loss from have 100 more losses than he does wins. We’re the only franchise in the league that would keep a coach after a 13 win season, despite what he worked with. This team won’t get any better until we get some smarter people in the front office and coaching this team.

By Dee T

January 12, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

I understand the injuries do play a role in the many loses the Hawks have faced this season, but there were many games that the Hawks should have won but didnt because of Woodsons coaching, the way he sub’s players in and take those who are playing well out. One game in particular when T. Lue was playing his BUTT off..hitting tough shots when we needed them and all this without JJ..he wasnt hurt, just out of the game to be rested. T Lue was controlling the game & his teammates..they had a vibe going. But what do Woodson do, he put JJ back out there where the chemistry that Lue gave is now gone and we, of course, lose the game. A recent game where we lost our 21 pt lead to the Jazz when Woodson kept MW in the game when he obviously were off & making very bad decisions..turning the ball over, getting offensive fouls..but Woodson leaves him out there instead of keeping Salim in the game..its Woodson no doubt about it!!

Dee

By tom

January 12, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

We need to bring in Marc Iavaroni to coach and just start running since this team has no concept of defense

By William

January 12, 2007 01:07 PM | Link to this

Billy got to go he does not understand the need of the team. AI was available why the hawks could not go after him? Billy you are a looser, and you have product a loosing team. What have the team have accomplish since you have been hear! Keep on loosing

By Dee T

January 12, 2007 01:30 PM | Link to this

We should give the coaching position to Steve Smith..the announcer..Heck, he sounds like he knows what this team needs!! FIRE WOODSON!! HIRE STEVE SMITH!!

By Dan

January 12, 2007 02:08 PM | Link to this

Of course, if Woodson were to get canned, he might be the lucky one. He gets to leave. The rest of us are still stuck watching this team play. They have to be the worst organization in all of sports.

By Dan

January 12, 2007 03:01 PM | Link to this

Also, screw Speedy for being hurt again. That clown takes millions of dollars from the organization with the promise of solving the point guard problem. Instead, what he becomes is nothing but a multi-million dollar spot on the injured list. Easily, my least favorite Hawks player.

By Dan

January 12, 2007 03:02 PM | Link to this

Also, screw Speedy for being hurt again. That clown takes millions of dollars from the organization with the promise of solving the point guard problem. Instead, what he becomes is nothing but a multi-million dollar spot on the injured list. Easily, my least favorite Hawks player.

By M SMOOVE

January 12, 2007 03:15 PM | Link to this

The injuries have been horrible. The last 2 draft picks have been terrible. I have no problem with Marvin but at the time we needed a PG and chris paul probably could have filled that spot! None of that is Mike Woodson’s fault. What is his fault? The fact that the team has quit on him. They are not even in the game anymore. They are not exciting. woodson must go. Its not the answer but it is a good start.

By Tyger

January 12, 2007 03:30 PM | Link to this

Speedy out; Hawks have a chance!

Hawks were playing their best in three years prior to the insertion of Speedy Claxton into the starting line-up.

Granted, you must play your big $7M free agent acquisition, but do you force a guy into the lineup that hadnt practiced all summer?

The results are horrid. He immediately stunk up the place and destroyed all chemistry whatsoever and now he’s leaving the team in shambles.

He’s not hurt, he’s embarrassed and cant face his teammates or the fans. He sucks and he knows it and doesnt want to hurt the franchise any further. At least we can give him credit for that.

Did you know?? $7M Speedy makes more than Chauncey Billups $3.2M