AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2007 > January > 16 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USShowing signs of life
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Not even back-to-back wins for the first time in two months will be enough to pacify the most vocal of Hawks critics (and it shouldn’t). But you have to admit that seeing the Hawks at something closer to decent health makes a world of difference.
They hit the 100-point mark in their win over the Celtics for the first time in 11 games, which is more shocking to me than anything else that has gone on. We’re talking about a team that has six players that average double figures going that long without scoring 100 points. That’s crazy (and largely the result of not having those six guys at once).
But before I go on with all the in-game minutiae, let me take a minute to address several hot button topics from the weekend (in the five things, 2007 version, that I can’t shake):
What’s with all the venom for Jeff Schultz for his criticism of the Hawks and their owners? He wasn’t anywhere near as cold-blooded as some have been around these parts (you know who you are). Just like everyone here weighs in with their thoughts, Shultz is entitled to his opinions. I had no problem with what he said about the state of the Hawks after Friday’s win over the Pistons. He came and surveyed the situation and wrote it the way he saw it. Everyone’s entitled to his or her own opinions.
I’ve raged against NBA players and their situational nonchalance already this season. So let me now praise some guys for poking holes in my theories. If you didn’t watch the motley crew the Celtics showed up with Monday, you missed one of the true feel good stories of the league. They had nine guys, all but Mike Olowokandi were basically NBA neophytes, and they played their guts out. It was fun to watch a game like that and good to see young guys busting it like that. Doc Rivers gets panned coast to coast for being a lousy coach and I’m not sure I understand that criticism. He had these cats ready to go Monday and it showed. I wish every team played that hard all the time. It would make the NBA product so much better.
The people at the Golden Globes, yet another awards show I’ve never watched, saw fit to give everybody from the movie Dreamgirls an award, save for my baby Beyonce. Unbelievable. My baby sister, a Beyonce hater if ever there was one, made sure to call and keep me updated, interrupting my 24 watching twice, laughing at Beyonce the entire time. Well, B, you’re still No. 1 with me. Forget the haters. I saw the movie and Beyonce’s performance was as good as any.
Anyone foolish enough to question Reggie Bush’s toughness better rethink that stance. I saw him take probably the most vicious lick I’ve seen at any level this season and come back like a champ. Deuce McAllister did the bulk of the heavy lifting for the Saints and deserves the praise that comes along with his performance. But Bush is a baller, too.
I’m done with 24 after just two days. I know I’ve been hyping it up for months now. But they did the unthinkable last night and killed my man Curtis off the show. For the record, that’s two major brothers (they clipped the original President Palmer at the start of last season) eliminated in the past year. I love Jack Bauer and the premise of the show. But Hollywood’s fetish with offing brown-skinned characters is out of control. So there goes my TV watching outside of sports-related and hard news programming. I don’t watch anything else on a regular basis. Any suggestions on a new show (I can only handle getting really invested in one show) will be welcomed.
Good. I got that off my chest.
Back to the Hawks and their 2-0 weekend. I would hope that anyone still conflicted about Josh Childress’ value has resolved those issues.
The guy’s been fabulous in whatever role the Hawks have asked him to play. He’s one of the most consistent players I’ve seen in terms of what you get from him in effort, energy and production on a nightly basis.
His block on Gerald Green with three seconds to play Monday was a game-saver. Because I didn’t think Green (who’s a much better player than I initially thought) was on fire.
(For anyone wondering, Childress has averaged 20 points and nine rebounds in his last three outings while shooting 65 percent from the floor.)
As good as Childress was over the weekend, I don’t think anyone could have anticipated the lift Josh Smith’s return would provide. His activity on the defensive end, blocking shots and altering shots, is unmatched by any player his size in the league - and that goes for Ben Wallace and Andrei Kirilenko as well. His trailing block of Green dunk early in the game is one of the best blocks I’ve seen. And he got Al Jefferson, who’s a man-child when he’s playing at his best, twice on the same possession. It’s uncanny what Smith can do when he’s on his game (18 points, 4 rebounds, 7 blocks and 5 steals after his game-clinching block and game-winning shot in the Hawks’ defeat of the Pistons).
The time off seems to have helped Smith focus his efforts on some specific things that will aid the Hawks’ cause in ways few people imagined. His five steals in the Celtics game were huge as the Hawks came up with a season-high 32 points off turnovers.
Finally, along that same train of thought, is the boost the play of the Childress and Smith provides Joe Johnson. The floor seems to open up so much more for him when those two guys (and Marvin Williams, who played well against Detroit but struggled a bit against the Celtics’ smaller and quicker crew) are playing well.
Interesting stuff from a team everyone, myself included, thought was down for the count before Friday night’s game. I still think the Hawks need to be active at the trade deadline. But Hawks fans needed a bit of hope (before word comes down later today on Speedy Claxton’s knee injury).
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Comments
By Gutz
January 16, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
So your saying Speedy is out of the year then? But your right if we have JJ, Marvin, Chill, Smoove and Shelden all healthy we have a chance against any team in the NBA. Lets just hope we can keep these core guys healthy the rest of the season and make a run for the 8th playoff spot. Were only 4 games back of it right now. We got a chance at least!
By Bigboi
January 16, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
Once we’re completely healthy, we may just make a run at the weak east. Just you watch and see!!!!!!
By St. Bernard
January 16, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this
It’s completely unacceptable that Speedy was proclaimed the answer at PG by BK and some other folks with his already injury plagued career. Now we have no pg again and we’re paying Speedy to be hurt. GET A POINT GUARD!!! Then push the ball up and down using those young wings.
By Bernard
January 16, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
I think we can make a run for that 8th playoff spot. We definetly need another point guard, even if Speedy isn’t done for the season.
It is time for Knight to use some of the cap money that we have to acquire a player that can make a difference.
By gseagle95
January 16, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
J-Chill for president! If he keeps up at his current level of play, he will easily be the best of our young forwards. Now, for the moment we have all been waiting for!!!!
With trade deadline approaching, what is your best scenario to improve our struggling franchise?
I will start first and you finish it, just like yesterday’s J-Smoove hammer off a lob pass from JJ!!
Trade Marvin + Speedy + Lo Wright for a young PG and young Center.
To Dallas for Devan Harris + Diop
To Boston for Rondo + Perkins
To Portland for Jack + Magloire
To GS for Monta Ellis + O’Bryant
To Lakers for Farmar + Kwame Brown
To Orlando for Arroyo + Darko
To Wizards for Brendan Haywood + ?
* How about you? What should we do?*
By RA
January 16, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
Well, I think that Speedy Claxton was damaged goods when we got him. It boils down to this, either he’s there or he’s not. He can either play on that knee for the rest of this season or we shelve him, trade for a point guard, and hope to get him back next year. Now, as for Schultz. I don’t read him, so I can’t fairly say anything about what he wrote or didn’t write, but I think that if this weekend proves anything, it’s that this Hawks team, when healthy, is formidable. (Please take into account the fact that they won both games over the weekend without a point guard!) To ignore the rash of injuries that Atlanta has had this season and simply label the entire organization as hapless losers, that, is unfair.
By macaroni Tony
January 16, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
I don’t think we should, are they would trade M.Williams. Who will pick up an injuried Speedy (before the injury he has been picking up his game) that is a lot money to eat also. Lo. Wright can go, I think that pick was a bad mistake. Let’s Go Hawks get your confidence and win more games Bring back basketball to this city please!
By honest_abe
January 16, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
kind of a bogus reason to stop liking a TV show. but of course that just one man’s opinion.
i like jeff shultz. in fact i like most of the columnists at the ajc. only person i can’t seem to read these days is mr. bradley. but shultz adds some humor in his columns and it really puts things into perspective.
anyone that thinks chills has reached his ceiling is stupid. the guy will only continue to get better. he is so much more assertive this year on both ends and he’s been finishing a lot better than the previous two years.
jmsith’s new outlook on his role on this team is encouraging. he realizes he probably doesn’t have the skills to be a great scorer but he has amazing athleticsm which allows him to contribute in other ways. he’s starting to do the dirty work and THAT is a beautiful thing to see.
how about some trade ideas that make sense for BOTH teams. lol like dallas would trade devin harris and diop for speedy and lorenzen..HA!
oh boy this is where things get dangerous. the hawks rise up in their mediocrity and finish just above the top three spots … get the 4th pick and ship it to phoenix… OOOOOH SAY IT AIN’T SO!
By Ernest
January 16, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this
Per today’s Inside Hoops, Detroit may be looking to move a big man soon, since they’ve recently signed Chris Weber. Though he may not want to come here, I wouldn’t mind seeing Dale Davis in a Hawks uniform. He’d at least bring a level of toughness in the paint. I lack confidence in LoWright bringing it every night and providing this.
Of the proposed trades mentioned, I wouldn’t mind the 3 way that would bring Brendan Haywood here. Again, my thought is that our problem is stopping other teams from scoring, especially in the paint. While not the best candidate, he is young and perhaps needs a change of scenery.
I wouldn’t mind bringing back Anthony Grundy, assuming other PG candidates are not available. He played decent defense and brough a level of quickness that is great for a change of pace.
By Dee T
January 16, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
I like the idea to trade Marvin, Lo, & Speedy..my reasons are:
1) Marvin hasn’t done ANYTHING for us since he has been in a Hawk uniform..he doesnt make shoots consistantly, draws too many offensive fouls, not a good free throw shooter, & lacks rebound skills..so if any other GOOD team that wants him, we should trade him while he is still of some value.
2) Lo hasnt done anything for us either but be an extra body on the floor..thats all I have on him.
3) Speedy stays hurt & is a backup PG..we need a healthy starter PG with skills..PLAIN & SIMPLE
Be smart BK and “Make That Trade!!”
By jo
January 16, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
STOP LOOKING FOR RACISM. 24 IS ALSO THE ONLY MAJOR SHOW NOW, AND THE FIRST TO HAVE A BLACK PRESIDENT. YOU DISCREDIT PEOPLES RESPONSE TO REAL RACISM WHEN YOU CONJUR IT FROM PLACES IT IS NOT.
By Jay
January 16, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
The fact that we had to squeak by one of the worst teams in the league that had only 9 players dressed and was missing half their scoring says VOLUMES about how poor this hawks team is.
Its nice to win, but lets be real…Marvin still looks completely lost, Shelden (our best rebounder) cant get off the bench, our defense is just atrocious. Though it was nice to see Zaza come off the bench…it seemed to motivate him.
No point making a trade at this point. The season is already over, we arent going to make a playoff run. It might have been worth it a month ago when AI was available but now…there isnt much of a point. Unless…we can unload Speedy. But who is gonna want an injured-all-season backup pg?
If we do make a trade, lets move on the positions we need help at…pg and center. We shouldnt have to give up too much for Gasol.
By Anakin Joe
January 16, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
The same people who think the Hawks can get anything in a trade for Speedy must also think that the Falcons can trade Ed Hartwell to the Colts for Reggie Wayne or the Raiders for Jerry Porter or the Saints for Devery Henderson.
By Steve
January 16, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
Sekou,
PRISON BREAK. The best show on TV by far (I watch 24 also, and think it’s second class). Rent the first season and catch up, it comes back next week and is amazing. And the black dude is still alive (Who would’ve thought??!?!?!)
Steve
By William
January 16, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
Marvin hasn’t done ANYTHING for us?
Why do people have such short memory spans? Marvin has been inconsistant (which is expected from a young player) but to pretend he hasn’t had plenty of good games this year and last is just ignoring the truth. The guy is young and will bring it all together but will struggle sometimes especially his left hand being in that glove. Geez.
Plus NONE of those trades were realistic. A more realistic trade would be Beno Udrih from San Antonio, John Lucas III from Houston or and here is a wacky idea, hows about giving Penny Hardaway a look.
There are plenty of options at the point for the Hawks, but honestly, people need to start looking at how solid Royal Ivy has been for them lately. no matter who the Hawks PG is, He won’t be on the floor in crunch time. Who do you sit amoung Joe, Josh Smith, Josh Childress, Whatever big man Woody sees fit and Marvin Williams(i think i can see the answer most will give though).
Josh Childress has been doing a great job running the point for the Hawks lately, mostly because of his great basketball IQ.
By mississippi
January 16, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
I’m sure it is a far flung idea, but according to the espn rumors page, there is a possibility in the Nets trading Jason Kidd. He’s a vetern and a great floor general that would give the hawks instant credibility. Whatever it takes might be worth it. What would it take??
By Wedgie Evans
January 16, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
It’s really just about sharing the ball and giving 100% effort. This team’s offense will always be inconsistent, because there is no post presence who can get easy buckets. But if they keep giving full effort, playing unselfishly, and focusing on defense, they can hang with anyone. I felt all along throughout the last month and a half that Josh Childress was key to the Hawks’ success because of his energy, and now that he and Josh Smith are finally healthy this team is starting to play well. It’s not their scoring as much as their ability to do other things — rebound, defend, find open teammates, get steals and blocks, etc. The problem I see with Marvin Williams is that he is strictly a scorer — he can’t do any of these other little things, so when his shot is not going down he’s pretty much a liability on the court. Same with Zaza Pachulia. This is why I think the Hawks should use Marvin and Zaza (and a point guard) as trade bait to get a real presence in the post. With someone effectively clogging up the lane, this team will become so much better.
And I really liked how the Hawks pushed the tempo all game. Ivey looks a lot more comfortable than in the past playing point guard, and Childress is savvy enough to handle the position as well. Not having Zaza on the floor to start the game really sped the game up on the offensive end for the Hawks. I think they should continue to bring Zaza off the bench and establish a faster tempo to start the game.
By vdunkndunk
January 16, 2007 01:21 PM | Link to this
Hawks are looking good again lately. I don’t know how the rest of this season will go, but imagine Joe, Smoove, Chill, and Marvin all playing together 2 years down the road. That could be a dangerous team once we can combine experience and cohesion with all that length and athleticism.
As for Mr. Schultz, I was one of the ones who responded to his blog with a bit of venom. And like you said, Sekou, he is certainly entitled to his opinion. But we don’t have to like his opinion, and since the blog format invites response, some of us responded negatively. I do like some of his stuff, but that particular blog rubbed me the wrong way.
It wasn’t his conclusions about the Hawks that bothered me, by the way…it was the implication that the owners are clowns for showing up in the locker room to take pictures with kids. I don’t have a problem with the owners doing that, I don’t understand why we’re supposed to care or be outraged by it. I guess for me, the whole blog was tainted by a tattletale tone that I found unappealing.
By roan st
January 16, 2007 01:53 PM | Link to this
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the hawks are 2-0 since smith’s return to the team. This kid does everything it takes to help us win. At only 21 he is one of the best stat sheet fillers in the league. Josh childress is also invaluable to the team because of his energy and hustle off the bench. However, our other small forward doesn’t seem to be living up to expectations. There is no way we can keep all three in the future so I say trade marvin at the deadline if we can get a good young player in return. If not, maybe we can package him with next years pick from Indiana to move up in the draft to get a big man. I already know that I will receive a lot of backlash about marvin, but one of the three needs to go and we need desperately to improve other positions.
By Barry
January 16, 2007 01:58 PM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
I believe I mentioned in my last blog a week ago, “the Hawks are a terror when they are HEALTHY. Don’t trade anyone from this team, especially the young players, before the trade deadline.” The Hawks were injured during this losing streak. They are starting to get healthy again to make a run. I pray they they all stay healthy for the stretch. I am confident they are going to surprise everyone in Atlanta and the NBA when they make the playoff. That is going to be when the fun starts for these Hawks and a pain for the rest of the NBA. Sit back and get ready for some FAST and FURIOUS basketball from the HAWKS. I am confident they will stay in shape and healthy for this playoof run.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! This is a SECRET from us HAWKS fan. TELL EVERYBODY: The party is just getting started!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!
Ringold
See you at Phillips ARE
By jack
January 16, 2007 02:06 PM | Link to this
watch HBO’s the wire. they are just beginning to air all the episodes on BET. the show is unbelievably good, but you have to be sure to watch them all.
By Virginia Slim
January 16, 2007 02:36 PM | Link to this
Let’s make a run at Rashard Lewis via sign and trade. Send Marvin (a Seattle native) a draft pick (this year’s Indiana pick or next year’s first rounder) and Salim to Seattle for Lewis. Take the rest of our cap space and make a run at Mike Bibby. Randolph Morris won’t stick around at Kentucky. Because he went through the draft processes and didn’t get picked, he becomes an instant free agent. Bring him home to the ATL.
We start off with 1. Bibby, 2. JJ, 3. Lewis, 4. Smoove 5. ZaZa. Come off the bench with Speedy, Lue, Chills, Shelden and Morris.
By newkid
January 16, 2007 03:31 PM | Link to this
Yesterday I turned down an invitation - with floor level seats - to attend the Hawks/Celtics game, but I did check in to the telecast a few times. Had a weird fleeting thought as I saw JJ, JS, Chilz, and Marvin on the court at once. Saw Marvin in the open court a couple of times (he didn’t look to bad out) acting as a sort of point guard, and thought: ‘just how close to the old showtime Magic/Scott/Cooper/Worthy Lakers could we get with this group (+ a decent center) and a commitment to run?’ With the exception of Phoenix and perhaps Chicago, could anyone else in the league match the pace and athleticism?
By Dan
January 16, 2007 03:42 PM | Link to this
I would rather not watch Speedy play again this season. He is the worst free agent signing of the year. Speedy and his wide variety of injuries have hurt this team more than anything this year. A lot was expected of him, not to mention paid to him, and he has not (and cannot) live up to the expectations. I wish he would give the $$ back and just leave town.
Josh Smith is great when he drives to the basket. We already knew he could block shots and play D. His problem has always been his love of stading outside the 3-point line and jacking up brick after brick. These past two games, he drove to the basket and created plays for his teammates and himself. I hope he keeps it up.
Nice two wins, but does anyone really think these guys will win in Minnesota? I don’t.
Also, Sekou, that might be the dumbest reason for not watching 24 I have ever heard. You must have forgotten that they are on their 2nd black president. Also, plenty more white characters that were once regulars to the show have been killed than black. That rip on the show was just out of line. Ranks right up there with that “HO-ho-ho-hold off on dissing Speedy” BS you posted a month ago.
By Ricardo
January 16, 2007 03:55 PM | Link to this
Let’s not go overboard - these guys have won a couple of games and that’s great, but they aren’t a “terror”. They are seriously flawed.
The GM is the worst in the game and unless/until he’s gone, we are all gonna spend our time getting excited about 3 game winning “streaks” and some new rookie (can we PLEASE get a little younger????). It’s mis-placed optimisim at very best to think they are going in the right direction. A GM that knows what he’s doing could come in and make a few moves, take on a little money and we could have a decent team. But it ain’t gonna happen with BK in charge.
By Traceman
January 16, 2007 04:07 PM | Link to this
Sekou, I agree with your takes on the Hawks and Reggie Bush, but I disagree with your take on Beyonce’s performance in Dream Girls and on your take regarding 24.
Beyonce was CLEARLY the weakest link of the headliners in Dream Girls. It’s not that she was bad, it’s that the Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson and Jamie Foxx were TERRIFIC. Beyonce was solid but her performance was not award-worthy in my opinion.
As for 24, I disagree with you again. There is no question that Hollywood in general is famous for offing brown-skinned characters early but I don’t think that was the case in this scenario. Curtis was one of my favorite characters too but you can’t be too surprised that he was killed. Think about it, how many of Jack’s co-workers have been killed in the previous five seasons? What made Curtis different than Tony Almeda? In addition, although Curtis is gone, Sandra (Regina King) and Walid Al-Rezani (Harry J. Lennix) have been added to the cast as African-Americans with prominent roles. Bottom line, don’t give up on a great show because you miss Curtis. You will be sorry you did!
By Clyde
January 16, 2007 04:25 PM | Link to this
“Fights Break Out at Australian Open By ROHAN SULLIVAN
Associated Press Writer
MELBOURNE, Australia — Croatian and Serbian spectators kicked each other and used flag poles as weapons during brief scuffles Monday at the Australian Open.
Police and private security guards at the year’s first Grand Slam event ejected 150 people from the Melbourne Park venue after the violence, which organizers, players and community leaders condemned.
Police said no injuries were reported and no arrests were made.
Two groups of mostly male youths dressed in the colors of the former rivals in a bitter early-1990s war chanted slogans and yelled insults at each other near a lawn area where a giant television screen is set up for spectators.
News photographs and footage recorded on mobile phones of the incident showed youths kicking each other and using large hand-held flags as batons. Australian television showed police, some of them with batons drawn, marching supporters out of the venue and escorting them out of the area on trains.”
How come this event wasn’t all over Sportscenter? Would we call those involved thugs?
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By King of the HAWKS
January 16, 2007 04:44 PM | Link to this
Sekou, have you heard anymore about the 3 way trade with Portland, and the Wizards? I think this would be a great trade for the hawks, what do you think?
By Stu
January 16, 2007 04:46 PM | Link to this
Amen Ricardo. I can’t believe what I’m reading here. Did someone (newkid) actually have the nerve to compare the 2006-2007 Hawks to the Showtime Lakers of the 80’s?!?! Get off of this board immediately and out of the gene pool ASAP! All you guys offering up our 2007 pick in different trade scenarios must not realize that unless its a top 3 pick, it goes to the Suns. That’s right. Unless our pick falls within 1-3, it goes to Phoenix in what most analysts are calling the deepest draft in a long time. This team is utterly hopeless. BK is clueless. He’s been talking about some “master plan” for 3 years now. Well, if the “master plan” is to alienate what little fan base you have, have a starting five of 6’8 wingmen who each play the same position, skip on drafting a PG at the deepest PG draft class ever, use up your cap space by overpaying for veterans who would, at best, be fringe starters on lottery teams, and suck for the next decade, then the plan is working to perfection. Ownership is a mess. MW is almost 100 games below .500 for crying out loud! Someone please do what those Falcons fans did and place a full page ad in the AJC to shame these guys. On second thought, don’t waste your money. Hell, why am I wasting time writing about them on this blog….
By fa sho
January 16, 2007 04:54 PM | Link to this
Sekou,
Shultz, Bradley, and Moore are just not good enough. Whether you like it or not, people want their newspaper writers to be a fan of the team. Maybe if the three amigos cared more about their readers and the Atlanta teams, people wouldnt have negative knee-jerk reactions when the columnists expose glaring problems. The smugness of these three is disgusting. The AJC sports page needs new blood. Young, exuberant, talented writers that are from this area.
By newkid
January 16, 2007 04:56 PM | Link to this
Stu, if I were the bickering sort, I would suggest to you that ‘our’ gene pool is much more compromised by your presence than mine. It wasn’t a comparison my dear sir.
By Jeff
January 16, 2007 05:07 PM | Link to this
SS- The two hottest shows on TV right now are the 2nd seasons of Rome and Extras. They are an odd mix back to back, but both are fantastic shows. You’ll need to rent the first season of Rome to catch up, but jump right in to Extras- they both should be replaying their season premiers on HBO all this week.
By Steve T
January 16, 2007 05:13 PM | Link to this
I now see why Billy drafted the players he did. These guys do not have egos. Chill is a very good player, but he is willing to play whatever role it takes to win. How many guys in the NBA will do that. Chill could demand to start or ask for a trade.
People, I keep telling y’all not to give up on Marvin too soon. The guy can shoot. How many people can play with a bad left hand. I like Speedy. The guy hustle. He gets in passing lanes. He make steals. He does a lot of the little things. I wish we had another just like him. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
By Billy Ocean
January 16, 2007 05:41 PM | Link to this
Is Stu short for Stupid?
By roan st
January 16, 2007 06:18 PM | Link to this
Stu, you need to learn how to read more carefully. The pick that we are referring to in trade scenerios is the one we get from Indiana. I believe the Indiana pick is top 14 lottery protected, but at 20-18 Indiana would have to play terrible from here on out to retain that pick. My suggestion was to package marvin williams with that pick to move up and get a big man. So in all likelyhood atlanta should have a pick next year even if we loose our own to phoneix.
By Clyde
January 16, 2007 06:55 PM | Link to this
This is who we need running the point next year.
http://www.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/players/playerpage/441652
By anonymous
January 16, 2007 07:11 PM | Link to this
Let me understand this…a nuclear bomb goes off in a major U.S. city with anticipated loss of life at 100,000, you have no problem…a black guy gets killed and you swear off the show?
I guess I don’t get it.
By Chris D'
January 16, 2007 09:33 PM | Link to this
I am curious to see how we perform this weekend against Charlotte a team that is well balanced and has gone out this year and filled needs (Jeff McInnis and Derek Anderson)with their cap space and allowed them to play. As I said coming into this season: how does a 3 year old team have such a better assembled roster than the Hawks? We bring in Dijon Thomas he has two good games then we don’t play him in the next two. Is that supposed to make any sense?
With our two game winning streak we managed to open up a comfortable 3 game lead on the Memphis Grizzlies for the worst record in the league. Excuse me if I am not getting excited.
That game yesterday was total crap. Both teams were totally dysfunctional. Over the last couple of years I have yet to figure out what the Celtics are trying to do. They seem to have a bunch of young guys with great potential that rotate in and out without any real rhyme or reason to their rotation.
It is depressing watching teams that don’t suck like the Bulls, Suns and Spurs and then having to be force fed the Hawks and try to pretend that some attractive basketball and glorious potential is right around the corner. I just can’t do it anymore.
By JB
January 16, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
What’s to argue. Hawks suck. Was this a secret? Hope, yes—I have hope. But RIGHT NOW—& for the forseeable future—we suck. I still like watching ‘em a lot better than I did last year tho. Last year, there wasn’t even hope.
Doc needs no further credentials than the job he did with the Magic post-Shaq. THAT was incredible. Nothing against Woodson, but I’d have loved seeing Doc surrounded by Hawks jerseys during a timeout. Realize: neither one of them is doing much until Knight gives them a starting center and a REAL-AND-TRUE-FULL-TIME-STARTING PG.
Yes, but all she had to do was stand there, and you still would’ve said that! :-)
Watch out, Sekou…isn’t that your editor waiting for you in his office? :-)
Chills wins with smarts, and I love what he adds to the mix. But as you point out, what’s really sweet is watching the way he & Josh Smith have played off of each others’ energy & ignited the whole team.
Exactly. Have you EVER seen a player who could change the game as much as he does without having to score a point? Deke did on the defensive end, but Josh usually does on both ends. And I’m telling ya’ll. The boy is gonna be a superstar for years to come because he’s got the LEADERSHIP stuff. It comes naturally for him. Joe has to work at it, but Josh just DOES it—and I’m not JUST talking about words, though he has that ability. That three-pointer at the end of his five-point first game back was a dead-eye Kobe-hit….. I mean, I can see him going 3-for-120 from the field in a playoff series and then not even HESITATING to nail that shot at the end of a game seven.
True. But I have finally come on board with all the people who have hated on Billy for 2 years over missing Chris Paul & the one-guard who is doing so well this year: Speedy is a bandaid vainly slapped on a gushing wound caused by missing on those guys AND dealing Diaw away.
I came to this conclusion when I heard Speedy explain that the treatment for his knee is … REST??? I mean, I’m not doubting Speedy’s toughness; I’m just asking: what has he really done this year BESIDES REST?
The fault here is not Claxton’s; it’s Billy’s. Was there this deep dark secret that his durability was in question? NO—the topic came up before we even signed him.
Did anybody see Latrell Sprewell’s trade value plummet like a rock as soon as his wheels started to go? Doesn’t sound real promising, does it then, to have bad knees when your nickname is Speedy?
Hellooooooo? Billy? Anybody home?
By Volman
January 16, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this
Chris D You don’t have to watch if you don’t want to. So don’t. You have anything positive to say?
By cj
January 16, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this
The one thing about fair weather fans are that they go both ways. Some are groupies and some are haters. But Shultz is a fan, he wants this team to do good. Nobody hates the Hawks, everyone wants a good basketball team. What is the rational reason for ‘hating’ a basketball team. Somebody please answer that. NEWSFLASH the Hawks are not a good basketball team and that requires criticism of who PUT THEM IN THAT POSITION. The one thing about ATL fans is the love shooting the messenger and not solve the problem. I’ve been hoping to see the owners feel the heat from the AJC and now it seems to have began and to my surprise has had an effect. These guys have to be held accountable if the Hawks will break the cycle of bad management. That’s why the Spirit and BK have sat atop the pile for so long.
By CJ
January 16, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this
Volman I appreciate your fresh opinions but for the seasons that this blog has existed the Hawks have either lost very bad, lost bad, or lost kinda bad every season. I don’t think asking people why they aren’t more positive will change their attitude. Just ask my man Astro Joe.
By Derrick
January 17, 2007 09:35 AM | Link to this
Fo sho and Volman are part of the reason why people don’t take this city seriously as a serious sports town. So I guess by their measure their is a need for sportswriters and fans who clap every time the home team doesn’t pee on themselves like a parent does for his 10 year old who stinks at soccer. Some of these commentors must have never read a sports page from any town north of Charlotte.
People pay their hard earned money expecting some reasonable level of success and when they don’t get that they have every right to show their displeasure. Face it, the Hawks are terrible and don’t, despite the best wishes of the sycophants, look to be that much better in the future with the current leadership. Maybe if some of these people actually pointed there finger at the people who are responsible for their need to be so defensive about this team, they wouldn’t have to be.
By Bruce Levenson
January 17, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this
Schultz knows I am not upset with negative coverage of the Hawks or his opinions. He is entitlted to both. And the negative coverage is to be expected when a team is losing. I am upset with his shoddy reporting, use of innuendo instead of facts, and total disregard of journalistic ethics. Even a columnist, especially one for a supposedly respected newspaper, can’t cross those lines and should never be defended for doing so.
By Mr Myogi
January 17, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
Marvin, Claxton, LO Wright, and Future Draft Considerations for THE BIG TICKET
We have too many young players and shouldn’t need a draft pick for a while and trade for someone who can help us right now.
By roan st
January 17, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
Bruce Levenson, if that is really you please focus your energy on trying to make the Hawks a winner instead of worrying about a newspaper reporter. Who the hell really cares what jeff shultz says anyway? Please get this franchise a respectable and talented GM who can draft the right players. We fans have come to the realization that this franchise is being run on the cheap. Ironically, that is exactly what the rest of the Atlanta spirit group accused belkin of trying to do. Why do we continue to employ one of the worst and most arrogant GM’s in professional sports? A lot of fans I have spoke to are begenning to think that maybe Belkin was the one who was right all along on the direction of this franchise. This roster has a serious imbalance caused by the idiocy of a GM who envisioned a floor full of 6’8 wing men. I don’t know how good or bad woodson is as a coach because he has been sent to a gunfight with a butter knife. Please get this team a better talent evaulator and maybe things will start to look up again.
By honest_abe
January 17, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this
i can’t say i full agree with roan st. but yes mr. levenson you would be much better served to start thinking of ways to improve the team instead of continuing to make a big deal out of a column. i can’t say billy is that bad considering we’ve yet to see the final product. but the owners, including mr. levenson have been absolutely horrific!
first of all, none of you have the deep pockets that are necessary for a team to succeed. secondly, this joke of an ownership group probably does the worst job in terms of PR. either get some competent people or sell the damn team.
PLEASE!!
By Chris D'
January 17, 2007 08:14 PM | Link to this
Volman, I don’t watch the Hawks very much anymore along with most of the other basketball fans in this city. Every year Atlanta posts some of the highest ratings for the playoffs and the NBA finals without the team with ATLANTA on their jerseys anywhere near playoff contention.
Actually think the Hawks have some reasonably talented players on their team but I have yet to figure out how they are going to win without a NBA quality starting point guard.
Unfortunately after watching some of the other teams in the NBA play this year I find it hard to stomach the Hawks continual crap product that they put before me.
An example of the crap: Earlier this year Matt Frieje was out on the perimeter three possessions in a row at the end of the game covering Lebron James one on one. Manage that Cavs get three easy baskets and go on to win.
By Chris D'
January 17, 2007 08:17 PM | Link to this
I have to be honest with the BLOG and say I find this BLOG way more entertaining these days than watching the Hawks games. Keep up the good work BLOG CREW….
I do feel bad for poor Sekou having to come up with meat to throw to the blog sharks multiple times a week. Stay strong Sekou we need you man…