Hawks

By Volman

January 17, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

When healthy, Speedy is good for us.. He’s not healthy, so we need to fill that void. Trade him away? Who would even take him?

By jeremy

January 17, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Thanks, as always, Sekou, for your good insight on things. I love Speedy and think is legit (although many disagree). I mean, look at his steals and the way he rings up assists when he is healthy. But yeah, we may need someone to come in via trade.

I disagree, though, with trading Salim or Batista. Coach Woodson is okay by me, but what the heck is he thinking concerning Salim and Batista. He only seems to put in Salim to bail us out or jump start things. I have always thought he is MUCH more than a mini-microwave (referring to Detroit’s Vinnie Johnson). He needs time to get a groove in the game just as any player. He can obviously break down about any team off the dribble and his tear drops are only matched by Mr Francaise in San Antonio and Marbury. Now with Batista, that cat can come in, wreak havoc, get some fouls, frustrate the other teams, ALWAYS gets offensive boards like Jeff Foster does—by hustle, and he is not looking really to score—which is something our rotation needs. The dude was a monster in the Latin American championships both last years…which includes Nocioni, Ginobili, and other great NBA stars. Give the cat 8 minutes a half to wreak havoc. Peace out.

By roan st

January 17, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Who cares? He has been an absolute dud for this franchise thus far. We should already have a bright young point guard in place but the fro man blew it time and time again. Please get rid of the incompetent GM and we can start to move this franchise forward. Personally, I am sick and tired of hearing about speedy and all his injuries. Send him to a retirement home and play royal ivey looks like the best option for this team.

FIRE THE INCOMPETENT BILLY KNIGHT

By Tyger

January 17, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a 100 times - Hawks better off w/o Speedy.

It may be harsh, but results speak for themselves, just look at the record, when he plays vs. when he doesnt.

Mgt. has to be honest, admit mistakes and correct them, anything less is foolishness.

And look at what’s happening:

1) He didnt practice all summer; 2) He’s not practicing now; 3) Yet, he starts - A.I. he aint; 4) Sure recipe for disaster; 5) They dont miss him, they miss Lue; 6) 2-0 w/o Speedy; 7) Play Ivey/Salim, they’ve earned it.

The Hawks are not good enough to play politics, they have to play as a team. To be a team, they have to put in the work. Those that work are rewarded.

Although, they’ve heard it many times, they dont understand the “politics of business” - they’ve never had jobs!

They do understand the most basic principle - which is if you work hard you play. And thats what’s been wrong, they preached to them hard work, then lied, and stuck that lil’ bum in the starting lineup. And it went downhill from there.

By morris

January 17, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

The knee ailment that you are referring to is a chronic knee problem that never goes away. It will get better with rest but can always flare up again if the knee is pushed to hard. Basically we wasted millions of dollars on an injury prone player is the best way to sum it up.

By Dave

January 17, 2007 01:01 PM | Link to this

I believe I am the only person who religiously reads and twice a year writes on this blog from Minnesota. I have my front row (given to me) seats right behind the Hawks bench and broadcaster and I look forward to seeing the Hawks and Sekou tonight at the game. The Timberwolves are playing really well right now so I hope it is as close as last year’s games.At draft time I said the Hawks should draft Randy Foye and unfortunately we passed on him, he is not Dwayne Wade yet but wants the ball in the fourth quarter much like a young Sam Cassell. And whoever wanted Mike James over Speedy has been struggling up here.

By tb

January 17, 2007 01:04 PM | Link to this

Happens to the best of them. The players that have some sort of med condition that inhibits their performance should be held responsible. I’ m not talking about injury, I’m talking about a player having a long-term or degenerative condition going out and signing a contract with a club and suddenly coming up lame.

They do med checks but the type of injury that Speedy has doesn’t really show up. It’s like fraud. If I go get a job saying I’m ready and able to work and it isn’t true, I’m out.

How can these guys get away with it. He either needs to play, get it fixed quickly or retire.

By Tyger

January 17, 2007 01:39 PM | Link to this

Hopefully, they have insurance, can reach an injury settlement, buy him out and/or get salary cap relief from the NBA to get another player???

By GM R

January 17, 2007 01:41 PM | Link to this

Weedy was always a big risk and is now a bust. Another great move by BK.

By Dan

January 17, 2007 02:05 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

Sorry I misread your 24 comments from yesterday. I thought you were serious. Should have known better…

Speedy Claxton is the worst thing to happen to the Hawks since JR Rider. Speedy was brought here to be a difference maker on this team. The problem is that he will never be that. It really irritates me to read his quotes in the paper today. He came off so indifferent. Screw that guy!

I truely believe that he knew he was injured when he signed the contract this summer. I do not want to see him play again for the Hawks. He is, in my mind, the number one reason why this season has turned out so crappy.

Does he read this blog? I would pay for the chance to tell Speedy what a piece of crap I think he is.

By honest_abe

January 17, 2007 02:08 PM | Link to this

i think speedy’s taking some unfair flack. the guy hasnt’ been 100% all year. how about we give the guy a shot to get healthy before we label him as a complete bust signing.

race is an issue that’s a sensitive topic but especially here at the ajc. you don’t have put a “disclaimer” on every little joke you crack, but you should have an idea of what kind of response you are going to get, based upon your readers. you got let off the hook easy sekou. imagine if terrence moore had written that. HA!! or even better yet think about the uproar that would have ignited on the falcons blog.. heh thank goodness your readers are somewhat close to being sane and rational.

anywhoot if the hawks can win tonight they’ll be right back into the thick of the playoff race…

yes the eastern conference is SAD!

By newkid

January 17, 2007 02:27 PM | Link to this

Eight player trade between Indy and the Warriors just announced. Harrington and Stephen Jackson among those involved on Indy side; Dunleavy and Troy Murphy are principals on Warriors side.

By pangordo

January 17, 2007 03:02 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know how Speedy’s contract pays out for the rest of its duration? I read that the contract was loaded up front like JJ’s contract.

By mississippi

January 17, 2007 03:04 PM | Link to this

Al Harrington ends up in California after all, might be the sign that Jermaine O’neal is done in Indy after this year.

By Jay

January 17, 2007 03:05 PM | Link to this

Anyways, I really dont see the point (pun not intended) of trading for a point guard right now. Its not going to make that much of a difference. We’re still going to lose 50+ games. And we’d aquire yet ANOTHER backup point guard and thrust him into a position he cant handle…starting point guard. Plus, it would be in the hawks best long-term interest that we get the #2 pick (or #1 of course) in this upcoming draft for that guy from Texas or Oden.

Ivey looks much more confident to me then he has in the past. Run him out there, with Chills and Salim giving him some breaks. Then when Lue comes back, move Ivey to 2nd-string. Just think about it…we’re really not going to gain that much trading for another backup pg that we think could start. Especially if he turns out like the last one…Speedy.

If we’re going to make a trade, lets loosen up one of our forwards for a true power forward or center that can consistently rebound and play d. That would make a bigger difference then any project pg.

By Al Harrington

January 17, 2007 03:05 PM | Link to this

So the Hawks claim they couldn’t get anything for me and had to let me go for a draft pick and basically nothing else, now this monster deal happens.

Someone’s telling lies.

By Dan

January 17, 2007 03:09 PM | Link to this

honest_abe,

How many games out of the playoffs would the Hawks be if they won tonight? Not that I think they will win tonight, but just for conversation sake.

Speedy sucks! Sekou, will you please tell him that there is a guy named Dan who thinks he is the worst free agent signing in the history of the NBA? I would feel a little bit better. Also, tell him to give the Hawks their money back. He is not worth a dime.

By Volman

January 17, 2007 03:15 PM | Link to this

Dan, what were Speedy’s comments in the paper that made him seem indifferent? I’m intrigued. I had a different mindset about him, but if he’s not hungry to compete and win, then I don’t want him.

By Lacsho

January 17, 2007 03:22 PM | Link to this

I watched the NBDL MLK classic and I saw two great point guards in the LA vs Colorado game. Their names were Jeters and James. Jeters plays for Colorado and he can help any team in need of an point guard. He’s only 5’8” but he pushes the ball up court at an frantic pace and he has a nice jump shot. His defense is on point too.

By Anakin Joe

January 17, 2007 03:22 PM | Link to this

Darn Sekou, what kind of pictures does your sister have of you to make you print that retraction? A big brother NEVER backs down to a little sister (unless there is a picture of you in underoos with a big afro somewhere waiting to hit the internet).

Pacers now have JON, Diogu, Foster, Murphy and Harrison. Sounds to me like our 1st round pick might be headed south (in our favor). I didn’t like the Pacers team before and like them less with this trade. JON must be next to go (in the off-season). Seems to me they are beginning their rebuilding efforts already.

I’m down with the AJ trade idea. Don’t understand why we re-upped Mustard when we need another PG. Maybe just more of BK’s aversion for PGs.

I say let Speedy Hartwell rest until after the All-Star break.

By honest_abe

January 17, 2007 03:23 PM | Link to this

dan: believe it or not the hawks are only 10 games out of 1st place in the east! what a joke and they are only 4 games out of the 8th spot.

we could have gotten murphy. in fact we talked about sending al to golden state for some time. but the hawks werent’ willing to pick up any large contracts. so basically once again it BOILS DOWN TO THE MONEY!

sorry cheap owners~!!

By pangordo

January 17, 2007 03:34 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know how Speedy’s contract pays out for the rest of its duration? I read that the contract was loaded up front like JJ’s contract.

By Dan

January 17, 2007 03:35 PM | Link to this

Volman,

The quote I was referring to is in the AJC today. Speedy says (and I am doing my best to remember his exact wording) “Woodson wants everyone in every drill at practice, but that is just not good for me right now.”

Just doesn’t sound like that clown has any urgency to get back in the lineup anytime soon. I would just like to hear a more apologetic stance from him. A lot of guys need to be held back when they are injured because they want to play so badly. For some reason, I would not lump Speedy into that group.

honest_abe, are they really only 10 games out of first?!?!?! Unreal!! I wonder where they will be after February comes and goes. Look at the schedule for that month. I really do not think they will win a game.

By Willie Coyote

January 17, 2007 03:40 PM | Link to this

Just read some of the comments from the last blog about the “24” comment. Come on people…sarcasm look it up.

Speedy is something when he’s healthy. It probably would be good to sit him for a couple of weeks or more if that means he can get healthy. As for Lue and all the minutes he played that weren’t good for him, doesn’t JJ play more? I know that the Josh’s are young but they play a lot of minutes also. Why would Lue just break down because he’s played a lot of minutes? It’s not like he’s done it for a full season.

Anthony Johnson…don’t really have an opinion. I just want to see consistent effort from here on out.

By Dan

January 17, 2007 03:41 PM | Link to this

One more thing….

I love the way Childress is playing. I have never been in the camp that thinks the Hawks should have taken Deng instead of Childress. Childress does so many things well. Plus, he is one guy (not the only guy) that you can count on to give maximum effort almost every night. He is one of my favorite players on the team.

Speedy is my least favorite player on the team.

By SSU_Tigers

January 17, 2007 03:43 PM | Link to this

I hope not. hopefull speedy is done until after the all star break or until Mike Woodson is fired.

By King of the HAWKS

January 17, 2007 03:56 PM | Link to this

If the hawks are only 10 games out, and only 4 games out of the playoffs the east really sucks. I also think that as young as the hawks are they should never stop running the floor, they are a much better team when they do. We should try to hire a Western coach to teach our players the way the NBA will be played for years to come. Has anyone heard anything more about the 3 way trade with Portland and Washington?

By T

January 17, 2007 03:57 PM | Link to this

Great signage! Good job BK, you proved your worth again! What a joke.

By jackson

January 17, 2007 04:39 PM | Link to this

All the conventional wisdom “sayers” told the Hawks not to sign Speedy. Billy did it anyway, and for a lot of money and years. It was a big mistake. Salim should have gotton a LONG look at point as we were not going to win that many games anyway. It would have either worked out or not. As is, we have neither answer and now a lot of talk of trading Salim and trashcanning Speedy. Bad GM decision, even worse coaching. And sadly, we can probably not trade/give Speedy away to anyone for anything. We do not need BK to be around at draft time next year!

By GLid

January 17, 2007 05:25 PM | Link to this

Check out this for a great read.

Billy is the ultimate GM

I think this line is my favorite: By removing underachieving players from the roster and avoiding the desire to take on potentially inflated salaries that affects a franchise’s ability to maintain flexibility, he has stayed the course and is committed more than ever to see his plan through.

Sweet baby Jesus can we get a real GM?

By GLid

January 17, 2007 05:26 PM | Link to this

Check out this for a great read.

Billy is the ultimate GM

I think this line is my favorite: By removing underachieving players from the roster and avoiding the desire to take on potentially inflated salaries that affects a franchise’s ability to maintain flexibility, he has stayed the course and is committed more than ever to see his plan through.

Sweet baby Jesus can we get a real GM?

By vdunkndunk

January 17, 2007 05:37 PM | Link to this

I think the Golden State-Indiana trade was just a case of two teams swapping their problems.

Dunleavy and Murphy are two guys with huge contracts, and neither one plays defense.

Then you have a head-case like Stephen Jackson, and Al Harrington (who we all know shoots too much and doesn’t defend or rebound well enough).

So this is a monster deal in terms of the number of players involved, but I think BK did better by getting a draft pick than taking on bad contracts like Murphy or Dunleavy. (Although I do like what I’ve read about Ike Diogu.)

By Okolo

January 17, 2007 05:44 PM | Link to this

Thank you for the correction. Just hope that at the Oscars they’ll be saying “you ready B”

By vdunkndunk

January 17, 2007 05:44 PM | Link to this

As for the Speedy thing, it’s really disappointing. I have a feeling that Speedy is not the kind of guy to go out and try to play through pain, and so this might be something we have to get used to as he collects his millions wearing a suit on the bench.

From what I understand his condition is chronic but not dehabilitating and can be improved with proper rest and rehabilitation. So I say we try to pawn him off on Miami or another contender in need of veteran PG help as soon as Speedy gets back on the court for a game or two.

If Speedy gets less minutes and more rest and rehab with a contender, I’m sure he could help off the bench come playoff time. A late-first round pick and the chance to dump his salary is all I ask.

By honest_abe

January 17, 2007 05:52 PM | Link to this

i think one thing we as fans have to be careful about is to question a player’s heart. our bodies aren’t worth muli-million dollar contracts. so it’s pretty stupid for us to assume just how healthy or not speedy might be. even worse to question his manhood and his character. none of us personally know speedy and have no idea how much pain he is in. i’m still ready to give the guy the benefit of the doubt that he IS injured and that he wants to play but can’t.

when you have a coach who doesn’t know how to manage minutes i’d be extra careful as well.

By HB Ando

January 17, 2007 06:13 PM | Link to this

Waz up, fellas? I have to admit that there just hasn’t been any good reason to continue to come and say the same things over and over.

Bad team, bad front office, bad owners and a bad coach.

What’s really tragic is that we can’t even manage this atrocity with some common sense. So we beat the Celtics? That’s a pointless win, with absolutely no chance of this team competing for a playoff spot. But it’s pushes us a game out in the important race we DO need to win, and that’s to keep our top-3 pick. If ever there was a team that needed to tank, this is it. There is simply nothing here that sniffs of “building a playoff team”.

The guy I thought we should have sought out last year, as a cheap option for the PG slot, has supplanted Ridnour as the starting PG in Seattle, and is averaging about 10 dimes a game since doing so. People said he was too expensive at the mid-level exemption, but Speedy has been an absolute bust at the price.

How many times can you say that Knight is a horrible GM? If the (hopefully) outgoing owners won’t do anything to help this franchise, then all we can do is wait until they leave town and he’s replaced. There doesn’t seem to be any value in calling for his head.

I don’t follow local radio, but all last year the owners here were very front and center about making things happen. Does anyone know if they are even being seen or heard from these days?

This is a lameduck franchise, and our two hopes are that we get new ownership and a new GM, and that these guys can get their losing straight, so we can draft a potential star big man.

The idea that we’re not, once again, basically starting from scratch, is sheer folly.

Absolute indifference has set in. Only drastic change will reverse it. It’s a crying shame. Props to Sekou for showing up here daily and trying to put a face of consequence on this franchise. I’m not buying it, but I respect the heck out of the professionalism he brings.

Do one thing right, guys, and tank this season. A top 3 pick, and another around 20, combined with the dream that by the time the draft rolls around someone other than Billy will be in charge of making the picks, is about the only realistic hope we have for turning this around in the next five years.

By Wedgie Evans

January 17, 2007 06:14 PM | Link to this

That Golden State-Indiana deal doesn’t really benefit either team. Both teams just shuffled a couple of bad contracts between each other. I don’t think Al Harrington is a great fit for Don Nelson’s scheme, and the terrible defense of Murphy and Dunleavy is going to leave Jermaine O’Neal in foul trouble a lot. All these players are overpaid and are not going to get a team over the top. The one good player, when you factor in the contract, in this deal is Ike Diogu. I don’t think a lottery protected first round pick for Al Harrington was that bad.

Speedy is a decent player when healthy, but he’s better suited to playing 20-25 minutes, not starters’ minutes. This team is functioning well now with Childress getting starters’ minutes and Zaza coming off the bench.

By kaiser

January 17, 2007 06:27 PM | Link to this

Why isn’t our gm making any trades for point guards?if he cant make a trade just sign one.Milt palacio had a solid season for the jazz in 2006,and he is a free agent. I hope he can get us Travis Diener from the magic, he could really flourish with the Hawks.

By infamouskrs

January 17, 2007 06:49 PM | Link to this

still waiting for the franchise to announce that upon starting the 4 quarter in Philips Arena..all fans will be given “pre-rolled” party favors! alittle something to say THANK YOU for continuous franchise-support!

you buy tickets…you contribute to a longer (ownership+GM) tenure.

think about it!

By mykhalc

January 17, 2007 06:55 PM | Link to this

logically it makes sense to tank the season BUT what REAL competing athlete(s) (in the true sense of competition) would really do such a thing?? how could you orchestrate an entire team to intentionally accept tankin’ the season????? no, the HAWKS need to learn how to win at ALL costs!! that is the first step to turnin’ around this pitiful franchise!! win at all costs and any costs, NO MATTER WHAT!! now the HAWKS might end up tankin’ the season but it will be thru the lack leadership and direction at the ownership and GM level with the coach being a close 2nd. now IF the team that played NEW ORLEANS the other nite shows back up again then i guess i’d be proven wrong!!!

By A Thinking Fan

January 17, 2007 07:02 PM | Link to this

Float like a butterfly, Sting like a bee; that’s why they call him Mohammed Ali!

Happy birthday Champ!!!

By mykhalc

January 17, 2007 07:16 PM | Link to this

ATF, Muhammad not Mohammed. and to follow your lead…

happy 65th champ!!!

By vdunkndunk

January 17, 2007 08:30 PM | Link to this

I guess you do have to be careful about questioning manhood and all that. But there’s a couple of reasons I have for wondering about Speedy.

One is that I talked to a friend who has this same condition, and he plays ball all the time. He made it sound like it’s a question of whether he wanted to play with the pain or not…although maybe there is a difference in the severity of his condition and Speedy’s, and my friend certainly isn’t a doctor.

The second reason is that Speedy has a history. This isn’t his first season of missing a bunch of games…he does it every single year. Maybe his body just doesn’t hold up well and his injuries are legit, but there’s also a chance that he doesn’t care to play unless he feels totally healthy. I don’t know the answer…it’s just that his history is not very good.

Finally, in reading between the lines, it sounds to me like Coach Woodson wants Speedy to play, and Speedy doesn’t want to. I assume that Woody wouldn’t want Speedy to play unless he was capable of playing (although the way Woody grinds down his players, it may not be a valid assumption)…but still, maybe this is the type of injury that is left to the player’s discretion. Again, I don’t know, but with Speedy I’m starting to wonder.

By Volman

January 17, 2007 09:12 PM | Link to this

Childress is delivering tonight.

Who is that #2 guy on the Hawks? :-) He’s good.

By Steve T

January 17, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

I do not want to hear any more negative talk about J chill. He is the man. It is so nice to have Josh Smith back. He makes this team go. Billy, Sekou, and Woody, this tells y’all we need to get another shot blocker like Smith.

Hey Volman stop joking. You know number 2 is Jooooooooooe Johnson!

By Steve T

January 17, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

The Hawks have won 3 in a row. Billy, y’all need to lock Joe with a big fat contract.

By A Thinking Fan

January 17, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

Who would of thunk it - 3 in a row by the Hawks…

Go Hawks!

By Volman

January 17, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

Great game Hawks.. GREAT energy on defense..

You guys might not want to admit it, but Woody made some great coaching moves by going with the zone (the Wolves could not shoot from the outside at all)

Great overall game.

By Jambazy

January 17, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

I am constantly amazed at how people want players on other teams…….and never realize that they should be cheering for the players they have on their roster. Billy blew up the team…..Blew it up. We had zilch…..understand!! What we have is a great core (JJ, Chillz, JS, MW, SW, SS, ZAZA)….and a good supporting cast (Speedy, lue etc). Anytime you bring new players they shake up the chemistry, and to build a Long Time Contender you have to be Very patient. Why pick up a player who another team is willing to trade????? cmon..we bid our time (ALA billy style), and when the time is right we fly under the radar and snuff a good baller. I got no problem with our direction. I like what I see. We doubled our wins in one season (Isn’t that progress). I see it like this: double up at the poker table, double returns on an initial business investment. Quit the hate on the GM. The only thing I want to see is the owner mess cleaned up..Hopefully they read our blog and make a buyout(however much that sham of a “businessman” Belkin has tried to rip ATL off). We all hate losing, but some teams have been mired in mediocrity coz they are always trading for other teams players. Go HAWKS. That goes for GM, Woody & Team(speedy incl).

By infamouskrs

January 17, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

how is it possible that the Hawks can have a guy that MIGHT score 30 on any given night…….and a guy that can getcha for 3-7 blocks a night?……AND NOT BE CONTENDERS?

By infamouskrs

January 17, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

MR. JAMBAZY……you have won the OFFICIAL “JACKASS comment of the year AWARD (07”)….”i got no problem with our direction. I like what I see”….”please blow into this tube, SIR” !

inhale………….exhale !

By Dan

January 17, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

Awesome game!! I could get used to games like tonight.

I love Josh Smith when he attacks the basket. Nothing but good things happen when he stops trying to jack 3’s all night and takes the ball to the rim.

Joe Johnson is just good. Was anyone missing Boris Diaw tonight? Didn’t think so…

Is it possible that they could beat the Bobcats on back-to-back nights? I doubt it, but I also thought the Hawks would get pasted tonight.

I’ll take Royal Ivey, thank you very much. Speedy can sit and collect his contract and whine about injuries that more than likely do not exist. I’ll take my chances with Royal.

Great game tonight! When was the last time this team blew another team out? I can’t even remember…

By A Thinking Fan

January 17, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

Injuries make a difference in certain pro team sports. It is even harder with a young team and inexperienced coach…

Go Hawks!

By Clyde

January 17, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Has anyone noticed the Hawks play well without their “veteran” point guards? The assists and fast break points are up without them. So my question to yall is do we really need them? I say get rid of them and their PHAT contracts.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Ken Strickland

January 17, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

INFAMOUSKRS, the reasons are called INJURIES, YOUTH & INEXPERIENCE. In life, some people live their futures from day to day, check to check. They don’t look ahead and plan for the future. That philosophy seems to be reflected in the existence of the average Hawks fan. They can’t see a future beyond the next gm or two. They can’t seem to envision a long term future.

When this team gets completely healthy, nobody will want to play them. If they stay healthy, they will make the playoffs.

By mykhalc

January 17, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

as much as i bash him, i’ll give WOODSON props for seein’ what worked in these 3 wins. he HAS TO continue to give MW, JS, JC 30-35 mins/game and JJ 35-40 mins/game. and again i’ll say, as long as they are producin’!! to me it’s obvious. WOODSON can manage/call a game MUCH better when his choices are limited. i’m hopin’ SPEEDY and LUE get healthy fast but it’s clear that these guys are creatin’ some chemistry on the court now. and it’s good to see ZAZA continue to come off the bench (and produce!!). WOODSON, i’m watchin’ ya!!LOL

next…while JJ is the leader by example, i think JSMITH is becomin’ the voice of the team. somebody on the blog mentioned how he does it naturally and i think that is on-point (and needed)!!

lastly…SALIM, who has lived in my doghouse ALL YEAR!! nice boxscore!! 3-6 shooting with 5 dimes…FINALLY SOMETHIN’!!!

now, who thought they had a chance tonite????? NICE WIN!!!

By infamouskrs

January 17, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

FEELS GOOD……we win again !

By ray

January 17, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

I caught your comments about “24” and had to laugh. Hey, man if you miss Pres. Palmer, start watching “The Unit” and you’ll feel better. Either that, or record all the All-State Insurance commercials, LOL! I don’t see any reason to be upset over that stuff, don’t sweat the small things.

Mykhalc, you are right my brother. Gotta give Woody props for seeing what is working and sticking with it. I was glad to see the fellas get three in a row. Especially against a Minny team that had Foye, Garnett, and Davis out there. Let’s just say they can’t blame injuries. Even though both of our centers stayed in heavy foul trouble, they’re collective production has been better with their reversed roles. However, it’s only been three wins. Let’s see if this is a formula that continues to work. Also, let’s see if Woody continues to go with what works, depending on what that might be from game to game.

You know, I have to admit that like Sekou said, I never saw Smith’s return having this much impact. He comes right back, plays heavy minutes and is ALL OVER the court. Geez this guy can block some shots. Between him and Chillz, you’re getting some really great hustle-driven production. Both these guys are leaving Marvin in the dust right now. Wow.

One of the biggest things about the win against Minnesota is the apparent resurgence of intensity from our players. This is what all the complaining has been about on the blog. Now they’re giving the effort and the coach is making some good decisions. This needs to continue. A very telling statistic is the fact that FIVE Hawks had 4 or more assists. And there were only 9 total turnovers.

The fact that we’re getting most of our rebounds and blocks from two small forwards is also telling us something. Billy cannot lose sight of the fact that we still need a solid post player. Our centers aren’t dominating, they’re surviving.

Ando, now come on. Your first set of sentences more or less disclaimed all of the following ones. How can you say you don’t see a reason to come in and say all the same stuff and then go right ahead and say all the same stuff? Heh, heh…you know I just HAD to come after that one. By the way, it’s good to see you’re still around. While I understand what you say, I’m of two minds about it. I know we need the good draft slot. I don’t know if we’d get a good pick, though. We don’t know who’s going to be available, much less whether our GM will make a good selection. And like Mykhalc said, how can you look into the eyes of your young players and tell them they gotta tank this thing? They’re just beginning to learn to play intensely night after night. Do we really want to destroy or retard any progress that’s being made for a draft pick? More of a rhetorical question than anything…

By vdunkndunk

January 18, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this

The last 3 games just go to show how much injuries really hurt this team. Josh Smith and Josh Childress make so many of the “small” plays that we missed before…the rebounds, the putbacks, the blocks, the steals, the energy…those small plays add up to become a big deal.

I’m actually starting to think the Hawks are a decent team when everybody’s healthy. And it does seem like we don’t miss Speedy or Lue one bit. Dare I say our ball movement is better without those guys? Both our vet PG’s dribble and shoot too much in my opinion, and with Joe, Smoove, Chill, and Marvin on the court together, that’s a ton of length and athleticism to deal with.

By Woodson is gay

January 18, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

Mamones

By Woodson is gay

January 18, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

Mamones Atlanta f*** you Most pathetic franchise in sports history

By Woodson is gay

January 18, 2007 12:48 AM | Link to this

Woodson is: GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Atlanta is: DA WORST TEAM EVA NIGGAZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ 4 REAL!! WE SUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

By Woodson is gay

January 18, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this

ALL YA MOTHAFUCKAS HIT EM UP(WOODSON GAY,ZAZA GAY A* MOTHAFUCKA) WESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSIDE RULES DA NBA!!!(LAL,SA,DAL,PHX)TOP4 IN DA LEAGUE. EAST COAST MOTHAFUCKA TUPAC IS ALIVA.

By Woodson is gay

January 18, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this

SPEDDY IS SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW LIKE LORENZEN 2 WORST FREE AGENTS IN LAS FREE AGENCY.

By cowa

January 18, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this

First of all, let me answer pangordo’s question. Speedy has a contract that is front loaded and goes down by about $550K a year. But you’re wrong about JJ’s contract; his salary goes up by about $740K a year. The front loading of his contract was all about the bonus he got upfront.

Sekou, I don’t like the AJ trade. Although he only has one more year on his contract, that would leave us with Speedy, Lue and AJ to start next year, and that’s too much of an investment in PG without really having a stud. If we trade Salim, we need to get something back for the future, and AJ is old by NBA standards.

I still like the Washington/Portland trade, as it makes sense from every standpoint. You would get the big man we covet in Haywood, with the potential of Hayes (if he could ever stay healthy). And Magloire looked good the other night as Portland showcases him for a trade. Washington might bite.

Another team to look to trade with is Seattle. They are starting Collison at C, with Petro as a backup and Saer Sene in the NBDL. And they’ll have Swift coming back from injury next year. The position they will need is a wing, as Lewis is surely gone next year. Just seems like a good fit for both teams. Still might be able to get a PG out of the deal as well.

Lastly, Marko Jaric wants out of Minnesota, and the Hawks could jump into a 3 way deal with Minnesota and possibly Detroit (Speedy to Detroit, Jaric to Atlanta and Mohammed and Amir Johnson to Minnesota). Jaric wants to start, and Speedy, with his degenerative knee condition, is more suited to back-up, which Detroit needs. I like Speedy, but we need a long term solution at PG, and Speedy won’t be able to handle the minutes. He needs to be a back-up, and Atlanta already has one of those in Lue.

A team entering next year of Haywood, Smith, Marvin, JJ & Jaric, with Zaza, Sheldon, Chills, Hayes and Lue, plus Jones and our picks from the draft next year could put us on the path to respectability.

By Woodson is retarded

January 18, 2007 01:21 AM | Link to this

MOTHAFUCKAS

By lorenzenbiatch

January 18, 2007 01:24 AM | Link to this

LORENZEN BIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTCHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH LEARN PALY BALL BEFOR SIGNING A CONTRACT THAT IS MY FOCKING ADVICE NIGGA

By mykhalc

January 18, 2007 02:41 AM | Link to this

BIG RAY, i know i can always count on you for some comic relief!! ‘record the allstate commercials‘LOL what do you know about DIJON’s game??? i’m not hip to what he brings.

CLYDE, i have to say you might be onto something about our veteran PGs. i think SPEEDY brings some good things (when healthy) but NO WINS. LUE helped the team to early wins but it was thru points and not assists and gettin’ others involved. i REALLY hope WOODSON realizes what’s happenin’ in the absence of these 2 cats. i know usually one does not lose their place in the rotation to injury alone but i would hope the current winning ways (no matter how minimum) would determine the rotation more than anything when SPEEDY and LUE return??!! but i say let ‘em stay shutdown until REALLY HEALTHY!!

personally, i’m not for the AJ trade. and for no other reason than ‘been there, done that’. at this point, seein’ how this team is playin’ without the vet PGs, i’d rather see a young, hungry PG get a chance. that was part of my reason for askin’ about DIJON. i would love to see IVEY step up his assists to become more of a factor. but i think whoever comes in, or comes back, they will NOW have to play within/accordin’ to the core of JJ, JS, JC, and MW!!

By mykhalc

January 18, 2007 03:12 AM | Link to this

and don’t be surprised (not that we would tho) to see BK sign DIJON for the remainder of the season or bring in another swingman!!! with JC gettin’ significant mins at the point, BK has the backcourt he envisioned at the beginnin’ of last season!!! it’s just reversed with JJ at 2 now and JC at the 1. and don’t be surprised if JC is moved to the startin’ PG if they find some points off the bench to replace his (ie…DIJON or ???). JC will be rewarded with more than PT for his play and professionalism before season’s end!! you heard it here first!!!LOL

and RAY, you are right about bein’ on borrowed time at the 5. hopefully, that’ll be addressed before trade deadline???!!!

By honest_abe

January 18, 2007 08:57 AM | Link to this

ray: that comment was too funny on ando!

ando: it’s good to see you back.. come wallow in our sorrow from time to time.. it’s therapeutic

By u traded nique...i hate u

January 18, 2007 09:39 AM | Link to this

Great so now we won 3 in a row. Were in great position to barely miss the playoffs ,and loose out on a chance to draft the most dominant big man since Ewing. Any true fan would want the hawks to tank this year so we can really be a great team in the future. Sheldon williams will be a great roleplayer power forward…but he needs a dominant center to help him out…and Oden would be a great match! Durant wouldnt be to bad either. Common hawks…dont screw up this draft!! Its the only thing im looking forward to this season!

By newkid

January 18, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

Careful vdunkndunk, observations such as this (“…and with Joe, Smoove, Chill, and Marvin on the court together, that’s a ton of length and athleticism to deal with.”) could result in some who visit this board questioning the quality of your genes. Nonetheless, I agree; but my agreement may also suggest something of the quality of my genes as well.

mykhalc, you’re correct. A month or so back I suggested that rather than expecting JJ to assume quite an unnatural and uncomfortable - for him - vocal leadership role, perhaps our eventual leader would be ‘a child’ (i.e., JSmoove). It’s becoming clear to many of us that he’s a natural leader, and it’s clear his teammates react to his presence in a manner unlike they do to any of the other Hawks. IMO as his play continues to become more consistent, this will catapult his on court leadership. Marvin is to be commended for expressing his desire to provide the needed vocal leadership, but those who are most effective at leading have no need to announce their roles. Some guys just have IT. Welcome back JSmoove.

THAT was a fun game to watch last evening. Effort, coaching, ball & player movement, shot selection, help defense, it was all there. GREAT job guys! Can you package it, then pull it off the shelf for each of the remaining games this season?

By Reverendjay

January 18, 2007 01:35 PM | Link to this

I was at Hofstra when Speedy was there. I didn’t know him but I knew then Head Coach Jay Wright pretty well. Wright told me on a number of occasions that no one he had coached up until that point (including as an assistant at Villanova and UNLV) worked harder than Speedy.

Apparently his work ethic in practice would put the rest of the team to shame. Now, he could have been blowing smoke but there would have been no reason to.

Of course, things could have changed over the years but that was my experience with Claxton when he was in college.

One other thing; During Speedy’s senior year, there were a number of scouts at the games and I had a long conversation with a Knicks scout who said that Claxton was a great talent but the concern even then was that he wouldn’t hold up for the long haul. He was too thin and potentially fragile. And that was before he had any history of injury trouble.

The scout (don’t remember his name, nice guy though) said if he was more muscular like Earl Boykins he’d have a better shot at sticking around.

Some of those scouts know what they’re talking about.

By troop

January 23, 2007 09:24 AM | Link to this

Why don’t we give the kid from xavier,chalmers another shot this season seeing he got hurt in training camp before he could play in a game. he seemed to be getting good reveiws during camp and would not demand a great deal of money. from what I here he is avg. 25 pts.per game with close to 6 assists per game and is bringing his team from the cellar into playoff picture.he has speed and quickness and the ability to defend and has been to last to let go for timberwolves atlanta.give him look,what do we have to lose?