Hawks

By Volman

January 19, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

There’s going to be no tanking going on,you’re right.

I really think this change of the lineup has really stirred some things up in the right way for the Hawks. I can see this five game win streak going on! We’ve got a good chance to win some games out our next five or six. Come on Hawks!

How many games are the Hawks out of the 8th spot?

By b man

January 19, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

A 5 game winning streak would really boost the confidence of this young Hawks team. Considering how good the Hawks have played recently, they should win both against the Bobcats.

Seeing the East isn’t as strong as past years, if the Hawks could get on a few win streaks, you never know what could happen.

If the Hawks continue this level of play, a .500 record should be reasonable.

Go Hawks!!!

By honest_abe

January 19, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

the time is now!

my expectations are still realistic somewhat, but as a fan i’m ready to start believing in the impossible.. and i’m ready to go over into the deep end!! call me crazy but it’s time for this team to go on a strong run!!!

this current set up is ideal. zaza is much more effective coming off the bench. lo aka the stiff has been has found ways to contribute when he starts. still way too many fouls but he’s at least giving this team some valuable minutes. he played some tough d on kg on weds night. playing the fab 4 together has been nice. joe has regained his shooting touch. jsmith seems to have found his role on the team. chills does all the intangibles and woody finally started coaching on weds. that was the first game i’ve seen him call two quick timeouts to get his players refocuses. his substitutions were good. he’s actually using his head. like when he pulled jj and then after about 4/5 minutes minny started making a little run. he calls a timeout giving jj a few more minutes of rest and then puts him back in. his game management was much better. also, his use of the zone was smart, considering minny had no shooters.

i hope this team has turned the corner. i might be back on here later tonight crying about how sorry this franchise is. but for now let’s enjoy this win streak. rome wasn’t built in a day, and if we can’t enjoy the little victories what the hell is point of being a fan.

By Ernest

January 19, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

I like the chances of the Hawks winning both games against the Bobcats. Because of that, I’m concerned because they seem to have a habit of playing to the level of their competition. If they keep of the good ball movement we’ve seen in the past few games, they have a GREAT shot.

I’d REALLY like to see them make a trade to get a big man in here. Are the Brendan Haywood rumors dead? Maybe one of the big men from Detroit?

By michael m.

January 19, 2007 01:06 PM | Link to this

let’s just take it one game at a time. sure, we are playing better, but the hawks are not exactly worldbeaters at this time. getting ahead of ourselves, such as when we were 4-1, didn’t work out quite so well. if woodsen is doing what he should, he and his staff are hitting home the point that bringing it for 48 minutes on any given game night is all they should focus on. the rest will take care of itself.

By mykhalc

January 19, 2007 01:28 PM | Link to this

i hope that with these next 2 games we get a chance to get SJONES on the court with JJ, JC, JS, and MW. i am really curious to see that unit, especially on the defensive end!! also i hope WOODSON takes a GOOD look at DIJON before his 10 day is up. if he can bring the things we always hoped SALIM could bring, and with added size…well you know where i’m headed!! ‘cause something is gonna have to happen with the logjam of SPEEDY, LUE, IVEY, and SALIM when bodies start to return!!!

By newkid

January 19, 2007 01:34 PM | Link to this

You’d think a $130 million guy - if he’s thinking at all - would go to the relatively (for him) minor expense of hiring a private plane if he’s going to fly with illicit substances. Been flying in and out of private airports for more than 15 years, and never once had to check anything through security (not that it would’ve mattered).

Let’s go Hawks!

By jacson

January 19, 2007 01:35 PM | Link to this

JJ says it is good that J. Smith can dribble/handle the ball. OK, maybe he sometimes HAS to start out with it but, mostly he should give it up, RIGHT NOW, and get back to doing what he does best…Play around and above the rim. What a great player he can be! He is even more fun to watch than that waterbug Dummy named Vick. The Hawks are close to being very good. Some of you may know what pieces we are missing, probably at point….But we are now talking a lot of positives instead of like in the past few years of “Woe is Us”, “Loserville USA.” (However, we do need a BK exit. Not totally sure about Woodson….yet).

By Willie Coyote

January 19, 2007 01:45 PM | Link to this

Let’s just win #4 first. 5 is in reach and hopefully they’ll keep this up.

By Anakin Joe

January 19, 2007 02:10 PM | Link to this

In order for the Hawks to reach the 35-36 win target most thought was possible, they would have to play .500 ball for the remainder of the season. That’s over about 46 games. Seems unlikely to me, even if we get everyone back and healthy.

One lucky thing is that we seem to have played amongst the fewest games in the league so far. So our injuries happened when we weren’t playing as many games as most teams.

By Wedgie Evans

January 19, 2007 02:16 PM | Link to this

The current mix seems to be playing well. Bring in a reliable post scorer and it will get even better.

Sekou, now that you jinxed them, the Hawks will probably drop both games to the Cats.

By Shocka Con

January 19, 2007 02:27 PM | Link to this

I still hate Billy and Woody, but I love the Hawks, so I like the way they are playing. We still need a point and a better center.

By Dan

January 19, 2007 03:07 PM | Link to this

As much as I like Michael Vick, I can’t defend him on this one. Unreal that anyone would be that stupid. The fact that he had weed does not really bother me (a lot of athletes and people do that). What bothers me is that he even tried to get through the airport with the water bottle containing weed! WTF!!

Anyway, the Hawks SHOULD win tonight. Tomorrow I’m not so sure. The Bobcats have been playing better, too. The win column does not show it, but their games have been closer. I do not think either game is a gimme.

Anxious to see if the Hawks actually make a move at the trade deadline this year. I still can’t believe they did not get a deal done to move Al Harrington last year at the deadline.

I like the way the team is playing though. Looking forward to the game tonight.

By mykhalc

January 19, 2007 03:19 PM | Link to this

NO.7 was a ‘little cloudy/foggy’ in MIAMI, no doubt!!!LOL just stupid and disappointin’!!!

By HB Ando

January 19, 2007 03:41 PM | Link to this

MM, you’re comments about my wrongness, regarding Chills playing time, is as flawed as Billy’s roster. Every person who would impact Chills spot in the rotation, save JJ, has missed significant time. All healthy and Chills is 10-15 minutes a night. He is playing quite well. But he’s still a career sixth man in Atlanta, if this team keeps JJ, Smith and Marvin. That’s sixth man on a bottom five franchise. I continue to maintain that his optimal value is in trade, to a team that has a greater NEED for his skills. Is it lost on no one that he’s basically behind the kid who was taken 10 picks after him, in the same draft?

Look, Childress’ solid all-court game makes it that much more feasible to seek to trade Marvin or Josh Smith, in exchange for, or packaged for, a legitmate big man prospect.

I don’t care how many people say Shelden is legit. He’s not in my book. He’s an immobile, under-sized, one-position player, who’s upside and productivity are more in line with guys taken 25 picks later. And he’s not as talented as Milsap, who was taken at 50 (and SS, I still want my props for bringing that up six weeks before your revised draft article over the holidays).

I know tanking isn’t realistic, by the players. But you have to look back to last season, when Minny sat out a reportedly healthy KG and Davis, the last several games, ostensibly to maintain a strong position in the draft. I expect the team to play as hard as they can, over the next several months. If they are playing well enough to sniff the 8th seed, then the organization owes it to the fans to make a few moves to take a shot at the playoffs. If they are clearly out of range, then the front office and coaching staff should pull a Minny and give JJ’s “dead legs” a rest.

Ray, sorry I didn’t catch your reply. I’m having trouble keeping up with the day-to-day, though I’m going to try to maintain regular participation again. You know you’re my all-time favorite peace officer!

On a non-basketball related issue, this Vick thing only reaffirms an opinion I’ve been sharing with my boy Pete over the last few weeks: the Falcons should trade Vick to Oakland, where Al Davis has clearly lost his mind, for some monster package (ala Minnesota to Dallas, with Herschel Walker). We get the first pick and select Calvin Johnson. Throw in a solid O lineman and maybe a 3rd rounder (and maybe even Jerry Porter). Oakland can’t win with Vick either, but Davis can sell seats. Make Schaub the starter and watch Calvin immediately become a top-five WR, as a cross between TO and Moss, without the psychosis or criminal mischief. That would give the Falcons the 1st and 9th picks, overall. The could select the safety from Florida, or the big D tackle from Michagan (how ya like that SS), with that 9th pick. With all the talent here, I think that move makes Atlanta a legitimate threat in the NFC. Just my two cents…..

Joe, did you notice I made it stop raining overnight? You can thank me when you have a moment.

By honest_abe

January 19, 2007 04:07 PM | Link to this

ando let’s make a deal?

By Playoff Push

January 19, 2007 04:08 PM | Link to this

Believe it or not, we are only four games out of the 8th seed right now.

By mykhalc

January 19, 2007 04:21 PM | Link to this

just my opinion, but you cats are missin’ the obvious. what was the DESIRED lineup at the start of last season??? in fact, what was the startin’ lineup at the beginnin’ of last season?? JC and JJ in the backcourt. well, it took the LONG route to get here, with a reversal of roles but it IS here. right or wrong…flawed not flawed…good or bad. BK’s desired lineup is here!! so ANDO in BK’s mind CHILLS was NEVER slated to be a 10-15 min/game man. he was slated to start!! just was not ready for it last season. now he ‘s gettin’ starters minutes. and he’s producin’!!! so again i say, DO NOT be surprised when you start to see him get starts at the 1.

By mykhalc

January 19, 2007 04:39 PM | Link to this

with the right player at 5 this team COULD pattern their game/offense in the mold of a PHOENIX or westen conf team. and i said COULD. WOODSON just needs to let ‘em run!! there are not many teams in the east, if any, that would be able to match them athletically IF WOODSON allowed them to play up-tempo constantly!!??!! but i do think there is a lot of upside to a lineup of JC, JJ, JS, MW and the right 5!!! and i’ll say it again, the minutes have to stay where they have been for the core 4 the last 3 games!!

By Jay

January 19, 2007 04:44 PM | Link to this

“I know Ando is in favor of the Hawks tanking the season in order to secure draft position. That’s not going to happen, my man, no matter how much sense it might seem to make on paper (or in the twisted minds of fantasy GM’s such as yourself). “

Well then color me twisted…because I want Oden.

Oh, they can tank the season, but it definately has to be subtle. Screw with player rotations, playbook, create mismatches…if Knightmare told Woodson “Do whatever it takes. People will say you’re an awful coach, but dont sweat it. I promise you we wont fire you because you’re helping the team in the long run. And you know Im good with promises…ask Shelden”, Woodson could easily tank the season.

By JTO

January 19, 2007 04:49 PM | Link to this

Ando, I understand that Chills will never become the missing piece to the puzzle even if he does prove to be better than Iguadala and Deng. But he has been given a role on this team and executes that role successfully. Night in and night out he provides energy on offense and defense. Though he is undersized, he still plays physical and crash the boards on both ends of the court. He isn’t a walking turnover and his FG% and 3pt% are better than most (Deng and Iguadala importantly). My point is that his role as a 6th man is still important. His productivity in that role is more valuable than watching Marvin go 1 for 8 every night. Though he is not starting, Chills is playing starter minutes and is providing much needed productivity. If Chills does end up being a career 6th man, that is fine with me as long as he is in a Hawks uniform. His productivity as the 6th man has shown to be quite valuable.

If we should trade anyone on the basis of what they have proved so far it is Marvin. I know he is still young and will most definately continue to blossom, but you have to ask the question what if he doesn’t? I say we give him at the most one year to show what he is capable of. Honestly, we do not need he and Smoove. Lets use our resources wisely and fill our needs.

If we could get an up tempo pg and a center who can run the floor similar to the way amare and Dirk do, we would be playing to our strengths. that is the new trend in the NBA. Run and Gun. Pheonix killed orlando with that game because they took Howard’ defense out of the game. If the pushed the ball every time they would do two things 1.) get the basket before DH was there or in position. 2.) wear him down the point where he began fouling and this had to play a less agressive, physical game (what DH does best). My point is, why can’t we do that too. If we push the ball every time, it doesn’t matter how bad our big men are in the post. they just need to be there to get the O-boards when shots are missed.

Just rambling…

-Jeff

By doc

January 19, 2007 04:54 PM | Link to this

hey guys, glad to be back safe from the slopes and see that ando has a little game shown by todays remarks rather than reprises of worn out hollarin. he is the brightest of the brightest and i really like when he brings something new. still would like his concerns to the indiana trade as that directly affects the hawks standings and more ofings about the league in general especially how his bulls are coming on strong, let that be where you are right buddy in a positive vein. dissagree on sheldon as he is only as undersized as drew goooden of the cavs who got big bucks to stay in cav land. they are carbon copies dude and that is the type playa shel will be and what is needed. only if they can get a true post guy and move zaza between the two for versatilty and balance to the roster. ando, maybe bad timing to come back in the midst of a win steak my friend. chill’s is not letting you seem so smart without a good showing or fight ….. heh, heh.

after being gone so long i want to say that it looks like woody is a lot smarter since i left. three game winning streak with potential to run it to 5 or 6. won 4 of 6 even with the nader game against the hornets. the phoenix (hawks) rise again. helps to have 6 of the starting 8 back. even without backups of lue and speedy the team led the league in team assists for one night, wonder when the last time that occcurred, 31 dimes in one night and spread out. playing team ball and taking care of each other. though i smelled quit as a lot of others, boy is that an understatement, the last few games back with j. smash doing his thing with energy, they have picked it up.

for those of you who wondered, it is answered that the warriors were trying to dump contracts and not the youth that ando says we should have gotten from them this year when they were interested in al. seems like they just waited and got the indiana team to take the bait. seems billy might have not been so dumb to avoid those two contracts that were clearly dumped by the warriors. the hawks pres more or less stated that today on 680 radio as he said nellie and not mullins was in charge in warrior land and the bird was in indiana, funny how al blamed bk for not taking the big contracts so he could get his. it also points again to the hawks wanting to keep the budget intact because it seems if there had been losser strings something (foster?) could haven been worked out in a three way. “its the owners stupid” is my motto as we er they spend so litttle on our product.

personally i hope the pacers fall from that trade to help draft position for the hawks. it is too late to tank the season now. three game wining streaks and counting wont get us there. memphis, boston and the sixers all occupy the spots we need and they arent going to give them up they have officially tanked it, so we might as well be the spoilers and root for victories and boost these kids confidence. winning is something that has to be learned and there is no better time than now. if the injury bug had continued, tanking was the way to go, smash just didnt cooperate.

having gotten back from the slope with one knee bigger than the other from fluid that accumulated because of the wear and tear to the joint from my own patellar chondromalcia, i can attest that it is not something that goes away easily though the steroid injection that speedy got will lessen the pain but not the chronic abuse. once there it is hard to beat and the stuff about the quads is ole stuff and hadnt helped a sole except the doc as he knows little elase to sa., he needs something like feldenkreis or egoscue to help his allignment to stop the repetitve injury. it is like having a huge sore on your knee and rubbing sand paper each time you stop; only problem it is on the inside of the knee cap where it rides painfully over the top of the knee bone. he needs rest and it has nothing to do with playing with pain because ultimately it fels like a knife being driven into your knee with each stop and all the muscles quit as a response that cant be over ridden by will.

now how much longer will our true friend aj be clouded over in the darkness of his shadow self. when will we see the return of the articulate member of our midst as he cheers the massses on. stay tuned as he has to admit soon the team hasnt given up on woody or each other, yet.

honest, you are vacilating like a rubber ball. conviction dude, where is it at? make a stand!

flash, how about our guy roy doing it up, cant say i wouldnt want to see him in the hawks uni but sheldon is filling his role, oh well.

love you guys, missed you all .. you too, roll tide. now where is that fire the owners t-shirt?

By I am the decider

January 19, 2007 04:56 PM | Link to this

I guess there will be no trade to improve the point guard position and I guess Lue has turned 35, since he didn’t make his return as anticipated (in speaking to some goofy fan) btw, the NBA players did not include weed on the prohibted substances list for a reason!

By JTO

January 19, 2007 04:58 PM | Link to this

Just read your post mkhalc. I couldn’t agree more. I just posted a similar idea and then read your post. Do you have any ideas for centers that could run like Amare does? Joakim Noah end up being that type of player if he starts out in the right system. Not many like that. Maybe we could pull granger way from Indy? I don’t know.

By roan st

January 19, 2007 05:18 PM | Link to this

We need to win four in a row before we start talking about five. GEEZ. This team still sucks and probably will finish with a draft position somewhere around 4-7. Win just enough to miss out on some of the best draft prospects in years. This franchise has been an absolute knightmare( pun intended) since the day the Atlanta Spirit took ownership. The knightmare will not end until they are booted as owners. I thought I would never see the day when I dreamed of Steve Belkin becoming the owner but that day is here.

By honest_abe

January 19, 2007 05:22 PM | Link to this

doc: great to see ya back.. i know i’ve been a lil back and forth this year but that’s to be expected of anyone that’s a fan of this team. anywho, i’ve cleared my head, jumped back on the wagon and now i’m ready to roll straight back into mediocrity!!!!!!!

By mykhalc

January 19, 2007 05:26 PM | Link to this

JTO, personally i like NOAH over ODEN. but that’s just me. i’d take either that’s for sure. but i do think the team is young enough already. so i like to see them pick up someone that’s been in the league for a couple of years already. now who that’d be…i just don’t know!!!??!!!

By MBM

January 19, 2007 05:28 PM | Link to this

Yo Ando, the Falcons have the 10th pick in this years draft. How about you stick to basketball.

By mykhalc

January 19, 2007 05:29 PM | Link to this

DOC, glad you’re back in one piece!! great breakdown on SPEEDY’s injury too!! great info!!

By mykhalc

January 19, 2007 05:33 PM | Link to this

DECIDER, LUE did return as he promised, only to re-aggravate the injury and had to sit again.

By roan st

January 19, 2007 05:34 PM | Link to this

Ando, I would actually hang on to childress and see what I could get for Marvin. I have seen enough of marvin to believe that he will never be a great player. I think Marvin can develop into a good NBA starter and because of his lofty draft status and perceived upside, will have higher trade value. I haven’t been dazzled by any of this super upside that others claim that they see in this kid. In fact I think both joshes will be better players than marvin williams. If you think I’m wrong about Marvin then please tell me what I’m missing about this guy because I just don’t see it.

By mykhalc

January 19, 2007 05:49 PM | Link to this

for those that got to see the BIG GREEK in pre-season…is there any upside to swappin’ BATISTA for the BIG G (in seattle)??? i realize it would be a bottom tier trade but does the swap at least bring us a body that could/would see the court??? just think’ out loud…

By Chris D'

January 19, 2007 06:53 PM | Link to this

We are 4 out of the last playoff spot and 3 out of having the worst record in the league.

Does that mean we are almost a playoff team or are we almost the worst team in the league?

Damn you Hawks, I am so confused…we are making a run at a top draft choice and making a playoff push…

By HB Ando

January 19, 2007 07:06 PM | Link to this

Myc, your comments about Billy’s initial ideal of “long and lean” are accurate, and have been on my mind with the current lineup. The flaw in your argument is that if Billy really envisioned that lineup for this years’ rotation, he wouldn’t have ponied up nearly $30 million for Not-So-Speedy (unless you want his name to represent how quickly he finds his way to the IR: now that’s Speedy). To be honest (not like Abe), I thought that the signing of Speedy and the selection of Shelden both reeked of Billy admitting the failure of his plan. I’ve said before that the way this past draft shaped up, it was the ultimate opportunity for Billy to stick to his guns. While my focus was on either moving up and taking one of the bigs that went before our fifth pick, or, trading back and picking up a pick or a player, and selecting a big man with upside, Billy took an undersized, oft-injured, poor-shooting PG off the free-agent market, and, ostensibly, addressed our lack of shotblocking and low-post defense with the selection of Shelden. But Billy’s whole ideal suggested he take Roy, the ultimate combo-complement to Johnson. Now healthy, Roy is ramping back up to the early season accolades that called him a given for ROY. So while Childress is serviceable, forced into the backcourt with Johnson. And while the team seems to look better with Johnson, once again, making decision for ball movement, though it will put more pressure on him physically, which may lead to a breakdown at some point, imagine if Billy had taken Roy. Johnson and Roy. Co-combo guards. Each over 6’6.

You have to face it: even if Shelden is serviceable, he wasn’t the best choice for this team. And Speedy looks more and more like a total bust.

I don’t care how many games we are out of the 8th seed right now. We won’t end up there. And Doc, and others, are right, we ARE unlikely to be bad enough to keep the top-3. And a year and a half ago, I predicted that’s where we’d be. And I said then that the Billy Knight had to have a plan that would make us good enough to make the pick we give to Phoenix inconsequential, or bad enough that we keep that pick. I said the one thing, the ONE THING, he couldn’t do was to leave us in no-man’s land, and have us fans watch as a top-10 pick was senselessly, needlessly, packed off to Phoenix. Yet, as every day passes, that one unacceptable outcome looks more and more likely.

The good news is that Billy Knight will lose his job this summer. And so will Woody. Book it, and don’t bother arguing it until the summer comes. Just wait. And watch. And know that we’ll be starting over again in about six months.

MBM, 9th, 10th, whatever. What do you think about Vick to Oakland, the first pick to Atlanta, and Schaub to Calvin Johnson for about 15 scores next year?

Vick is the Allen Iverson of the NFL. Tickets sold, mediocrity the norm, and no chance of a title (but about six games a year that will keep you glued to your seat, watching him in action).

By michael m.

January 19, 2007 07:46 PM | Link to this

regarding childress, he just cannot admit when is so obviously wrong. even completely healthy, chill would get more than the 10 minutes you said he would (more than 15 minutes even now that you have subtly bumped up your bogus prediction).

also, the falcons pick is 10th, not 9th.

and finally, speedy got $25 mill for 4 years, not the $30 million you continue to type.

anyway, doesnt surprise me that you cannot admit when you are wrong. i figured as much.

By Steve T

January 19, 2007 08:16 PM | Link to this

Ando, Billy did address the shot blocking situation. He drafted Shelden and Solomon. They both were excellent shot blockers in college. I have to step back and thing. I recall before Josh Smith return, I was the only one yelling shot blockers. Most fans were crying we need a point guard. Now that JS has shown us the way, everyone want a shot blocking center.

Please lay off of Lo Wright. I for one do not care about fouls as long as he play tough in the paint. He is doing a good job. Now Woody needs to play Solomon or Esteban behind him. We can do like the pistons when they had the big boys.

By mykhalc

January 19, 2007 08:18 PM | Link to this

ANDO, i hear ya and the fact is BK did stumble back upon the long and lean lineup!! and i think you are right in the fact that the SPEEDY signing was ‘somewhat’ an admission of failure in the JC and JJ backcourt. who would have predicted success after the start the team had and the more than lackluster showin’ JC and JJ had as a tandem last year. who would have known a year later, JC would be better suited to run the point and have the skills and smarts to do it MORE than effectively. yes, my friend, BK definitely stumble on it!!LOL and i remember you bein’ against the SPEEDY signin’. and you were right and for the right reasons. i was wrong tho i did think we needed a vet PG to run the team. my hope is now that his return will not disturb the chemistry that seems to be developin’ with JC, JJ, MW, and JS!!

ROY vs CHILLS…i just think in the long run JC makes the team better, he makes his teammates better. he DOES NOT NEED shots, yet he can still put up points, makes ALL the hustle plays, rebounds and minimal TO’s!! how can you argue with ANY of that???!!

i won’t argue with you about BK and WOODSON. but if you think their firing will be ‘cause BELKIN gets ownership then you’re wrong!! book that bro!!LOL

good to have ya back and your cousin ANDRO!!!LOL

By mykhalc

January 19, 2007 08:56 PM | Link to this

one more thing. now that BK’s lineup has manifested itself, i do think it gives us a better chance to actually put the focus on gettin’ a more capable 5. and if the lineup with JC and JJ continues to produce solid results then i think they gotta move JC into the startin’ lineup just so the unit is set and the message is sent!! SPEEDY, thru no fault of his own, SHOULD NOT/CANNOT be counted on to lead this team now. physically he cannot be the one. now is the time to establish that so all the team knows!!

By I am the decider

January 19, 2007 09:53 PM | Link to this

MYKHALC, oops…my bad..regarding Lue, shame he returned too soon though.but that is a problem with groin injuries..just checked the score..Hawks down by more than 20..good grief..

By mykhalc

January 19, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

yuck!! didn’t see it…how did they keep JS off the boards tonite???

By The Flash

January 19, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

On the other hand, andoman, assuming you are still around, if BK had taken your man Iggy, one would like to think that he would not have gone with his usual and would have taken your guy Paul instead of MW, in which case … . “You can be my wing man anytime.”

Time to start a new one is all boyz, time to start a new one.

By Wedgie Evans

January 19, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

Didn’t see the game, but looks like the old offensive rebounds bit the Hawks in the a* again. Hopefully they box out tomorrow.

If Ray Lewis can murder someone and still be an NFL champion and team leader, there’s no reason Vick can’t do the same. But seriously, who the hell tries to sneak weed on an airplane? That’s like something homeless people would do, not people getting paid 9-figure salaries.

By ray

January 19, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this

Doc, good to see you’re back in one piece, if a little less mobile than before. Gotta be careful on those slopes, my friend.

Jay, that would actually be foolishness on Billy’s part to assure Woody of anything. Billy doesn’t know for sure if HE will be around, much less be around to save Woody’s job.

Ando, is there something you have inside info on that we don’t? How do you know for sure that the GM and coach will be gone by summer (or whenever)? I’m not being sarcastic, I just want to know is there something you know or is this simply a prediction of yours. Because really, as I said on last blog and this one, I don’t care what pick we have if we have the same GM making the same mistakes or a new GM making mistakes. It just won’t matter. See my comment on a prior post about “no brainers”. Yes, this can happen at #1 as well.

I’m not going to get into the debate about Childress. He’s healthy and producing. So are other similar players on the roster. Marvin isn’t right now, probably due to a combination of a lack of full recovery from injury and a lack of rhythm. Doesn’t matter, he’s not producing, and in his stead, Childress is. He’s going to be good for us whether we trade or keep him…ASSUMING the GM makes a good trade and actually gets a skilled player(s) that we really need in return.

My point is, all the speculating and scheming makes no difference if the same mistakes are being made personnel-wise.

By ray

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

Winning streak? These guys need to concentrate on playing hard the entire game and executing on both ends of the court. Winning streaks are side effects, results of the hard work, discipline, solid coaching and playing, etc.

I had a bad feeling about this first game against the Bobcats because they’ve been playing teams pretty tough and have a dominant post player with helpers on defense and the boards. You know, something WE need. And they play HARD. Although I feel that Bernie shuffles lineups too much at times, he is at least willing to try different things to see what works (I’m telling you matchups/mis-matches is the name of the game). He usually keeps these guys playing pretty hard. Then again, he mostly has the pieces to make things work. At least he HAS big men. With talent.

Now. Will our guys come back hungry and angry? They should. If not, we can certainly expect more and probably longer losing streaks. They really need to come back hard on the Bobcats. Set a precedent. Let EVERY team know that a win against the Hawks is one you will work for. And in the midst of this, they will win more games. But this doesn’t mean playoffs…

By jinx

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

GARBAGE!!! Enough said. these ninja’s are horrible.

By CJ

January 20, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

I hope you guys aren’t trying to disprove Ando again. He has near perfect success rate. And his assumptions are based in reality not optimistic projections. So he’s not trying to pull anyone’s leg when he says what he does. I think we’ll miss the Pheonix pick too..b/c the Hawks are trying not to embarass themselves..but won’t make the playoffs. That leaves them in the desert..again. Pheonix getting that pick is reprehensible…they are a title contender for pete’s sake!

By Clyde

January 20, 2007 03:14 AM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Jay

January 20, 2007 06:29 AM | Link to this

Let me channel Jim Mora sr. “WINNING STREAK? YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT A WINNING STREAK?”

This team cant rebound against anyone with size, and this offense is one of the most selfish in the game. 13 Assists? Come on!

As I said in the last blog, that fab 4 cant do squat against a rebounding team, especially in a half-court game. This teams needs a strong rebounding center in the worst way. Zen had been playing well but tonight was a joke for him.

Speedy says he might play next week. Anyone want to make a bet on how many games before he sits for his kneess?

By doc

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

2 comments:

ugly!

glad i dont have to bet nba to make a living, nothing sensical about it at all.

By Dan

January 20, 2007 09:11 AM | Link to this

Jay, Speedy will play 12 minutes and have his knee problem again. What that knee problem is, who knows? He might as well just sit out the rest of the year. He has already hurt this team enough with his indifference. No sense in him trying to come back and help now that the season is over.

Speedy, Lorenzen Wright, and Shelden Williams are part of what is the worst offseason Billy Knight has ever had. Speedy is a clown. Wright just is not good. He is a bad basketball player. Shelden Williams is an overblown dukie. Now that Dick Vitale is not around to nutsuck on Shelden, we see he is not that good. I’m a Michigan State grad/fan, and I saw Paul Davis hand Shelden his lunch in the NCAA’s back in ‘05. No surprise Shelden can’t play at this level.

If everyone wants to trade, I say trade Salim and Shelden. I’m not sure who the Hawks could get, but just about anyone would be an upgrade. If anyone wants to throw in a bag of balls for Speedy, than make that deal, too. Time to rid this team of this terrible offseason.

Sad game last night. Don’t you just love to read in the paper that high paid athletes claim they gave no effort last night? Forget the winning streak…this team will lose tonight, too. You don’t just switch the effort switch back on and have everything fall back into place.

By Chris D'

January 20, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

In 3 years Charlotte has built a balanced basketball team. The teams in the East that will be successful over the next five years have these types of rosters Charlotte,Orlando,Toronto,Chicago and the Bucks if they can stay healthy.

By HB Ando

January 20, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Now THAT’S the kind of performance I expect out of a team desperate to keep it’s lottery pick! Pounded, at home, by 21, by the SlobCats. The great news is we picked up a much needed game in the loss column.

Anybody else keeping up with Kevin Durant? I never said we had to get the first pick. I’ll take any of the top three! So what if Durant plays a combo forward? He’s a cross between Garnett and Dirk. Draft him and send Marvin on his way. Package Marvin, Shelden and our pick from Indy for Gasol. Watch a frontline of Josh, Durant and Gasol compete for a championship, led by star guard Joe Johnson, in 3-5 years (hell, Royal Ivey, or even Honest Abe, could play the one for that lineup, and we’d still win 50 games)!

That’s a damn plan. I don’t know what the hell Billy Knight does with his time. Bring on Belkin, if that’s what it takes to get rid of Billy and Woody!

Clyde, how do I get my shirt?

Ray, no inside information. Just my genius and intuition (and I mean that in the most modest way, LOL). The financial side of pro sports says that when a team keeps losing, whether it’s really the fault of the GM and/or coach, somebody has to take the fall. Many here, notably initiated by Joe and Doc, have pointed to ownership as a primary factor (though you all know that I don’t believe that defends, or accounts for, many of Billy’s ridiculous decisions) in the ongoing failings of the Hawks. If the Spirit somehow hang on, Billy gets full goat treatment. If Belkin wins, he cleans house, for a multitude of valid reasons (Belkin: “Won’t shake my hand, MF?! Shake this!).

Strictly to hoops, every time this team thinks it’s good, it will start losing again. These guys only win when they fight for respect. As soon as they win a couple, they think they’ve arrived as a legitimate team, and they get their asses handed to them. They have to accept the concept of “overachievers”.

21 at home! Welcome back……..

By mykhalc

January 20, 2007 01:08 PM | Link to this

Now THAT’S the kind of performance I expect out of a team desperate to keep it’s lottery pick! Pounded, at home, by 21, by the SlobCats. The great news is we picked up a much needed game in the loss column.

ANDO, too funny!!LOL and you are on-point about them havin’ to keep that over-achievers mentality!!

we need a 5 with a ZO mentality!! our 5’s play tooooooo soft!! gotta be one out there…somewhere???!!! BESIDES the draft…ANDO!!LOL

By Jameyan

January 20, 2007 01:11 PM | Link to this

Ando I actually like that trade for Gasol. The problem is the New Jersey Nets might get him before the Hawks can make a move. In the draft this year I was yelling and screaming for the Hawks to trade for take a point guard. Foye, Marcus Williams, Rondo, and Jordan Farmar. All we ended up with was another overrated DUKIE. All Billy Knight had to do was trade that 5th pick and a GOON for the 12th/15th pick where we could have had any one of those point guards preferebly Marcus Williams and a big man such as Hilton Armstrong. With the Hawks “Doing Right Is So Wrong.” This is rediculous. We beat the Pistons, Celtics, and T-Wolves and then come back home and lose to the Bobcats withe Okafor and GOONS. Guys who I have never honestly heard of and old guys who kicked off their old team. Something has to be done Hawksville. I really want us to make the playoffs. The only way to do that is if we become Breaking News on the Bottom Line on ESPNNEWS.

By roan st

January 20, 2007 01:34 PM | Link to this

If we could land a guy like durant to along with jj I would be happy with a young defensive minded center. Is there anyway we could pry jefferson away from boston? He looks like he is starting to come into his own. How about offering boston marvin williams/ salim stoudmire/ shelden williams for rondo and jefferson. Their all young so it wouldn’t be hard to make the salaries work. Would boston do that deal or is jefferson and rondo to valuable to them. If Boston did that deal they would still have perkins at center with west and telfair at point guard. They obviously think highly of telfair since they gave up the #7 pick in last years draft. The way their season is going they are in the greg oden sweepstakes as well so maybe they just might part with jefferson. What do ya’ll think about this trade and is it even a remote possibilty.

By A Thinking Fan

January 20, 2007 03:25 PM | Link to this

Everytime we try to luv the Hawks! Clyde I take a 2X-2XT… LOL!

By Clyde

January 20, 2007 03:32 PM | Link to this

If you want a shirt holla at me at atlconnect@hotmail.com. Everybody was asking me about them at the game last week.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By ray

January 20, 2007 07:23 PM | Link to this

Ando, I hear ya. I hope you’re right, too. I’ve seen enough of Billy. But I’ve also seen enough of the Spirit. Now, I’m off to watch the game…for the moment. If it turns into another slop-fest, I’m finding something else to do, which won’t be hard. Kevin Durant is looking pretty good.

By Clyde

January 20, 2007 07:52 PM | Link to this

Did you see thst flagrant foul on Lorenzen Wright!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Instead of jumping to block the shot he pulled Gerald Wallace (Alabama Crimson player) down by the shoulder. What’s up wit that? Not only is Lorenzen Wright sorry he’s dirty.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By mykhalc

January 20, 2007 08:45 PM | Link to this

is SALIM on the bench tonite?

By JohnGTFan

January 20, 2007 09:14 PM | Link to this

I stand corrected about a statement I made a couple days ago when I said there was no way that ATL would not have a chance at keeping their number one pick. LOL Also, I said they would easily best last year’s win total. Somehow I forgot that ZaZa and Wright are on this team and Woodson is the coach. What in the world was ZaZa doing in there completely goofing up the 3rd quarter. That’s when this game got out of hand. Not that Wright is any better, but my goodness. I’m simply game-casting on ESPN and watching ESPN news for scores. I won’t watch another game the rest of the season if a trade isn’t done AND Woodson isn’t fired.

By Clyde

January 20, 2007 09:21 PM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY t-shirts are still available at atlconnect@hotmail.com.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Disgrace!

January 20, 2007 09:39 PM | Link to this

This team is a complete disgrace. Starting with ownership going to BK and on down to Woodson it is like a knucklehead parade. Playing the Bobcats proves just how BAD the Hawks have been with drafting and freeagency. Charlotte gets Morrison & Okafor and we get two lame ducks in the Williams twins who wouldn’t be starting for any other NBA team. Sprinkle in the complete busts of Zaza, Claxton, and Wright and you get a smelly egg salad. BK should be fired on the spot for his terrible moves. Woodson should be fired for having no control over his team. He should have yanked Smith out quickly before getting his 2nd T. Woodson is just a cheerleader(like Jim Mora was)and should not see next season. This team is an embarassment to watch and is not getting any better. Rebuilding? I say BS to that!

By CJ

January 20, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

IF Billy had drafted one of the PG’s available..even Foye … we could make a trade for a legit PF and this team could compete.

By Hock

January 20, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

After these two horrible losses to a bad team, we can stop all of this nonsense about winning streaks.

By mykhalc

January 20, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

double yuck!!

By Wedgie Evans

January 20, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

All we need now is for Jeff Francoeur to flip the bird at some point, and Atlanta pro sports would have achieved the trifecta.

Where was Solomon Jones in the 2nd half?

By Steve T

January 21, 2007 01:10 AM | Link to this

Sports fans in atlanta are a trip and a half. You people do not really understand sports. The bobcats shot over 60%. It is tough to beat a team that shoots so well. The Hawks shot well. The bobcats just shot better.

Will you people please lay off of Marvin Williams. The guy can shoot. He was 9/16 and scored 20 points. The guy has tremendous upside.

The thing the Hawks need to do is have all the big guys work out with Hakeem during the off season. The hawks can pay Hakeem to develop the big men. I will send Shelden, Zaza, Solomon, Esteban, Lo Wright and whomever we draft.

I think the Hawks need to develop Mr. Ivey. He just need more playing time.

By HB Ando

January 21, 2007 02:10 AM | Link to this

I always love it when Steve T makes his mandatory visit from the Hawks’ marketing staff, to spew positive nonsense. By the time the off-season hits, when Steve suggests the big men should work out with Hakeem, the fans will still be reeling from roughly the tenth straight losing season. Develop Mr. Ivey?! He may be the luckiest man on the planet, to have a job in the NBA, with no real justifiable reason. I’ve played against at least a dozen guys who are better than Ivey, and I’m 40!

Steve, if you’re going to blow smoke, please blow up the a* of people who don’t know any better, like Icelandic goat herders, or Chinese rice farmers. But don’t come on this blog, where people actually have a clue, and tell us that all this team lacks is a little “dream” training. The Bobcats shoot 60%? Dude, that wasn’t in a vacuum! That was a direct reflection on the Hawks’ defense. That’s the Hawks roster that Billy Knight, the worst GM in the history of the NBA, built. The same man who, just last season, was quoted as saying he doesn’t care about anyone else’s opinion, because he simply knows more about basketball than anyone else. Yeah, it’s pretty clear by another cellar dwelling season that you’re the most brilliant hoops mind ever. What a pathetic chump Billy Knight is. I will agree that he is brilliant, however. Because I can’t find any viable reason how someone so inept could make a million dollars a year while utterly sucking at their job. I can only assume that when the truth is known, we will see that Billy had some very troubling videotape of the full Spirit contingent, engaged in some type of Satanical ritual, or some otherwise compromising behavior. I cannot come up with any other explanation for how anyone could perform so pathetically, and maintain their professional role. His performance would have gotten him canned within the first week, if he worked at Burger King (insert any variation of the obvious BK jokes that a 9-year old could generate at this point).

Joke’s on us, Atlanta fans. We have become the longest suffering NBA fans on the planet. There simply is not a more disrespected team, or city, in the league.

Thank you Billy, and the Atlanta Spirit, for perpetuating this fine town as the laughing stock of the basketball world. What in the heck did we do to deserve such love? You guys suck!

By tb

January 21, 2007 03:59 AM | Link to this

Ando, go find your Mommy, maybe she wants to listen to your whinning.

By tb

January 21, 2007 04:50 AM | Link to this

I think I’m ready to say what it is that disturbs me about all the whinning.

It’s the fact that the people that behave this way are off base. Major league organised sport is like a public institution, something that we all share in.

The problem is the negative disposition and the ego based perspective of some.

I am not happy when the Hawks lose or fail to do something that I think might improve the team. When these feelings veer towards negative perception, I simply take a step back and get things back in perspective. The Hawks are just a form of diversion and entertainment to me (for the last 37 years).

After I take a couple of days break I am usually ready to check back in and see how the boys are doing with the correct attitude. Ready to get some enjoyment out of my pass-time.

The guys that ceaselessly berate and criticize the players, coaches , GM and owners, with the perception that they can fix it all and that the people in place are just incompetent idiots, are just fooling themselves. They are so wrapped up in their perspectives and opinions that they become blinded by any other possible perspective or idea and repeat the same thing over and over (sometimes for years or even a whole life).

It is behavior related to the ego and connected closely to emotional perceptions and reactions. Very often these feelings that are projected onto something else (like the Hawks) are actually coming from somewhere else (somewhere a bit too emtional).

For the rest of us, here to enjoy our pass-time with a positive attitude and perspective, it is a bit tedious. It would border on intolerable if it weren’t for the humor.

The Mommy reference was with all due respect to the maternal and just used as a metaphor.

Go Hawks

By Disgrace!

January 21, 2007 08:26 AM | Link to this

TB- The Spirit need people like you. This just in….. unconditional love is reserved for people not professional sports franchises.

I personally will not accept this pitiful excuse for a team any longer. It has been years since this team competed for anything. Unless the fans make a statement, ownership will continue cashing your season ticket checks to fuel their private jets. Get a spine, TB!

By pete

January 21, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

How’s that “cap space” looking now, Billy Knight? What a joke of a GM you are. I sure am glad you got rid of Jason Terry, Al Harrington, and many many more solid players for “cap space”. Cap space is only good if a good free agent would want to play here. Who in their right mind would want to play here now? For some reason, Joe Johnson did, and you could have had him without giving up Diaw and draft picks. Just like Steve Belkin said, no way Phoenix matches the Johnson offer. How could they when they were already paying Nash, Marion, and Amare so much money? I think it’s obvious Johnson regrets being here now. Also, nice job passing on Chris Paul and Deron Williams. Then, you give Speedy all that money? With a normal GM, our top 7 would be Paul, Terry, Johnson, Harrington, Josh Smith, Diaw,and Zaza. Or maybe, instead of Zaza, we could even have one of those solid international players that every other team has to help out underneath. Ever heard of scouting overseas, Billy? Add some free agent rebounding and you’ve got a solid team, unless of course, you have Woodson coaching them. Woody just adds to your list of mistakes, Billy, but we’ll save the Woodson vents for another thread. You remind me of the Seinfeld episode when George Costanza was TRYING to get fired by the Yankees and couldn’t. Are you trying to get fired? I don’t know how one man could be so clueless if you are not trying to lose your job. No other GM would still have a job if they made this many mistakes. You blew up a below average team 3 years ago and made it the worst in the NBA. There is no hope for a winner anytime soon. Childress and the Williams’ would have a hard time getting playing time on other rosters and you have built this team around them? Same with Lue and Salim. Just how long is this rebuilding process anyway? Compare Charlotte and Atlanta, and you tell me which franchise has more hope right now?

By mike

January 21, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

Team is a disgrace. We have a general manage who cannot and will not be seen in public. He avoids responsibility like a disease. His only accomplish is his world renowned, relived blowing up the roster. Can somebody tell what he has ever done. Did he actually play. This rebuilding is going to never stop. And coach Woody? please

By Chris D'

January 21, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

tb wrote: “The guys that ceaselessly berate and criticize the players, coaches , GM and owners,…in place are just incompetent idiots…”

If you have another theory on why this franchise is one of the 3 worst in the league for the third year in a row and counting please present it. For your information ex-players such as Jason Terry and Al Harrington feel that incompetent idiots are running this organization. They were dying to get out of here. Sports fans around the country and most sportswriters around the country would concur. The HAWKS are a business and there is absolutely nothing wrong in this country with criticizing a poorly run business.

By Chris D'

January 21, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

pete,

Please save us the “cap space” argument. The last two games the Hawks got beat by a well run organization that spends less money on its players salaries. They bring in players to fill their teams needs and they develop their talent.

I find it hard to be overly critical of any of the players on the Hawks current roster. I have no idea how good they would be in a different organization. Look at the Bobcats how they have developed their players in three years.

By josh

January 21, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

Could we please have an all white sports team in football and basketball in Atlanta. The place would be packed and you could even bring your family and even your children without the fear of losing your life to some thug on food stamps.These african players need their own leauge so they can flip each other off and nobody would give a crap. Maybe not have the teams in Atlanta but in Forsyth county.

By jj

January 21, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

To Josh: u need to to shut the fuk up with your racist as. Just becuz you probably got your as beat by black people don’t mean you have to be racist. all white basketball team. go back to the 50’s and get some kkk members to join your team. bith.

By Steve T

January 21, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

You guys trip me out. You think you know basketball but you don’t know as much as you think. You guys keep crying for Jason Terry, Al Harrington and Boris.

Let us look at the numbers. JT is playing 35 minutes. He is shooting 46% from the field, 44% from the 3, and 79% from the line. He is averaging 3 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 15.9 points.

Al is playing 33 minutes a game. He is shooting 46% from the field, 46% from the 3, and 71% from the line. He is averaging 6.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.3 blocks, and 15.9 points.

Wow, these guys are great players. I now know why some said that J Chill is nothing more than a role player and he will never be a star like Al. All he can do right now is play 36 minutes a game. He can only shot 54% from the field, 42% from the 3, 85% from the field. He can only average 6.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 13.9 points per game.

I see why this guys should have never been drafted by any NBA team. He needs to put up all star numbers like Al. His shooting % needs to dropped to 46%, and then he may be able to score more points. I forgot that all stars do not block shots. Chill needs to stop blocking shots and be like Al.

You people forget that Chill has not been in the NBA as long as Al. Therefore, he has a better upside than Josh.

By Clyde

January 21, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By tb

January 21, 2007 01:01 PM | Link to this

I’ve been enjoying watching these young guys grow. The JJ trade was huge.

There has been a lot of losing, but that was to be expected with the TOTAL team make-over and the investment in youth and very smart contract moves (speedy is a question mark for now).

We are likely to lose a 5-10 pick with Diaw and the #21 that they traded, still a good deal for JJ.

We have Indy’s 12-18 and a top 5 or so second and:

JJ, Smoove, Chil, Marvin, Zaza, Shelden, Solo, Salim, Speedy and Lue who are all assets.

The majority of our re-building is here. BK went for the prototype new generation Superstar; the 6’9” freak that can do it all. He took Chil, Smoove and Marvin, we’ll have to live with them. Shelden was a good move and a sure 12/10 + intangeables type at PF for years to come.

I think we are one more strong pick away. Even if we trade to balance now, we will still be well short. If somehow we could keep that top three this year (injury…other) and have Indy’s first, we could finish off this roster in fine fashion with some combo draft/trade.

By doc

January 21, 2007 01:16 PM | Link to this

tb that is too much dude though there is a lot to it; in the midst of a what 6 of 22 run i think a bit of criticism can be thrown out there if it is in good taste and reflects what is sen on the court. the idea that there are egos on display and a lot of projection as well can be seen but again there are times when even the most positive come forward with their concern fo the “product” being displayed. it seems to me there have been times when you too have shown your own sense of “self” in comments toward the group at hand or team on the blog.

as for me these last two games are soooo distasteful that as a fan of 50 years of the hawks can only wonder what are the emperors with no clothes are really thinking as we see the hornets and the bobcats thump the team by an avg of thirty points or so with more injuries for the hornets than this team has or a smaller payroll for the bobcats.

my comment for the team effort after last night is …. ugly to the power of two …. which is very ugly ….. double bag ugly. you know, the type of girl that deserves two bags; one for her and one for yourself in case hers falls off.

heh heh … heh heh!

By Dan

January 21, 2007 02:24 PM | Link to this

Steve, do you really work for the Atlanta Spirit, or was Ando just being sarcastic?

I don’t think many are crying about not having Al, JT, or Diaw. At least, not people who know anything. The problem with this team has nothing to do with those guys. It has everything to do with an awful offseason of moves by Billy Knight.

How can he say that he won’t draft injury ridden players, but turns around and signs Speedy Claxton? Steve, I would love to hear you defense of that. Speedy will never be healthy here. He cannot play through pain and is the worst free agent signing this year. That clown can get on the first flight out of town. He is useless.

Also, why Lorenzen Wright? He can’t play at this level. He is just not a good player. I would bet that Medvendenko (sp?), if given the chance, would prove to be a more productive player.

Steve, rain all the positive BS you want. There is no excuse for this team to be in the position they are in. Losing two games in a row to the Bobcats is absurd. Getting blown out both games is grounds to blow up the franchise.

My message to any Atlanta Spirit person is to stop trying to defend this terrible play. Instead, do something to change. I have never seen a bigger group of candy a*******es in my entire life.

By Mikeal

January 21, 2007 02:45 PM | Link to this

It seem everytime this team has positive things said about them. Their egos get so big they revert back to their old ways. Sekou and whomever else. Do not and I REPEAT do not say anything positive about this team for the rest of the year.

By mykhalc

January 21, 2007 04:44 PM | Link to this

well, it’s evident that 2 things have to happen if the HAWKS are to have a chance to win…

1) JJ has to get his points every game…25+

2) JSMITH has to impact the game in SOME way…whether it’s points, rebounds, or blocks. and i’m inclined to think that the rebounds and blocks are more important than his points at the moment. but his impact is just as important as JJ’s points!!??!!

‘cause i’ve noticed that no matter what CHILLS and MARVIN do, they ultimately DO NOT have the impact that JJ and JS have as to the outcome. tho CHILLS does have a lot more impact than MW at this point. like RAY said, MW has to pick up his game!!

right now i’m hopin’ that there is a trade in the works that involves gettin’ a 5 for SALIM/ZAZA or SALIM/WRIGHT. and if a 3rd body has to be added to get a reboundin’, shot-blockin’ post up BIG then throw that body in. i’d say slide DIJON into SALIM’s spot and pick another 3. as BARKLEY said on TNT you can find a 2 or 3 anyday!!

and if LW and ZAZA are not gonna have any impact then play SJONES!! at least he brings athleticism to the 5, something the other 2 don’t!!!

now given BK’s activity in the past prior to the trade deadline then i say, ‘what we see is what we get and what we will have’!!!

By mykhalc

January 21, 2007 05:06 PM | Link to this

DOC, wassup my friend??? question for ya…what do you think the best case/realistic scenario is for SPEEDY’s PT for the remainder of the year given his injury???

By mykhalc

January 21, 2007 05:13 PM | Link to this

PLAYOFFS!!! nothin’ like it!!! no matter what sport!!!

By mykhalc

January 21, 2007 05:47 PM | Link to this

man, ATL coaches could learn a lot from watchin’this NO vs CHI playoff game!! look how quickly PAYTON benched his startin corner!! if you don’t produce, take a seat!!! WOODSON…you watchin’!!!???? same should apply to our 5!!!!

By Chris D'

January 21, 2007 06:48 PM | Link to this

Josh (from 11:20AM),

“New Padres second baseman Marcus Giles was handcuffed, detained and escorted from Qualcomm Stadium during Sunday’s Chargers playoff game after getting involved in a fight on the stadium’s club level, according to police.”

It is good that the Braves got rid of this “thug” white boy so that you could safely take your family to a Braves game. Maybe Atlanta needs to get an all black baseball team.

Josh if you do go to that “safe” Braves game please let us know where you are sitting, we would love to come by and meet you.

By josh

January 21, 2007 08:00 PM | Link to this

Hey chrissy, turns out giles was protecting him self from a rowdy fan. I would flip you off but its just not in my heritage. Why the racial overture, this isnt a race issue like you want it to be, simply the facts that pro games are not safe no matter what the color skin you have.We are all gods people! Peace

By Chris D'

January 21, 2007 08:25 PM | Link to this

This isn’t race issue?

“Could we please have an all white sports team in football and basketball in Atlanta.”

My fault Josh for not understanding your comment. You must have been referring to team uniforms.

By Derrick

January 21, 2007 08:29 PM | Link to this

Josh,

Either you are a different commenter than 11:20 josh and don’t know what Chris was referring to or you’re batshit crazy. The 11:20 post was a racist reference about the fact that we need an all-white team, therefore that josh or you decided to inject race in the equation.

Also, to take Chris’s point it is funny that you’ve never heard Giles or Schaub who was arrested on assault referred to as a “thug” but people especially on the AJC comments throw it around to just about every black player they don’t like. Seems to me there might be something a little bit racial about the use of “thug”.

Oh yeah, and Billy Knight is so bad at his job that I might be willing to trade him, Speedy and Lorenzo for the GM rights to Isiah.

By Steve T

January 21, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

I do not work for the Hawks. I just state what I see. The Hawks need a big man in the paint. He need to be like Ben Wallace or Zo. We have a hard time when Josh Smith is not in the game. Is there any great shot blockers and rebounders in development league. We need to sign one to a ten day contract.

By HB Ando

January 21, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

Gee, TB, you seem to have gotten a lot of support for your attack on me. We call that shooting the messenger. If you’re posts didn’t make it absolutely clear how little you actually know about hoops, your fantasy team, in our Sekou’s Bloggers league answers any lingering doubt. How are you enjoying the basement? After tonight you’ll be 39-93, and over 40 games out of first place. You’ll definitely be the first person I seek out, when I need a tutorial on NBA basketball.

The fact that you have an ongoing personal problem with my writing style does nothing to deflect the accuracy of my perspective. And it looks like the subsequent posts of others, in response to yours, make that pretty clear. But it is an open forum (something you seem to continually misunderstand, as you try to dictate both the style and content of other bloggers), so feel free to call me names. You’re about due for another self-esteem building diatribe about how my basketball opinions underscore some type of gaping hole in my existence. That would certainly explain my not bothering to post anything for weeks at a time (since I clearly have an uncontrollable need to see my words in print).

And it’s spelled “whining”, not “whinning”, a word you should have down pat, given it’s all I hear when I read your pollyanna-ish posts.

By reese

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

I have to say great games Josh Childress. He continues to pad the stat columns on both the offensive and defensive end.

Joe, you’ve got to do more. You didn’t have any steals or blocks. You didn’t get your 27 point average. Yeah, you shot 50% from the floor. But, who cares in a loss.

Josh Smith, 1 technical is OK. 2 technicals and you are letting down your teammates.

Woodson, I don’ understand your fascination with Wright at the 5 or Shelden at the 5. For those who say that wright played good during the win streak, you have very low expectations for good. You need to place shelden in situations where he can succeed. The 5 spot is not that position.

Solomon, I hope that you and Woodson are talking about why you are not seeing consistent minutes. There must be something that you are not doing.

mykhalc, I just read you response to my suggestion of playing everyone in order to keep them motivated. My response to that is that I would not base my coaching on what the majority of other teams do. The season is a series of battles and injuries occur. If all of my players are playing, they are better prepared to handle situations when key players go down. Additionally, there is no need to wear down my star players before the all star break.

Knight, why are you continuing to bring guys to the team that Woodson does not want to play (slava). Suggestion, since you’ve already worked Penny hardaway out, sign him for a 10 day. Also, bring in a true shot blocking center for a 10 day. Strongly suggest that woodson play them alongside jj, jsmith and another player. Lets see out a balance lineup would look.

By mykhalc

January 22, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

REESE, i would not base anything solely on what other teams do. but i was pointing out that MOST starters do and are expected to give a certain amount of minutes nite-in, nite-out. and i personally don’t think that playin’ starters 30-40 mins a nite on average should burn ANYONE out, especially those that are expected to give those kinds of minutes!!

i think your scenario is that of one in a ‘perfect’ scenario/world. WOODSON has NOT shown the skills to employ ALL or MOST of his bench. his substitutions negate the creation of ANY kind of chemistry, with any unit!!! so, IMHO, the first place to start with this team is to give the core 4 of JJ, JS, JC, and MW CONSISTENT minutes, nite-in nite-out. and again i say, as long as they are producin’!!!

so while i understand your reason for wantin’ to keep all those involved, i DO NOT think it is reasonable for this team. the players HAVE NOT displayed the ability to handle that nor has WOODSON. and who knows, maybe if they REALLY have to fight for PT and KNOW they have to fight then maybe they’ll pick up their game!!!???!!!

By ray

January 22, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this

I would like to think that this was the low point of the season and it doesn’t get any worse. I’d like to. But we won’t know until the end of the season.

Well, we got to see what a team with a far more balanced roster is supposed to look like. Even though they’re young and have suffered injuries as well. Even without two of it’s point guards, no less.

I’ve never considered Jeff McInnis a top shelf point guard, though he’s always been a tough one, even back when he was a Tar Heel. But he sure looked near top notch against us. Why is it we can never seem to sign guys like this?

Marvin’s game was not bad, his nice shooting stroke was on display. Zaza looked lost most of the game. Wright was back to his fouling ways. Childress is tough and continues to be everywhere. He would start for some teams.

Josh Smith is an integral part of this team. I realize the desire to win and the frustration of a call where he definitely felt wronged is the reason for his behavior. But pulling a Mike Vick as he entered the tunnel was foolishness. It’s not so much that he did something countless people do, or that he did something he shouldn’t have done. He was wrong to flip off people, particularly fans. But what will really hurt is the fact that he did something that so many people wait for athletes to do. He just gave ammunition to media and fans alike. This is the kind of mistake, the kind of behavior that people latch onto, fueling their arguments about professional athletes. About black professional athletes. And while it may be forgotten in time, those who want to remember it will. I remember a commercial some years back with Charles Barkley where he said “I am not a role model.” It doesn’t matter. Once you are in the limelight, no matter where it is…you just became a role model to someone somewhere.

By ray

January 22, 2007 01:12 AM | Link to this

I hear you, Mykhalc. What’s a trip is the starter-like minutes Childress plays. It’s hard to keep him on the bench. He’s really the best “tweener” on the team, going back and forth primarily between the 2 and 3. He’s been effective at both. I know Ando says he’s a career sixth man in the ATL as long as JSmith and Marvin are here. I don’t expect to see all three guys here for too much longer. I don’t know when, but at least one will likely be gone. The thing is, if Chills is a guy who never gets upset about coming off the bench, wouldn’t he be the guy to keep? That way, you know you have a very effective, energetic guy to give you a spark when a starter’s out of the game (or out of some games). I kinda don’t see JSmith or Marvin embracing the bench role…This does, of course, support an Ando proclamation of earlier times. When you’re right, you’re right.

Why is it that in the toughest times, fans (bloggers) want to attack each other? I don’t get it…especially when your argument is weaker than Paris Hilton’s conscience.

By mykhalc

January 22, 2007 01:33 AM | Link to this

RAY, this is why my startin’ 5 would be JC, JJ, JS, MW and SJONES!! because ZAZA and LW have both been given a shot and have proven to have NO REAL impact, i would give SJONES a shot. i know he’s raw but hell MOST of our team is RAW!!! and tho IVEY buys REST for JC at the start of a game, how do you NOT start with your strongest 5??? i know startin’ JC weakens the bench but this team needs to be JUMP STARTED from the tip!!! i DO NOT get it!!! i would be doin’ my best to MAKE SURE the core 4 are given enough court time ‘TOGETHER’ to ensure some chemistry!!! then i’d be lookin’ at whose givin’ me what i need off the bench!!

and you are dead on point about CHILLS!! he can play 3 positions, ALL with energy, smarts and no attitude!!! yeah bro, CHILLS stays on my team!!! NO DOUBT!!!!

By reese

January 22, 2007 01:33 AM | Link to this

Work with Mykhalc, we’ve got to do something to reduce the minutes of Lorenzen Wright. We’ve got to do something to stop the DNPs of Solomon Jones. We’ve got to do something to keep Shelden from playing the 5 spot.

Plus, whats a good way to stop 4th quarter collapses? Stop burning your key players out in quarters 1 - 3.

By mykhalc

January 22, 2007 01:50 AM | Link to this

REESE, one of the main things that was present in the 3 wins (besides all-around good play) before the CHA losses were the core 4 ALL played about 35 mins/game. and in the MIN win, they won by 17 pts. so there is a way to spread the minutes over the course of the game and for the core 4 to still be rested to finish the game strong!!!

and i TOTALLY agree with you on reducin’ LW mins and increasin’ SJONES!!

and don’t get me wrong. i want solid bench players also!! i just want the chemistry of the core 4 established first!! and to do that, they gotta have the PT!!!

By mykhalc

January 22, 2007 02:04 AM | Link to this

and REESE, what kinda motivational message does WOODSON send to IVEY by startin’ him but NOT givin’ him any REAL PT???!!! IVEY knows the deal and still HAS NOT stepped up his game!! his assists still suck and he does not run the team effectively or efficiently. tho i will say his shot has improved!!!

if we are gonna lose then let’s do it with the guys that we are supposedly building this team around, not with some ‘THEY MAKE NO SENSE’ substitutions by WOODSON!! tho again, in those 3 wins he DID have a method (finally) to his madness!!!

By tb

January 22, 2007 02:30 AM | Link to this

It’s clear that Woodson doesn’nt have a good vision of flow and compatibility between his players.

Most of these guys have been playing and practicing together now for over a year and a half and we still have very little team instincts.

I can’t tell if Woody is a motivator or not (with the ups and downs) but I am fairly sure that he has no coaching instinct; a crucial quality necessary to manage game flow, player combinations and rotations and X’s and O’s.

Of course, IMHO doesn’t carry squat because I don’t know anything about BBall, don’t even like the game/sport. I only come on this blog to antagonize Ando.

By Willie Coyote

January 22, 2007 07:31 AM | Link to this

That’s why you don’t go talking about this team winning 5 in a row when they haven’t even won #4. They beat three good teams and then get blown out in back-to-back games against one of the worst.

By tb

January 22, 2007 07:56 AM | Link to this

Coaching

Youth

Center

PG

By Rev. M.M

January 22, 2007 09:03 AM | Link to this

A good trade for the Hawks would be L. Wright and Speedy to Detroit for Nazr Mohammed.

By honest_abe

January 22, 2007 09:12 AM | Link to this

ya ok… so maybe i got slightly a little too optimistic about this team..LOL

after losing to straight to the bobcats. i don’t know how i can put a positive spin on this team. so i give up and i’m just going to try and enjoy the rest of the season.

GOOOOOOO HAWKS!

By Anakin Joe

January 22, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

For those who continue to give Woody a pass for having to coach a dysfunctional roster, I submit the last 2 games played by the Hawks. Are the Bobcats, minus Felton, May and Knight 20 points better than the Hawks in consecutive games? Of course not. But they are much better coached. When the Bobcats lose, they mostly lose because they are out-gunned by rosters with more experience and better players (keep in mind they have a notoriously cheap owner). Bickerstaff rarely has his team out-hustled. We lose by every means possible and too often, because he “come out flat”. Would Bickerstaff or another coach turn this roster into a 45 win team? NO. But I doubt they would lose 10 of 11 or get blown out by 20 by injury-riddled teams like the Hornets and Bobcats. In lieu of wins, fans simply will settle for effort and competitiveness. Too often, Hawks fans get neither under Coach Woodson.

By Anakin Joe

January 22, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

Ando, I’m not sure BK gets fired this summer as Tim Tucker of the AJC has indicated the trial (and subsequent appeals) may not be resolved until late summer/early fall. I personally think that BK gets fired regardless of who wins, as he was a holdover from the previous corporate ownership. That shows how inept this ownership group has been since day 1. They have NEVER put their GM in place. While taking time to access their new properties, they pretty much immediately went into their divorce proceedings. There is no doubt that BK and Woody are gone within days of this divorce being resolved, regardless of what side wins the legal battle.

By Willie Coyote

January 22, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

With Zaza and Lorenzen, the Hawks are constantly playing 5 on 4 and that’s not good. Zaza can’t shoot the jumper and doesn’t play defense. Both guys have too many offensive fouls. Okafor (however you spell it) was quicker, stronger, more athletic, and had more desire than our two centers. That mismatch undermines everything the Hawks do positively against just about everyone.

By HB Ando

January 22, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

Crazy world: my boy Pete and I have been bouncing the idea of trading Vick to the Raiders, and selecting Calvin Johnson with the pick we get, since it was announced that they’d have the first pick in the draft. Today I see on Ben Mallers’ rumor of the day that Vick could be going to the Raiders in such a deal. The rumor is Vick and the tenth pick for the first, overall, and Moss and Porter. That won’t happen, because Blank’s not trading one pot smoker for another. I still like Vick and Roddy White for the first (Calvin Johnson), Porter and a third, and we keep our tenth over all.

Since there’s nothing new to cover, Hawks-wise, I guess you have to throw in some football.

Joe, the Spirit may not have brought Billy in, but he’s been their “guy” from the get go. This is the man who publicly refused to shake Belkin’s hand in court. If you don’t think that series of events married him to those guys you’re crazy. I’ve heard enough from the owners, over the last few years, and in trading e-mails with Levenson, to know that they hitched their wagon to his basketball decisions. And they are paying the price, as I type. I haven’t sent an e-mail to Levenson since right before the last draft. In it, I said that the one thing, THE ONE STINKIN THING, the Hawks could not do with that fifth pick was take Shelden Williams. After they did just that, I really felt like there wasn’t anything more to say. Just sit back and watch the disaster unfold.

I’m starting to wonder if Marvin just isn’t going to flourish until he’s under a new coaching staff. There’s no doubt about the talent, but he seems to bristle under Woody’s hand. And everything I heard about him, coming out of college, was that he was ultimately coachable, so I have a hard time thinking he’s become this surly, attitudinal prima donna. I just think that after playing one year at North Carolina, and coming to the NBA, he was shocked to find that his coaches in college were a lot better than his coaches at the “next” level.