Hawks

By Anakin Joe

January 23, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

That’s right Sekou, no need to blog about the Hawks at this point, so let’s talk Nuggets, Ciara and Ciara. I still think she is one of those Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday kind of girls. She looks great on those days but on other days she’s pretty average. I wouldn’t kick her out of my Maybach (or Escort). But for a “tier 2” celeb, I’ll take Mya or Maria Menoudos, personally.

Melo shot 10-25 and JR Smith decided to turn the game into his personal 3 point shooting contest. I agree that AI is special, but I still have my doubts about that team. And is there any doubt that by next season, Karl would have worn out his welcome, much like his friend LB? All that glitters ain;t gold. I’ll still take Utah in a series against Denver, especially if the Nuggets forget to involve Camby on the offensive side.

By HB Ando

January 23, 2007 01:23 PM | Link to this

Joe, didn’t want you to miss my tail-ender from the last blog, earlier this morning:

By HB Ando

January 23, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Ray, isn’t that pretty much what I predicted this summer? I’m just sayin’…….

Joe, my Maybach showed up in triple black (with Alicia Keys in the back seat wrapped in nothing but a fur coat). How about yours?

Did anybody else catch Dave Letterman getting all old-guy creepy on her last night? He just about pulled a Namath and went over the desk…….

By honest_abe

January 23, 2007 01:26 PM | Link to this

lol too quick to make a judgement about that duo. any blogger and myself can look good against the grizz. they suck just as much if not more than our low flying hawks. bottom line, when it’s crunchtime in a big game against a good team. feelings will be hurt as one of those two will feel like he deserves the ball down the stretch. two huge egos… i don’t see them doing anything special this year.

BUT, if i’m wrong… won’t be the first time. heh

By Anakin Joe

January 23, 2007 01:54 PM | Link to this

Ando, went home for lunch and found a Schwinn in the driveway with Martha Stewart in a bikini. Headed to Grady’s Psyche ward now. (Try the veal and don’t forget to tip for waitress).

How about the Pacers? Does the recent trade make the draft pick we received in the Al deal more or less valuable? Personally, I think they will get the nromal “dead cat” bounce from the trade and then struggle to remain a playoff team in the lousy Eastern conference.

By Dan

January 23, 2007 02:06 PM | Link to this

I have always been a fan of AI. I like any player that leaves it all on the floor every night. I wish he were on the Hawks. They could learn a lot from the kind of effort that AI puts into every game. I could not believe the stance that he would be a bad influence on this young team. How? Hawks still have guys that can’t get themselves to play every night. AI would have helped to fix that.

As for the Nuggets, they will be heard from. That is a good team. I wish we could have a team like that in Atlanta some day in my lifetime. It would be a welcomed change from the garbage we watch now.

How bad to the Hawks lose tonight? I say they get beat by 25 points tonight. The Bulls will hammer them.

By doc

January 23, 2007 02:13 PM | Link to this

ando and aj in form today. cool.

how about al doing his thing on the bounce last night for the warriors of 30 in a loss on 13 of 19 from the floor and a career night of one block!

ai looks good if he can keep his hands off the ball and play two rather than a distributing two. we’ll see, the griz are the worst team in the league now and playing only for dead last with the celts and the sixers. we blew it with that tantilizing three game run last week. now what is the record after a 4 and 1 start? sekou made it sound better than it really is with his inclusion of the 4 of 6 run.

maybe there is hope for us down the stretch if paul pierce can come back. does anyone know his physical condition and if he can be expected back this year? maybe belkin can get him a good doctor and get him back on the floor since he is a boston bean. it might be a good investment for the las vegas hawks franchise … er, the atlanta hawks, i meant to say.

By Tyger

January 23, 2007 02:18 PM | Link to this

Back to the Trades

With time running out on the season and the trade deadline approaching, the Hawks need to infuse some talent and energy into this morbid bunch.

After back to back, weekend thrashings by the lowly Bobcats, its obvious that this team isnt going anywhere and cant compete as configured.

After being man-handled by Okafor, and “p**-on” by McGinnis and the Stache, its time.

Getting a shoot-first PG is an easy fix, once you admit that you need one. Mgt. has incorrectly believed that a pass first point would open the floor and force the issue. NOT!!! The team plays much better with Ty Lue, but he’s always hurt, so get another, Speedy is useless.

Without any perimeter game, other than JJ, teams just clog the paint. When we do penetrate and cant finish, the result is the same. (see Marvin)

If the Jarvis Hayes - Haywood deal is available, pull the trigger.

I also suggest:

Salim/Speedy/ZaZa/Estaban to Portland for McGloire/Aldridge/Dixon. Salaries work on Real GM’s Trade Checker.

ATL gets Juan Dixon a solid combo guard like Luther Head. Jamaal McGloire a defensive BIG with an expiring contract. Aldridge isnt living up to the hype yet, but he’s young, big w/ upside.

Portland gets Salim, a shooter with a West Coast game and attitude; Speedy’s good character, bad knees and injury settlement; ZaZa a scoring BIG and Estaban a banging project. I would even throw Shelden in the mix, if necessary.

By doc

January 23, 2007 03:44 PM | Link to this

tyger, i like your ethusiam but WHEN was the last time the hawks made a serious trade dude? they have been only to get rid of bodies and dead contracts. keep on coming with these ideas, i guess it helps pass the time and keeps us entertained, could you please preface these things with the notion you get it that this franchise is not able to make any trades due to the owner situation that way the suckers will not jump in on top of it thinking something is going to happen. it will also show your own intelligence about the present ownership situation and not look so naive too sugest something prepostuous. i suspect when sekou suggests a trade had been made we all might then critique or come up with something else for them to do if it is a reality. for now doesnt it seem with this management it just aint going to happen?

now estaban as “a banging project”, wow, the conotations that brings on. you really know how to turn the portland team around dont you and make them really contenders. maybe they could just slop my boy brandon roy over here too, just for good measure. i am sure they would be caught unaware and with their pants down along with banging estaban.

By Roswell Ed

January 23, 2007 04:46 PM | Link to this

Is there anything worse in sports that Americans actually watch than basketball?

The tournament is great but college and pro basketball besides that sucks!!

If they were playing in my back yard I’d shut the blinds!!

And I played high school bball in Decatur.

By HB Ando

January 23, 2007 05:01 PM | Link to this

Ed, did you play for Reinhard? Man they had some great teams in ‘82 and ‘83. Hollywood Howard, Gresham, Shelton, those guys played like they were in their mid-20’s. How do I know? My Central Gwinnett team loss to them, in the first round of the ‘83 state playoffs was the last of their 57 game (I think) win streak. Gainesville took them out in the next round and went on to the state title (Carpenter, Hamilton and Earls, who was the best athlete of the bunch). Ahh, my days as a little-used back up.

By Wedgie Evans

January 23, 2007 05:32 PM | Link to this

For all the hype about AI and Melo yesterday, the Nuggets shot under 45% as a team, at home, against quite possibly the worst defense in the NBA. Let’s see how they do against Dallas and San Antonio before handing the championship trophy over to them.

Ciara came to at least 3 Hawks games last year. She’s pretty fine, but thank God she didn’t open her mouth though, she sings like a crow.

By Haterville USA

January 23, 2007 05:50 PM | Link to this

Wedgie,

Would you kick Ciara out of your bed? Didn’t think so homey. She’s fine as hell and who cares if she can sing.

By Covington,Ga

January 23, 2007 06:00 PM | Link to this

I think A.I. & Melo will do great regardless of what the media says..but i didnt come here to talk about Den.The Hawks should just keep losing hopefully we land the #1-3 pick

By Samuel

January 23, 2007 06:00 PM | Link to this

Well, Well, Well

You guys kill me. Still don’t want to give AI his props. Still not sure he would have worked with the Hawks. Please! WE. San Antonio is slow as hell.

Dallas maybe but San Antonio, I don’t think so. Depending on how Odom does when he comes back. I think this will put Denver in the Top 3 in the West when it’s all said and done.

1. Dallas
2. PHX
3. LA or Denver
4. San Antonio

By Tyger

January 23, 2007 06:10 PM | Link to this

Doc,

I’m well aware of the ownership mess. The ct. allowed the Hawks to make deals not longer than 4 years this past summer.

Now, I dont know if that was only for last summer or not. But, Sekou has proposed the Hayes-Haywood trade and an Anthony Johnson - Salim trade, whether they are realistic or not who knows.

But I seriously doubt the Hawks arent able to do anything, just not anything major. And what I proposed isnt major.

ZaZa, Speedy and Salim are better off in the West, where defense isnt a premium. Whereas, Dixon, McGloire and Aldridge have been made expendable by Roy, Jack, and Pryzbilla.

By Wedgie Evans

January 23, 2007 06:43 PM | Link to this

Haterville,

I would only kick her out if the rumors are true and she has a penis.

By doc

January 23, 2007 06:52 PM | Link to this

ty, see what you are proposing and appreciate your taking the time to state it; i still think it is very one-sided. many from the blog incluiding me have wanted magliore around, dixon can and will play and aldridge is coming on from time to time with more upside maybe than what you propose. would you give up any of the “fab Four” i.e. chills or marvin to make it work which would be the realistic response from the portland side?

By jhan

January 23, 2007 08:48 PM | Link to this

This team will not make any noteworthy trades until the ownership mess is sorted out. David Stern should be ashamed of himself for letting this continue. I can’t see him allowing this to continue after this season. I believe Ando is correct when saying both BK & MW will be gone this offseason. Even if the Spirit group retains control of the team, they will have to at least dump BK. Like I said earlier, he has created the best bench in the NBA. Unfortunately he forgot about the starters!

By DrChunk

January 23, 2007 09:08 PM | Link to this

Oh, come on. You’re ready to enshrine the Nuggets after they put a whipping on the Grizzlies? That’s the worst team in the NBA. Wake me up in a couple of weeks after they’ve had a chance to implode.

By Steve T

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

Marvin has been shooting well as of late. You can now see where BK was headed. The problem with the Hawks is they do not have any guys in the paint.

By newkid

January 23, 2007 09:49 PM | Link to this

WOW, where has THIS Marvin Williams been?

By Chris D'

January 23, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

The Nuggets will be nasty good next year if Kenyon Martin can stay healthy and Nene can stay away from the buffet line.
Steve Blake was also a nice addition for them that were able to pick up for an expendable scorer. He has become the pass first guard that they had with Andre Miller. They end up not loosing much except two non-lottery draft picks to get a super star.

By Chris D'

January 23, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

While talking about teams out west Portland will be another team that has gone under major reconstruction over the last of couple of years and will be a lot better than us next year.

All I am really asking for Hawks is a little hope for the future. Is that so wrong?

By mykhalc

January 23, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

can’t see the game in SF but i’m lookin’ at the boxscore. and you can not tell me that SJONES can not give the team a better effort than WRIGHT is givin’!!!????!!!! SJONES needs PT…PERIOD!!!!!

By Clyde

January 23, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Another game another a** whippin’.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By ray

January 23, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

Ando,

To answer your “question” from the tail end of last blog: Yes you did. And it’s a shame you weren’t around for a while there ‘cause you would have seen where I gave you those props several other times in regard to several subjects (the hated #5 draft pick topic being one of them). But hey, at least you know some of us can chew and swallow our words, as well as give credit where it’s due. Funny, nowadays I kinda get this odd after-taste in the back of my throat any time I find myself about to argue with something you have said. Kinda tastes like….crow…heh, heh!

I’ve got nothing to say after watching the game against Chicago. If you didn’t see it, read the box score. It’s fairly self-explanatory.

By ray

January 23, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

This Marvin Williams has finally played without the glove. Kid can score. Let’s see how consistently.

By CJ

January 24, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this

To defend my statement about Joe..notice I mentioned Steve Smith whom I rate him higher than. I was a HUGE Smith fan, and I had alot of respect for him. I respect Joe and yes he is an all-star caliber player but it changes when you compare him to his contemporaries. When I said average…you can consider him an ‘average’ all-star. He’s a smart well rounded player but so was Mitch Richmond and you don’t hear his name mentioned much. Mitch produced for the Kings unnoticed and ended his stellar career quietly.

JJ is not at the same plateau as Kobe, Wade, Lebron, etc. He’s much closer to a Michael Redd (whom JJ is better than as well). The time frame for his peak production is limited and in my view it will be too late for the Hawks to take advantage of unless drastic changes occur.

By mykhalc

January 24, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this

just imagine this team with a REAL PRODUCIN’ 5!!!!!!!!!ok……..you can stop now!!!!

By mykhalc

January 24, 2007 01:19 AM | Link to this

boxscore says CHILLS had a rough one tonite!! guess he was overdue??!! his normal production definitely would have made a difference. nice to see MARVIN have a solid nite. will/can he back it up?? props to WOODSON for continuing to give the core 4 consistent minutes and for takin’ a good look at DIJON before his 2nd 10 day expires!! WOODSON…when does SJONES start to get a real look??? look at like this…he’ll give you AT LEAST what WRIGHT gives you plus you get the bonus of an added 5 more fouls!! come on, be creative…bold…step outside the box. create the YOUNGEST startin’ 5 of ALL TIME!!! make us proud!!!

By Anakin Joe

January 24, 2007 09:18 AM | Link to this

mykhalc, Woody in is most finite wisdom played Childress almost exclusively at back-up PG last night. He was clearly uncomfortable in that role and had problems incorporating his offense. I figured Salim was not playing because of the flu or something, yet he was put into the game for the last minute. So now I’m not sure why Childress was sharing the PG duties with Ivey.

This team is a freakin’ mess. Dijon Thompson gets more minutes than Solomon. We have 2 gimpy PGs and we sign a SF to 2 10-day contracts. UNBELIEVABLE!

By honest_abe

January 24, 2007 09:28 AM | Link to this

i hate to say it… but once again ando is right. yak that really hurt me to say that. but it’s true, when chills, marv, jj and jsmith were out on the court together they got killed on the defensive end. nobody could stop hinrich or anyone else for that matter from penetrating into the lane.

chills at backup pg might work. but as soon as marv gets his game going chills just might be the odd man out. BAH!

it hurts to be a hawks fan. i have no idea why i keep watching games till the bitter end.

By jlewis

January 24, 2007 09:28 AM | Link to this

Hopefully, most here have played competitive sports in some form. In high school or college, and some pro, I have never seen a guy miss a month for a “strained” groin, what is the real story with Tyronne Lue?

By Jay

January 24, 2007 09:36 AM | Link to this

“So was I wrong to say that AI wouldn’t fit with the Hawks?”

A.I. season totals are 29 ppg and 7.5 apg. The last two games with Carmelo (which we could guess would be similar to him playing with JJ) A.I. has 22 ppg and 8.5 assists. The Hawks rank 29th out of 30 in ppg and 28th out of 30 in apg.

Yes you were wrong to say A.I. wouldnt fit with the Hawks. He would have helped significantly with two of our biggest weaknesses, he’s shown he can work with another star and submit his game to him, and he would have sold tickets and gotten the hawks more national attention outside of Smith flicking people off or “look how many empty seats there are in Atlanta”.

Alas, every talking head on the ajc spoke out against it. Hope you guys are happy while our selfish non-scoring offense keeps losing games for us.

By jhan

January 24, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

This team needs a 5 in the worst way. A true scoring threat at that position will force teams to double down low, which will allow Joe some freedom to operate. That in turn will force teams to rotate which will open up easy shots for Smith & Marvin. Basic basketball fundamentals. Why can’t BK figure this out? Trade a couple of our swing guys for one good 5 and you’ll see a tremendous difference in this team. I’ve honestly thought that was why BK has been drafting all these wing players.

By HB Ando

January 24, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

I don’t know why some folks have trouble understanding the drastic difference that would have existed between AI playing with Johnson, and AI playing with Carmelo. Carmelo never touches the ball until it’s crossed half-court. He’s a finisher, and doesn’t initiate the offense. Both Joe and Iverson NEED the ball in their hands to be happy and effective. With Iverson here, half of the things Joe does well on the court would have been negated by Iverson dominating the ball. Joe would have been rendered a shooting swingman (like we don’t have enough of those, already).

Secondly, while I think that Iverson and Carmelo will be just fine together, you have to acknowledge that they’ll both be on their best behavior, and do everything to prove their doubters wrong. Iverson just got booted out of Philly, and feels like he’s been disrespected, and Carmelo is coming off of a 15 games suspension. What did anyone expect they were going to do together, first time out? Scream at each other and fight over the ball? Webber was saying all the right things when he showed up in Philly, about sharing the ball with AI. Then HE didn’t get to touch it very often, and the grumblings began.

Finally, the franchise didn’t not get Iverson because of AJC writers. Hell, the fact that these guys spoke out against obtaining him would have been reason enough for them to do it. They’re in lock-down. They’re not going to make any blockbuster moves. The Spirit is about to go bye-bye.

Folks here (most already do) need to get a grip on the fact that this is a lame duck administration, powerless and broke.

OK, not so finally, Joe, I would be remiss if I didn’t ask how you liked Childress’ 3 point, 2 board, 2 dime line, in 31 minutes, especially as it compares to Deng’s team leading 18 point night (again). I see your reference to how Chilldress was utilized, and I know, deep down inside, that you designed the point, preemptively, for the inevitable Ando comments. Since you know and I know what I’m thinking about it, I don’t even have to say it. Heh heh.

By Darth Andro

January 24, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Ray, I know you’ve got my back (most of the time), and I do appreciate it. I apologize for leaving your support of me stranded. I’m back and currently receiving all props and accolades, much to the chagrin of Anakin Joe.

Don’t tell TB, but the real reason I was gone was that I was in a mental institution gluing together my shattered sense of self. I think I got most of the pieces in their original spots. But I have been peeing out of my ear the last week or so………and talking out of my a* (OK, that hasn’t changed).

By doc

January 24, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

ray, i mentioned the glove several weeks ago as the reason the kid had no handle or feel for the game as he came back too early and reinjured it within the third game back. at times folks miss the obvious as they rail their discontent, thanks for pointing it out.

ando you in a way are sounding my tune from last year and ongong this year. it is about the owners. look to memphis and their sluggish performance with a very smart jerry west. he too has hiwshands held tied due to ownership issues and sadly has only seen the team that bk built go downhill ever since he got his hands on it. winning owners spend money and are smart as well which probably explains the issues in knick land where they have spent gobs to get mediocrity even with huge egos of lb abd isiah around to guide the way.

where is my t-shirt that says fire the owners? or something to that effect. as you said ando we are hostages until this mess is cleared up. i am beginning to think wholesale change is necesary, just not sure belkin is the answer.

yes, jhan we dont have presence in the middle because it costs money for the real thing. 10 mil a year for a possible health risk in curry or what 5 to 7 mil for our combo of zaza and ren as they call him. most have 30 mil at least invested in their bigs sitting on the bench much less playing. follow the bucks as in green bucks not milwaukee.

By Anakin Joe

January 24, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

Actually, Ando, I really didn’t write it for you, as I figured that you were watching and could fairly assess the role that Childress was playing for yourself. mykhalc clearly stated that he didn’t see the game. I’m not feeling like I have anything to rationalize about Childress’ performance relative to Deng. I agree that Deng is better and have said as much. But not by a wide margin. And I still see virtually NO margin with Iggy. The only thing I see with Iggy is a lot of flash, which is useful for marketing purposes only. Fact is this is the first game Childress has done virtually nothing across all stats. And yes, I do believe that has to do with Woody’s use of him as a PG. You may question his overall quality, but not even you could question the effort he brings to every game he plays. Last night, he simply looked lost.

By Samuel

January 24, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

JJ is a much better player when he is able to spot up and shoot or work without the ball. When he has to handle the ball and initiate the offense, it takes away from his defense and wears him down and the Hawks are not as good. JJ can’t carry the load consistantly. AI on the other hand has been the workhorse his whole career. Night in and night out Win or Lose. He brings it. You guys call AI a shoot first selfish player but look at his assists. So what’s your point.

Did I honestly think that Atlanta would bring him here. NO. Would he have been a good fit. Absolutely!!

Face it, yall just don’t like the man and no matter what he does you always got some kind of lame as_ explination. If he does something wrong. see I told you so. Now that he is playing ball and making that whole organization better. you still got some kind of excuse for that.

Doc, Curry and Morrison are proving all the so-called health “experts” wrong. Morrison getting tired, Please! If anything, he has too much energy. Curry is the most productive center in the East right now offensively. I’ll take him over all the scrubb “post” players we got(put together).

Lunch is over. Gotta go.

By mykhalc

January 24, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

JOE, thanks for the recap man. but i need help understandin’ somethin’??!! in the 3 wins that the team had recently (well not so recently now) WOODSON was consistent with his minutes for JC, JJ, MW, and JS. i thought JC was seein’ most of his time then at PG, replacin’ IVEY. so was there somethin’ different about last nite with CHILLS’ position??

and i can ONLY HOPE that DIJON saw the minutes before SALIM ‘cause they are lookin’ at him to takes SALIM’s place on the roster??!! SALIM as part of a trade package!!! i’m sure he’s prayin’ for that now too!!!

By mykhalc

January 24, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

SAMUEL, there is one thing that probably AI and NASH do better than anyone in the league right now. they bring it, nite-in nite-out!! NO DOUBT!! AI, no doubt, would have shown these young cats what it is to be a pro on the court!! and tho i still consider him a shoot-first PG, i have SOFTENED my stance after seein’ him with a better surroundin’ cast. AI would need theraphy if he played on this HAWKS team!!LOL theraphy or a morphine drip, CONSTANTLY!!!

personally, i’m pullin’ for AI and MELO!! i loved to see it work out for them. but i do think they are in the honeymoon stage right now.

By Darth Andro

January 24, 2007 01:11 PM | Link to this

Joe, so serious you sound defensive. Leave the dark side…..

Samuel, what’s up with the “yall” crap? We talked about AI before last summer. I like him. I said, then, bring him here if you want to sell tickets and improve your competitiveness. Don’t if you’re serious about building a championship contender through the draft and good, cost-effective acquisitions. About that time the ownership situation exploded into chaos. Since then, it’s been my perception that such a drastic move, with financial implications, wasn’t even allowed, based on court manueverings.

We’ve already got the NFL’s version of AI. His name is Vick, and he won’t win us a superbowl either. But I’ll pay good money to watch his individual genius anytime. Would have done the same with AI.

As far as Johnson goes, he’s most effective working off the ball, as a 3-point shooter. And I like the idea of him spending most of his time at the two. But on a team lacking in solid depth and decision making, he’s still, as a result of Billy’s failings in building the roster, the best guy on this team, with the ball in his hands.

If this team is going to spend AI money, I’d much rather it be on a legitimate big man. The idea of having over half of our salary cap eaten by a high-scoring backcourt, with a bunch of backups manning the front, is simply a bad idea. How do you build around that? For an organization that’s not even committed to filling out the existing cap room, that’s just folly.

By Samuel

January 24, 2007 03:15 PM | Link to this

Sorry DA but I don’t remember you from this summer. I actually thought you were a HB Ando offshoot or somebody. If you like my boy AI. Props to ya but what exactly do you mean he is a version of Mike Vick and we won’t win a championship. How the hel_ do you know he won’t win.

His career aint over yet. Forget the draft. We’ve proven that we can’t draft. I’ll take vets anyday. Especially a Hall of Famer.

Would yall say the same about Nash or Dirk? How many rings do they have?

I gotta go man!

By Speaking of drafts...

January 28, 2007 02:00 PM | Link to this

Speaking of the draft….I like Childress and all, but remember who was still on the board when we drafted him? The guy I was crossing my fingers to get? A. Iguadala (sp?). The guy who scored 21+ on us with some amazingly athletic plays. Thanks Billy.