Hawks

By Volman

February 1, 2007 02:28 PM | Link to this

I know there isn’t any respect from ANY TEAMS when they come to Atlanta to play, or see the Hawks come into town. The guys have to bring that “p** off” attitude into EVERY GAME. THEY NEED TO FIGHT FOR EVERY WIN. Sooner or later teams are going to start to realize that these guys can play…and for the love, will Joe get some calls? D-Wade is a spectacular player, but he gets atleast 10-20 points a game from the line.. Joe is lucky to see the free throw line 5-10 times a game (even with counting technicals fouls/defensive 3 seconds). Something needs to change. Joe needs to start getting calls.

If Joe doesn’t make the all-star team tonight, I seriously don’t know what I’ll do.. But hey, he IS on the “lowly Hawks”.. I hate when that term is used..

What games are on NBA Wednesday tonight? Let me guess.. San Antonio vs. LA Lakers? Phx Suns vs. Dallas? Cleveland vs. Detroit? Same games OVER AND OVER. Change the teams around…seriously. So predictable

Come on JOE!!!!! All-Star!!!!

By honest_abe

February 1, 2007 03:00 PM | Link to this

oops my bad.. money probably works. i used speedy in my trade not salim..

By Greg

February 1, 2007 03:03 PM | Link to this

Im kind of surprised by Marvin being left off, I think hes been playing very well since hes come back from his hand injury.

JJ should be on the All-Star squad. I think the issue is Hawks fans that visit this site watch Hawks games and can see he is every bit as talented as any other SG in the league. He amazes me with his consistancy. But most people dont watch our games and thus our players aren’t given the hype when they deserve it.

By Jay

February 1, 2007 03:05 PM | Link to this

You’re dead right about Marvin. He certainly has the stats (12.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg) to get a spot on the sophmore roster. Shelden is more iffy, but 6 rpg is solid for a rookie. It boils down to the hawks rep as a joke. Plus these guys get no exposure…only time you hear about Marvin is when a talking head is making fun of Knightmare for passing on Chris Paul (which is rightfully due), and the only time Ive heard about Shelden is last week when they retired his number at Duke (he really is a good kid, bright, respectful, humble).

As for JJ, I’ll be surprised if he makes it for the same reason the young hawks got snubbed. Maybe next year when we’re .500 because we drafted a center/pg, we’ll get some love.

Props to the Hawks for a winning month. Lets keep passing that ball around and Woodson, please play the rookies!

By Tyger

February 1, 2007 03:09 PM | Link to this

Well, its February, and we’ll see whether or not the Hawks deserve any respect around the league. If they can make it through the 1st week .500 or better, you can EARN your respect rather than sending cheesy videos pandering for it.

History shows, after brief stints of success, misery follows in bunches. But there’s always hope - I love the energy and enthusiam Jeremy Richardson brings. He could be the X-factor - if only Woody would use him - but he wont. Why? who knows…

One thing for sure, JJ cant play 48mpg. this month. Not with the Suns twice, Nets twice, Dallas, Spurs, Utah, Chicago, Houston - it’s going to take a TEAM effort.

This my friends is the TEST of Woody’s coaching ability: 1. Everybody’s healthy; 2. Team playing well; 3. All-star break in between; 4. New spark with Richardson; 5. This is as good as it gets in Hawksville.

Woody has to summon all his gedi powers to get this team thru the month one way or the other. He cant throw his hands in the air saying we’re too this…or we’re too that…he’s got to get ‘er done.

Find a way to just win Baby! Shorten rotations, lengthen rotations, rest JJ, play Solomon, Estaban and Slava, they deserve it. Sit Speedy at all costs!!! And we have a chance…

By honest_abe

February 1, 2007 03:26 PM | Link to this

go read about jeremy richardson (who?) on www.draftexpress.com … good stuff. i love how bk just adds fuel to the fire. goes out and signs another 6’7 swingman.. i just love it……..heh

By Anakin Joe

February 1, 2007 03:37 PM | Link to this

Neither Marvin or Shelden deserved the recognition. Marvin has just recently played well, likely due to his early hand injury. And Shelden has become an after thought after a few promising games earlier in the season.

Also, I honestly believe that the NBA has no desire to “promote” this team during this ownership non-sense. JJ and Josh Smith are entertaining players. And this is the entertainment industry. Yet, we get no air play. But I actually understand. This franchise (ownership mess) has become an emabarrassment to the league, so why give us any TV revenue or a moment in the sun?

Let’s hope JJ gets selected, since he at least got some Team USA love during the summer.

Sekou, please avoid using the word “swagger” over the next few days. Seems like every time I see that word in print, we get butchered. And the way that February schedule looks, there will be plenty of opportunities to get manhandled over the next 28 days.

By vdunkndunk

February 1, 2007 03:52 PM | Link to this

As a Hawks fan it’s hard not to feel that your team is being marginalized nationally in almost every conceivable way.

By Anakin Joe

February 1, 2007 04:21 PM | Link to this

Abe, the optimist in me says that he is auditioning second-tier swing men in advance of trading one of our primary swing men for a PG of big. In other words, if he traded Marvin & Salim (as an example) he would need a back-up for JJ and one of these 10-day contract guys could fill the void for now. Like I said, that is the optimistic view. Personally, I would have signed McNamara.

By Sekou Smith

February 1, 2007 04:22 PM | Link to this

SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER SWAGGER

By Jameyan

February 1, 2007 04:23 PM | Link to this

SS you are right about the Hawks. I remember at the beginning of the season when the Hawks started 4-1 and alot of analysts except for Charles Barkley made it a punchline. Injuries killed the Hawks in December but if the Hawks can pull some strings via trade and win some games in a row then the Hawks will get the respect they deserve. Not inviting Josh smith and Josh Childress last year was a joke and this year not having Sheldon or Marvin is a joke and the fear of Joe not making the All-Star team is also a joke. Michael Redd and Rip Hamilton are not better than Joe so if any one of those guys make it it is another joke. Lorenzen Wright, Estaban Batista, Speedy Claxton and Salim Staudamire are trade accets to aquire a Jamaal Magloire/Juan Dixon/Aldridge or Brenden Haywood,jarvis Hayes, or any team that has a not used big and a point guard.

P.S. I like the new kid he is far more better and entertaining than Bozeman and Frieje also NBA Hater that is the most rediculous thing I have ever read on my three years of being on this Hawks blog

By Scott

February 1, 2007 04:31 PM | Link to this

Shelden and Marvin DO NOT DESERVE to be in the frosh,soph game. They are busts, just like our GM Billy Knight. Well, Shelden isn’t exactly a bust - he just stinks, but most of us fans already knew that BEFORE we drafted him 5th!

By gb

February 1, 2007 04:33 PM | Link to this

mykhalc didn’t we have doleac long enough to release him a couple of years ago?

By mavid

February 1, 2007 04:39 PM | Link to this

marvin deserved it, shelden didn’t

ando, in response to last blog, i have said earlier that my top 2 trade ideas right now are:

gasol + whatever it takes to work

or collison and ridnour

im willing to include marvin or jchill (hopefully jchill), salim, plus zaza or shelden (hopefully shelden)

im a HUGE kansas fan, so ive always really liked collison. the numbers he’s putting up now are what ive always expected from him.

also, ive heard ray allen give the dude props repeatedly… saying things along the lines of “dude will be an all-star someday soon”

my big problem is giving up marvin at this point. you know a lot about basketball it seems, and it is clear that marvin still could be something very special

also, if we do get collison, he is a PF… we would still need a center as collison cannot play the 5 against many nba 5’s (collison vs amare or dwight would just not be fair)

these trades make sense for the hawks

the trade with seattle makes sense for them too. they would probably figure that they are selling collison “high,” as he is just now putting up big numbers. im pretty convinced that he is a LEGIT starting 4 in the NBA.

By Wedgie Evans

February 1, 2007 04:42 PM | Link to this

Shelden’s numbers are far from being good enough for the Rookie/Sophomore game, and although Marvin’s close I can’t disagree with any of the picks they made for the team.

Stu Jackson is a complete idiot… when I grabbed Chris Kaman’s balls last year I only got a fine, but when Kobe accidentally hits Ginobili in the face he gets suspended.

By Wedgie Evans

February 1, 2007 04:45 PM | Link to this

Also, the Spurs/Jazz game was really good, if you like solid team basketball.

By Hawkeye

February 1, 2007 04:47 PM | Link to this

If the Hawks can go on a tear and win maybe 18 out of their next 20 games, I think the Hawks can sneak in the playoffs and maybe do some damage provided the Hawks trade for another star player to play alongside Joe Johnson or to give the Hawks another surefire scoring option. Its obvious that the Hawks have got some talent but they need more to make the playoffs. The Hawks can make the playoffs if everybody pitches in and plays hard. But most of the time its mostly Joe Johnson and the rest of the team is missing in action. I wouldnt get excited about the Hawks until the regular season has finished. If the Hawks make the playoffs then I think its ok to get excited. If the Hawks miss the playoffs then they need to make more trades and develop more talent to give Joe Johnson some help so that Johnson wont have to carry the team all by himself.

By RA

February 1, 2007 04:55 PM | Link to this

You want respect? This is how you get it. You pick yourself up off the ground, find the neighborhood bully, and beat the living crap out of him. Now, granted, in January, the Hawks may have lost to some teams that they shouldn’t have, but they beat the Pistons, Timberwolves, and Magic (twice). If they keep beating teams of that caliber, it’ll be impossible to disrespect them for long.

By mykhalc

February 1, 2007 05:05 PM | Link to this

GB, damn you’re right!! had him for an entire week back in ‘04!!! seems like he passed thru durin’ the PURGING PHASE!!!! well, time to look back at him. ‘cause he’d definitely be an upgrade at this point. AND the salaries work!!

By mavid

February 1, 2007 05:08 PM | Link to this

“If the Hawks can go on a tear and win maybe 18 out of their next 20 games, I think the Hawks can sneak in the playoffs”

c’mon hawkeye, lets at least be realistic

if the hawks can go .500 for the rest of the season, thats a “tear” for them

By Mike

February 1, 2007 05:10 PM | Link to this

Sekou, it’s a same that you’re the only AJC sports writer upset at the lack of respect for the Hawks. As soon as the Hawks have a bad game on this up coming road trip, I’m sure your boys will have plenty to say.

I will repeat what I stated in my last email. The Hawks will continue to improve as the season goes on. Yes February schedule is brutal, and yes they will still look really bad some games. But they are really starting to compete. Once you start to compete you build confidence, once you build confidence, you start to win games. We need to quit looking at their opponent and focus more how well the Hawks are starting to playing together as a team. Their still young, but they are starting to build confidence in each other. Even though Joe has a big contract and played in Phoenix, he’s still learning to be a leader of a team. He wasn’t asked to be a leader at Phoenix. Having said that, the important thing the Hawks must do is compete on a consistent basis. It doesn’t matter who your opponent is, if you don’t compete you want beat’em. Nobody gives respect you have to earn it. The Hawks are just starting to earn respect because of their inconsistent play. They got to at lease beat the teams they are suppose to beat to garner any kind of respect.

Bye the end of February I’m willing to bet we will have even more respect for the Hawks. It want be because how many games they win, it will be the way they compete. That’s barring any major injuries to key guys. Inserting Lorenz Wright into the starting line-up has really help, now Woody needs to get Solomon Jones, Salim, and Royal more playing. Go Hawks!!!!!

By HB Ando

February 1, 2007 05:29 PM | Link to this

Joe, once again I’ve made a response on the last blog that I posted after SS have started the new one. So, from earlier this afternoon:

By HB Ando

February 1, 2007 04:20 PM | Link to this

Joe, that’s exactly what I’m trying to say. We’re genuinely between a rock and a hard place. I also agree that there are no quick fixes in the draft. I just don’t believe there are any likely fixes, given the limitations of the franchise/ownership.

I also agree that the appropriate time to trade one of our young forwards, should that become necessary, would be after a bigger contract is signed. Though our position under the cap does allow us some flexibility in bringing in someone with a bigger contract than the exiting player.

I guess I’m just trying to validate that, realistically, we’re in a pretty bad spot, with the only light I see being that Joe is an all-star, and Smith and Childress, and, too a lesser extent at this time, Marvin, are all showing that they can play in the league. But they’re all swingmen, so something will have to give, sooner or later.

How about sending Lue and our early second rounder, to Miami, who with Williams seemingly unhealthy, or at least unreliable, and Payton being 53 years old, really need to upgrade the point if they are to make a run back into the playoffs, for Miami’s first rounder. It would probably move us up 15 slots, and we’re not going anywhere with Lue (might even cost us a couple of all-important wins, where losses are still in our best interest this season).

But Joe, unless I’m missing something, you and I actually see this the same way, with the only difference being that you can’t fathom that we still may need 2-3 years to build a legitimate roster, and I think it’s almost inevitable, given all the relevant factors.”

Hawkeye, 18 of 20?! That may be one of the funniest things anyone has ever said here. What’s most hilarious is that I think you were dead serious. If they win 18 of the final 40 I think folks would view the second half as a serious success.

Mavid, I thought I’d seen Collison’s name here, so thanks for setting me straight. I agree that he’s not a legit five. But he wouldn’t be alone in not being to handle Howard on the blocks. I mean, who can? The best defense for Howard is his team’s ineptitude in getting him good looks, and his struggles at the free throw line.

Now if the Hawks could just get a little SWAGGER in their game, I predict a big run (slide).

Just keep chanting, “Top-3 pick. Top-3 pick. Top-3 pick………”

By HB Ando

February 1, 2007 05:30 PM | Link to this

Sekou, will you and your family be moving to Las Vegas when the team moves there? Talk about a city that would be wasted on your lifestyle……….

By mykhalc

February 1, 2007 06:23 PM | Link to this

ANDO, ok…how ‘bout, LUE/WRIGHT/our 2nd rounder for DOLEAC/1st rounder?? i’m feelin’ that one too!!!LOL everybody gets what they need!!! well except DOLEAC!! he’ll cryin’ all the way to the airport!!!

By LL Cool Scott

February 1, 2007 06:57 PM | Link to this

It’s not so much a lack of respect for the Hawks as it is a reflection on the poor choices Billy Knight has made. How is it possible to have 2 consecutive top 5 picks and not have either one of them be good enough to appear in this game?

By Khao$

February 1, 2007 07:19 PM | Link to this

It’s official…Joe Johnson didn’t make the All Star team. This is a direct reflection on the flawed surrounding cast Billy Knight has put around him and shameful reputation of our dear Atlanta Hawks. It’s a shame. Joe is a baller. I really don’t believe Vince Carter or Rip Hamilton should have been voted in over him. But,I don’t have a vote…

By mavid

February 1, 2007 07:21 PM | Link to this

yep, joe didnt make it

i would have put him ahead of hamilton, but thats about it

By Tyger

February 1, 2007 07:23 PM | Link to this

Hawks need to salvage season, they’re not getting a top 3 pick. They need to play their hearts out and try and win 20-25 more games. Going 8-6 during Feb. would go along way.It’s possible, but it’ll take everything they got.

Hawks usually finish season strong, that’s in our favor. They’ve got the All-star break to catch their breath and rest. And hopefully, that annual dissing is extra motivation to EARN some respect.

Now that the core is healthy and with a 1/2 season of grooming behind them, they can kick it up a notch and not rely solely on bottom-feeders for wins.

They probably wont make the playoffs but if they show well, they’ll not only EARN the respect they seek. But their overall growth as a team will reek success.

Moreover, they have a chance to give Phoenix a worse draft pick than they receive from Indiana. Now wouldn’t that be grand???

By Wedgie Evans

February 1, 2007 07:44 PM | Link to this

I would have included Joe over the loafing, injury-prone, contact-avoiding whiner Vince Carter, but I can’t say that anyone else deserved it less than Joe did.

By Volman

February 1, 2007 08:22 PM | Link to this

Damnit, Vince Carter? What, is he going to put his arm through the rim? Come on now!!!!! Joe is SO MUCH MORE DESERVING. This All-Star is such crap… Shaq starting after playing 6 games or so, and you’ve got Rip Hamilton AND Chauncey on the reserves.. Not fair at all.. They are “good” players, but Joe deserves to shine out in the big game.

Charles Barkley is fat and has a gambling problem. Enough said.

By brad in KY

February 1, 2007 08:42 PM | Link to this

I think it’s time to retire the word respect from the sports lexicon. Please. Somebody take it out back and shoot it and put me out of my misery.

By MannyT

February 1, 2007 08:47 PM | Link to this

It’s time to be mad and use it to our advantage.

Call it swagger, edge, or just being plain old mad, but there are only 2 guys I have seen on this team that play with a chip on the shoulder sometimes—Josh Smith and Salim Stoudamire. I wish he could instantly grow back the dreads and release the attitude that goes with them. I know Josh’s finger streching exercises were wrong. If we don’t get a mean veteran big, then you have to unleash some Hannibal Lecter style, emotionless terror on the opposition using the guys we have.

Even at this level, when the Hawks play like somebody pushed Momma off the curb, they win. It doesn’t matter who they play against…they silence the lambs! We just need it more often.

Yes, Joe got the short end of the stick on the all-star game. Let’s take it out on every team that comes this way for the rest of the season.

And the fans in the stands could be a bit less fashionable and a ton more fanatic as well.

I’ll sharpen my thundersticks tomorrow night…what about y’all?

By Marie

February 1, 2007 08:51 PM | Link to this

Well said Volman. Joe was definitely robbed! This entire All-Star roster is like one giant, stinking turd. Even if you ignored the Joe thing (which I as a JoJo fan am not willing to do), Steve Nash as a reserve - oh please! He should always be a starter.

By Flappin Hawk

February 1, 2007 08:57 PM | Link to this

Leaving Joe, Marvin and Sheldon off of the All Star, Soph and frosh squads has nothing to do with the players. It has everything to do with our ownwers. Until this embarassment to the league is resolved the NBA will punish this franchise. The sad thing is the Hawks have a great core of players. With a mediocre starting point and a decent center they would be in the upper eschelon of the weak Eastern Conference. It’s not rocket science. If you cant score or defend on the inside you will lose a lot of games. The Hawks will still win more games this year than last (30+), which says a lot for their current core of players. Unfortunatly 30+ wins takes them out of the Ogden sweepstakes. This team will make some noise in the next 2 years.

By Ed W.

February 1, 2007 09:00 PM | Link to this

I haven’t seen the actual Rookie Game rosters, so I’m guessing blindly here. However, unless they included some stiffs for thr Sophs, I can see leaving Marvin off. He missed a lot of games early, plus he’s been shooting poorly for most of teh year and that’s all he really does now. For a forward, his rebounding is lousy.

Shelden might have been stiffed. He’s nothing special overall, but I’m not aware of that many rookies doing much. He is an excellent rebounder and a decent defender if he doesn’t have to move his feet. However, as teh occasional Adam Morrison as ROY shows, people pay a lot of attention to PPG numbers.

By Volman

February 1, 2007 09:43 PM | Link to this

Guys, I’ve been to a good amount of games this year… but let’s get some people together for the game vs. the Raptors.. what do you all say? Let’s all go out there and show the guys some support… and BE ON TIME!! AND BE LOUD!

Because I played basketball in high school, this would definitely be something that p** me off.. It’s like another high school talking crap about your team before a rivalry game…

I just hope the Hawks use this.. for the rest of the season. Go get em guys.

Hope to see you all Friday.

By Bigmuddy

February 1, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Letting Shelden Williams anywhere close to an All Star game would be a reach - a real long one.

By Mike

February 1, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

It’s great to see you guys finally start to give the young Hawks some props. It’s actually poetic justice that Joe, Marvin and Sheldon weren’t nominated. The Atlanta Spirit can’t expect much sympathy from the league until they clear their mess up. It’s a big cloud hanging over the whole organization. If they were really serious about resolving this issue they would get together with their lawyers and with Belkin and his lawyers and reach some kind of out of court settlement. We all know money talks. At this point it’s going to be very costly, but they owe it to the fans, the players, and the league to do whatever it takes to end this fiasco ASAP. Pay Belkin off and move on.

By gb

February 1, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

mykhalc i think old billy purged rasheed wallace, antione walker, gary payton, doleac and jason terry in one year. i think thats four rings and terry reached the finals last year. these palyers just arn’t good enough to play for billy.

By Greg Oden

February 1, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

Come on Hawks fans, get out there and support your team. Let’s get a little winning streak going in the second half to ensure you can’t draft me. You guys don’t need me, I’m not really that good anyway…

By mykhalc

February 1, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

GB, PAYTON purged himself!! didn’t even give BK a chance on that one!!LOL

By ray

February 1, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

You know, I hate it when a blog topic comes up twice. I always end up posting on the wrong one. Now I have to paraphrase what I put on the other one:

Ando, I compared Oden to Shaq solely for the sake of their shared unique combination of athletic ability and massive size. I know how many years Shaq played college ball. We don’t know for certain how many Oden will play, but everyone assumes it will be just one. Moot point, I say because that’s not for sure until he declares for the draft and gets an agent. But back to the main point: notice I didn’t compare him to Curry. Not the same kind of player. Nor did I compare him to Stoudamire or Howard. Both are dominant, but more power forward-like. And both are in the “big” but not “massive” range, going for 245-265lbs. Howard might be around 270 after hitting the weights. But Oden, a freshman in college is what, 280 or better? BIG dude. At any rate, you could pick this apart and say that’s not what it’s about, but that’s just what I was seeing. No big deal. And yes, you did make your point earlier. Was there really any doubt? And how can you get so exhausted trying to remember what you said in prior posts? Most of the time it’s the same thing with a little more salt and pepper mixed in. People keep stirring you up with the same old sh##. I begin to wonder what kind of game Anakin is really playing with you…well, I lie…I don’t wonder at all, heh he!

By the way, nice observation on Calderon. It follows up the one you had on Earl Watson. And should lead you to a conclusion that I came to some time ago: most EVERYONE’S back up point guards are better than our point guards in general. Yes, another dagger righteously aimed at management…

Joe got snubbed. Are we really surprised by this? There’s no justice here. You can be injured for the first 20 games and get voted in just because some of these turds like you. Kind of like the league office, eh Sekou?

I don’t play poker. I’ll just sit, drink, and watch. And then join the fight that will inevitably ensue.

Doc, good stuff last blog topic. Pretty darn good stuff.

Anakin Joe, your point about the draft picks, particularly where Billy is involved couldn’t be more dead on target. But Ando could be right, assuming we HAVE a Hawks team in Atlanta once the ownership thing is settled. It could be another 2 or 3 years away from regular playoff team, much less contender. First must come a decent owner willing to shell the necessary cash, then a better gm. Well, let’s aim higher than that: a good gm.

By Clyde

February 1, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

The only way the Hawks could gain repect around the league is to win. Piont black. If you ain’t winning doen complain.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Steve T

February 2, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this

I think I have found a good center for the Hawks….Andris Biedrins. He is averaging 29 minutes and posting 10.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks.

By tb

February 2, 2007 02:06 AM | Link to this

Steve Biedrins isn’t lost, GS already found him. I bet I know where you found him, their starting lineup.

Use the All-star snubs as motivation, like Smoove.

I really on care abouthe Hawks anyway. The other games are just a by-product of Hawks B-ball to me.

By reese

February 2, 2007 02:22 AM | Link to this

First of all, great win the other night against Golden State. Marvin Williams was the player to post stats in each offensive/defensive category.

Josh Childress, way to respond to my challenge. Now, lets be more consistent.

No, I’m not surprised by no hawks on the rookie or sophmore team. Its nice that we hawks fans want them to play. However, in all honesty, they are not that dominant nor exciting. Yet, we still hope the best for them.

As far as Joe Johnson goes, I don’t think that most of the hawks fans understand that Joe Johnson has not played as good an overall game as those who made the all star team.

I have been harping for months now that he needs to play well on both the offensive and defensive end.

How many triple doubles has he had (zero). How many 40 point games has he had (zero). How many double digit assist game has he had (1). How many double digit rebound games has he had (1). How many 40min a game has he had (25).

Every player who made the team exceeds Joe in these categories except for Rip hamilton and he is pretty much even with Joe. The difference is that his team is winning.

Joe, step up your game in these other areas and hopefully your team will be in the playoffs and you will be a true all star next year.

By Wedgie Evans

February 2, 2007 04:52 AM | Link to this

Reese, Joe Johnson scores more points and shoots a higher percentage than Vince Carter and Rip Hamilton while playing better defense than Carter and fighting through more double teams than Hamilton. It’s not so easy to have 40 point games when you have 3 defenders in your face. Rip Hamilton is the featured scorer in an offense designed to get him coming off screens and shooting; Vince Carter gets to play with the best point guard in the Eastern Conference. Joe doesn’t have a point guard to feed him the ball who can even hold Jason Kidd’s jockstrap, and Mike Woodson doesn’t exactly make it a whole lot easier on Joe to get him more open looks. Despite this, Joe’s still scoring more points more efficiently than All-Stars Carter and Hamilton, while getting as many assists as both of them despite having a far worse set of teammates than either one of them. Maybe his team record’s not as good as Carter’s or Hamilton’s… but it’s not fair to penalize Joe Johnson for Billy Knight’s failures as a GM. I’m not surprised that he got snubbed, but Johnson absolutely deserves to be an All-Star.

By Don Ellis

February 2, 2007 08:13 AM | Link to this

JJ GOT SCREWED!!!!!!!!!!! THE NBA COACHES AROUND THE LEAGUE SHOULD BE ASAHAMED OF THEMSELVES..RIP FREAKIN HAMILTON!!!!! JJ Averags more points JJ has a better FG% JJ has a better 3pt% JJ averages more Assists JJ averages more Rebounds

I mean come on. NO RESPECT FOR THE HAWKS…..NONE WHAT SO EVER…THE REST OF THIS YOUNG HAWKS TEAM…..INCLUDING COACH WOODY…SHOULD TAKE THIS AS NOT ONLY A SLAP TO JJ’s FACE BUT SLAP TO THE WHOLE ORGANIZATION

By minor_leauges

February 2, 2007 08:33 AM | Link to this

as i said before, when the hawks land even 1 game on abc, espn or tnt then maybe the nation will remember this franchise exists. can anyone tell me that this is not true? i really don’t think they have 1 game slated for a national audience

billy knight has the uncanny ability to find the “jon contract” of the draft every year. the sheldon williams pick was hilarious….”hey everyone, i’m picking sheldon, it’s 5 months before the draft, if i’m picking 1 or 5 i’m takin sheldon…” jesus how bad can a gm be?

By doc

February 2, 2007 08:40 AM | Link to this

jj didnt get on it because he slumped and his numbers dropped significantly from the 29 range to the mid 20’s. we all saw it and attributed it to his injuries and triple teams he played against which were a product possibly of no support. unfortunately, the people that decide saw it differently. as someone pointed out he has had very few games where his numbers slid into the double figures outside of his point contribution and workmanship 40 plus minutes a night. he also doesnt seem to get the respect of his peers for being a glove on defense shutting down cold whoever comes into his domain. he is a warrior, love the guy and am glad he is on “my” team and wish he was on the all star team but until he does some of those things he will be known for his scoring and minutes played. it just doesnt add up to the extra special stuff necesary for him to get in as a hawk.

sorry and a dose of reality, respect has nothing to do with it.

By Don Ellis

February 2, 2007 09:01 AM | Link to this

RESPECT FOR HIM AS A PLAYER HAS ALOT TO DO WITH IT….Disrespect for his team has him as a snub. Yes I agree we know his numbers dipped some….but points aren’t everything..see Carmelo….overall production is what counts and as you can see his overall production outweighs Hamilton…CARON BUTLER!!!! Don’t even get me started on Caron Butler over JJ…..BUTLER is having a very nice season….but JJ’s production WAY FAR OUTWEIGHS CORAN BUTLER….CHAUNCY BILLUPS….Please tell me they picked Chauncy cause tey needed another PG….But Caron Butler over JJ is a slap to the face of te Hawks…he got in cause Arenas has made tem a team to watch..exposer aspect you spoke about.

By Anakin Joe

February 2, 2007 09:28 AM | Link to this

Let’s face it. There are a lot of players who score very well for very poor teams. Now I do not believe that is the case with our JJ, but for those around the Conference, they may truly believe that his scoring is elevated because we are soooo bad. Of course, you put Joe on any other team and that team instantly becomes better. Think Dumars would trade Rip for JJ? In a nanosecond he’d make that trade.

Ando, I think the Eastern Conference will stay weak for another few years, so I actually believe that we could sneak into playoff contention NEXT SEASON. Doesn’t mean we get out of the first round, but if Marvin improves between years 2 & 3 like Smith has and if Solomon and/or Shelden can provide anything substantive next season, we could very well be in the mix for an 8th seed. Obviously, we are virtually dead in the water until the court stuff is settled. The optimist in me says that the new owner (whomever wins) will lavish fans with a spending spree to celebrate their victory and go out and sign/trade for some above average players. And the realist says that none of them have big pockets and we may always be a bottom 3-5 payroll club. Damn this is depressing.

Oh and by the way, if this was a basketball city, fans would be chanting “All-Star” every time JJ scores a basket tonight.

By ray

February 2, 2007 09:29 AM | Link to this

I’m telling you, it’s all about being a “media darling” for the moment. Right now they have a woody for Rip Hamilton and whoever. Compare their stats and see that Johnson has him beat in every category besides free throw % and blocks per game (neither player has an average in this statistic that’s significant). When they decide to focus on someone else, it’ll be someone else. Ask Jamal Magloire about that.

By Orlando Rivera

February 2, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Don, it appears you obviously know little about how the NBA process works for their All-Stars. If you did, then you’d realize that Washington has the BEST RECORD IN THE EAST! That’s why Caron Butler got in, because he deserves it. He has been the defensive linchpin on that team all season. If you want to complain about someone getting in who doesn’t deserve it, then I would question why on earth New Jersey got two players in there. Oh yeah that’s right because Vince Carter is a media darling! Does that team really deserve two all-stars? I don’t think so. So perhaps that’s where you should be sending your vemon.

Perhaps if Woodson didn’t kill JJ so early in the season playing him 45 mpg he would’ve led this team to more victories. However we all know how great he is and doesn’t need an all-star berth to change our minds. GO JJ AND GO HAWKS!

By Willie Coyote

February 2, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Ok, two starting guards and four reserves got onto the East squad. You mean to tell me that there are six guards more deserving in the East than Joe. Plus, if you listen to Charles, Kenny, Magic, & Ernie, Joe is less worthy than Ben Gordon also. That is such a joke.

I feel you on your rant also Sekou. Too bad the league is more concerned about keeping these “thugs” in line and in suits than they are in keeping the officiating and discipline consistent and fair. This league really has its priorities straight. The dress code (which I happen to agree with to a point) is more important to the integrity of the game than unbiased, competant officiating and disciplinary action.

I also agree with minor_leagues and the network television thing for the Hawks. I know they’ve been losing but come one. If we can’t get this tean on TNT, ESPN, NBC, INHD, or whatever, at least get a better picture on SportSouth and SportsNet. What the Hell!

By Volman

February 2, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

Anakin Joe, I will be there tonight, chanting. Hope to see you there. I’ll be wearing my Zaza Pachulia jersey :-)

Go Hawks!

By HB Ando

February 2, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

Yeah, JJ got stiffed by the Hamilton pick. But not by a mile, and not understanding that players off bad franchises don’t get in. He did not, however get stiffed by the Butler pick. Dude has legitimately arrived, and he’s a forward, so he’s not competing for the same slot as Johnson. Butler is averaging 21 pts, 8 boards, 3 dimes and 2.1 steals, and the Zards, as our rarely heard from friend, Flash, calls them have the best record in the East.

Coaches vote for contributors to winning franchises. Because winning is what counts in the NBA. At least in almost every NBA city but Atlanta.

I need to recommend a tremendously funny article by Bill Simmons, currently on ESPN.com:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/070201&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos1

Or just look for it under the “Page 2” tab. I think he’s the funniest man editorializing sports in America, right now. He’s stream of consciousness (which you guys might have guessed I’m a big fan of), mixed in with sufficient credible knowledge of the sports he writes about.

Please note him calling for his beloved Celtics to use the #1 overall pick on Kevin Durant, after highlighting the same 37 and 23 line I made mention of yesterday. Oddly, the Durant naysayers haven’t responded to the implications of that kind of performance. The 23 rebounds was a Texas record for single-game conference play. I’ll say what I’ve been saying since I first saw him: he’s a combination of Garnett and Dirk, with better handle. Just because he can score from anywhere on the floor, doesn’t mean he won’t go to the boards, as his 12 per game average makes clear. If both he and Oden come out, whoever has the first overall pick will be in a pickle. And whoever gets the second pick will be perfectly satisfied to take whatever drops to them.

Drafting Marvin to replace Harrington always seemed like a possible toss-up. I always thought that if Marvin developed into Harrington’s equal, folks would view him as a success. But I never saw his upside being a whole lot higher than Al’s. Given a choice, I’d still take Oden, if I were the Hawks, because we badly need a franchise center, and he WILL be the next great big man, barring injury. But I’d have no problem taking Durant, even with all the other forward talent here. None of the guys we have will match what Kevin Durant will do in this league. And any of them could logically be moved to build around Durant. He’s simply that good.

37 and 23 against a Bobby Knight team? As a true freshman? Are you kidding me?

The only thing more ludicrous than those numbers is the idea that Shelden deserved to make the rookie team. Why?

By Sorry for Joe

February 2, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

Joe has been the only bright spot on this pathetic team. He has given 100% effort every game and without that, the Hawks may still be looking for their 6th win. Joe has averaged great numbers even though the opposing team knows that he is the only one they need to guard. Joe on a decent team would be a starter in the All-Star game.

Josh Smith gets honorable mention but the rest of the team STINKS- including the front office and coaching staff. Marvin & Sheldon have no claim to the rookie squad. Sheldon can’t hit a jump shot outside of 3 feet. He may go down as the most pathetic pick this franchise has ever made which speaks volumes. Zaza, speedy, Wright, Childress, and company are developmental league quality players. I have actually been more impressed with the 10 day contract call-ups than any of these pathetic scumbags.

Fire the coaches, cfront office, and all players but Johnson & Smith. Time to rebuild properly.

By Orlando Rivera

February 2, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

This is a brief message to all of those who cry, whine and complain about the following things (too many of you to name on this blog): “We should’ve drafted Rondo” “We should’ve drafted Roy, Deng, Iguodala” and all of this other “BK must go” nonsense! FOR THE LAST TIME LET IT GO! I’m sick of all of this crying about how this team is poorly constructed. Bk said it himself years ago that he wanted to construct a team that would be able to run other teams out of the gym. He has done that, and this Hawks team has a multitude of talent and a big three to build around. Laugh if you’d like but with the proper management this team should be able to compete in the weak Eastern conference.

If there’s one squad that Atlanta resembles (or should resemble) is the Washington Wizards. Instead of complaining why Atlanta has no bigs, they should utilize the way this team is constructed. Take for example the big three of Arenas (scorer), Butler (can play both ends of the floor), and Jamison (offensive tweener). They are similar to JJ (scorer and passer) Josh Smith (defender and second option) and Marvin Williams (potential tweener). As for all of this talk about having a big, Shelden should be playing the Etan Thomas role (capable of banging down low) as well. Atlanta also has a lot of firepower off the bench in Childress & Salim.

If Wednesday was any indication (despite playing the worst defense in the NBA) this team is built to do nothing but run. Which brings me to the point WHY DOESN’T THIS TEAM RUN MORE?

Magic Johnson made a very interesting point on TNT after the Cavs game yesterday. He stated that this team does not know what they want to do when they step on the floor. He said that the great teams like Phoenix want to run the entire game (personnel notwithstanding, remember they did this without Amare last year yet kept their identity) and San Antonio wants to execute, execute, execute with precision. Teams that succeed in the NBA know exactly what they want to do and build their team around it. This is why Atlanta continues to struggle, because BK wanted to build a team that is like Phoenix yet we have a coach who keeps trying to coach this team to be Detroit circa 2004. Memo to Woodson: it doesn’t work that way.

Take a look at Toronto for example. They traded away one of their bigs in Villanueva for a PG because they wanted to be a running team. The coach adjusted his style and as a result they are playoff contenders this year. Hey do you think Washington would be winning if Eddie Jordan tried to make this a slowdown offense? Nope. That’s why Atlanta is always on the outside looking in is because Woodson fails to adjust to this team’s strengths.

Want another example (i’m getting it all out today) just look at how far the Falcons fell because they had a coach who tried to place the most talented QB in history into a system that took AWAY from his strengths. No one was complaining about Vick being a scrub when he played under Reeves, and that’s the truth. Anyway, the fact is the Hawks’lack of success can be attributed to a coach who does not coach these players based on their greatest strengths.

I promise you that if Eddie Jordan coaches this same roster Atlanta is leading the East. So instead of crying about who we didn’t bring in, perhaps you should direct your anger towards the person coaching this team. I love the Hawks and I think that as a high-flying offense they will beat Toronto tonight and march on!

By honest_abe

February 2, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

no certainty about oden coming out i would say yes about durant. why? oden really seems bent on improving his game and coming into the nba to make a big impact. he was willing to red shirt this year. can u believe that? a sure fire first pick willing to red shirt. he has said as much that he’s not guaranteed to come out this year. i think he will. but not certain.

jj got stiffed. when did this all star thing become about team performance. it started last year when all those pistons made the team. i thought all star weekend celebrated individual briliance. either way nobody cares about the hawks or jj so we just have to deal with it.

when ando laid the chills debate to rest it was music to my ears.

anybody else notice just how much more efficient the hawks were in a wide open, fast breaking offense? they looked great. granted against a golden state team that can’t defend. but it still looked nice.

for all u gamblers take da bears and the points. bears win straight up. indy can’t stop the run. their d the first two weeks of the playoffs was more an aberration than the norm. benson and thomas have huge days. and that mess they call a qb rex will do just enough to win.

orlando i love the enthusiasm. but lets try to be real. no point in comparing the wizards to the hawks. because there aren’t any. eddie jordan might be able to make this team better but not substantially. this team still lacks a very good pg. and if you want to run run run. u need someone who an push night in, night out. washington’s bigs are a bunch of stiffs but still give more on the defensive end than the hawks bigs. i hope we beat them raptors too!

By minor_leauges

February 2, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

hey sorry for joe no pick will ever be worse than mr. jon koncak who is the worst all time pick of any franchise.

the following is a list of players the hawks passed up to to take koncak at the 5th spot of the 85 draft: chris mullin, detlef schrempf, charles oakley, karl freaking malone, joe dumars. any questions?

By A Thinking Fan

February 2, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

Does MW coach this team or is it done by committee?

By HB Ando

February 2, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Yeah, that’s a bunch of crap, Orlando. Folks objectify the problems with this franchise, and it’s general management (as if yet another season of being the league’s doormat isn’t objectification on it’s own) and you call it “whining”.

So, let’s consider your position on blaming Woodson. You mention Washington and Toronto. Teams that run have legitimate point guards. Seems that’s the very position Billy Knight has stubbornly refused to adequately address. Toronto traded a forward, something we have an abundance of, for a top transition point guard, in TJ Ford. We got……a beat up back up, in Not-So Speedy. How is that not a reflection of poor general management. Arenas is simply one of the best guards in the league, and he’s more PG than SG, unlike Johnson, who is an SG who can pass. But Joe cannot lead the break and pressure defenses, end-to-end like Arenas. In fact, very few players can. So while both Washington and Toronto have the necessary tools to run in transition, we have Lue and the ever-injured Speedy, thanks only to Billy Knight, which has nothing to do with Woody. Even Woody called publicly for PG help the other day.

Your defense of Billy Knight is utter nonsense. It’s lacks all logic and continues the trend of Knight employee/apologists coming here and trying to spin the unspinnable. Any blame you place on Woody is a direct reflection on Knight, as he hired him, knowing he was a defense-oriented coach, and he continues to leave him in the position as head coach, despite the rather obvious observations that Woody isn’t a coach who’s strength lies in establishing a running offense. You’re essentially blaming Woody for being himself. Why doesn’t Knight fire him and hire a coach who’s philosophy matches Billy roster assemblage?

Pointing out the obvious litany of mistakes that have been made by Knight, from draft decisions, to hiring decisions, to free agent and trade decisions, is neither whining, crying or complaining. It’s demanding better from the franchise that asks us to pay our good money to support their business. This team has been the doormat of the league for going on ten years. If folks like you are satisfied by having the fifth-worst record in the league this year, after the third worst last year, and the worst the year before, then so be it. But I’d say folks around here have every right to demand more.

Tell me some more about how rebuilding takes time. Portland had the worst record in the league last year. I offered an open bet this summer that they’d have a better record than the Hawks. Folks laughed, though none took the bet. They have 3 more wins right now, playing in the far tougher Western Conference. How about those Raptors you mentioned. Their GM comes in and makes moves right away. Trade a promising forward for a PG that fits. They’re 7 games ahead of us, after finishing only one game better last year.

“Laugh if you like?” I’m horrified. This isn’t funny. You’re an idiot and we suck.

You’re tired of whining? I’m TIRED OF EXCUSES FOR THE INEXCUSABLE!

I wish the Spirit would go ahead and settle out with Belkin so we could fire Billy Knight and start over. Again…

By SinbadTheSailor

February 2, 2007 01:06 PM | Link to this

Billy Knight has crafted an excellent Hawks team that is starting to gel at the right time. The Eastern Conference is mediocre at best and all it would take for the Hawks to get in the thick of the playoff race is to reel off about 10 consecutive wins giving the Hawks a .500 record. Then all they have to do is try to stay at .500 and even finish the season at .500. The Hawks would then have a chance to do something great this season but it will take a significant winning streak to get the whole thing started. The Hawks are trying to get back to respectability and I think that they are making strides as they are twisting in that direction.

By William

February 2, 2007 01:15 PM | Link to this

The reason you can’t really blame Knight is because the team out there can win. They have no offensive identity. That is coaching.

And while people are talking about how horrible Sheldon Williams is and he didn’t deserve to be on the rook/soph team, Paul Millsip(sp) is averaging 4 points and 4 rebounds a game. Sheldon is at 6 and 6. Sheldons numbers might not be great but he should have been on the team, as should Marvin Williams.

Josh Smith and Childress not making it last year was ridiculous also.

By newkid

February 2, 2007 01:18 PM | Link to this

Could Atlanta be in Dikembe’s future? Thought some of you might find this article of interest. Pleasant reading.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2751982

By Dr.Doom

February 2, 2007 01:40 PM | Link to this

There are more people on this idiotic blog than there is in attendance at these thug Hawks games.

By bring terry back

February 9, 2007 08:25 PM | Link to this

According to the New York Daily News, Curry said that if coach Isiah Thomas was to be fired or not be involved with the Knicks in some capacity, he would not be happy. “Definitely. I’d be on my way out.”

How about Eddy Curry in a Hawks uniform? That is, if Isiah gets the boot, Curry forces his way out, we get the ownership fiasco straightened out by the off-season…sure, he can’t block shots or shoot free throws, but he’s young and we could draft a pg…it’s a pleasant fantasy at least…

On a more realistic note the Hawks need to find ways to get the ball in joe johnson’s hands for that last crucial shot…The extra D is no excuse! Arenas does it on a team full of scrubs, Johnson should be able to also. If Josh Smith airballs another three with seven seconds left or if Jeremy Richardson ever attempts another game-winning shot, period, I will throw up all over my Hawks jersey and not even bother to wash it…