Hawks

By Mark

February 10, 2007 01:57 AM | Link to this

Hey SS,

How bout some love for the boy that gave ol’ Blog Z some love in the PHX (that was me by the way) before the game! Joe was clutch in the fourth. Great effort from dude with the 48 minutes.

Also - sought out BK before the game (prior to yelling at you), and he likes your boy Ridnour, too…. make it happen!

One,

Mark Dusick

By Mark

February 10, 2007 02:00 AM | Link to this

Hey SS,

Couldn’t agree more with you. How bout some love from the Blog Z fan that gave you some love before the game (that was me - in the JJ jersey)?

Great performance by Joe (and the Josh’s) in the 4th. 48 minutes? Money.

Also had a chance to speak with BK for a minute before the game (shortly before I screamed at you like you were Elvis), and he likes your boy Ridnour, too. Make it happen, SS, make it happen!

Mark Dusick (Suns season ticket-holder for 7 years, but believer that Joe got the shaft from Sarver)

By Jameyan

February 10, 2007 04:38 AM | Link to this

Great game but we need to plat with that effort every night to have a chance to win.

By hawks are awful

February 10, 2007 08:08 AM | Link to this

Without Nash the Hawks struggled to beat the Suns. Lets take JJ out of the line up and put Nash in the lineup and see if the Suns struggle to beat the Hawks. The Hawks are awful, period.

By salinsa

February 10, 2007 08:33 AM | Link to this

If the “Hawks are awful, period” then the Suns should not lose to them under any circumstances. The Hawks are certainly not a good team but they are not awful either. They are capable of beating any team in the league … and they are capable of losing to any team in the league.

By HAWKS ARE AWFUL IS A MORON...

February 10, 2007 08:38 AM | Link to this

Are you kidding me. Do you see how the Suns dismantle other teams, WITHOUT Nash? Barbosa is more than a capable backup, if you didn’t know.

The Hawks beat a GREAT team last night and they should get props. I watched utnil the 4th quarter and couldn’t stay awake any longer. I wish I would have stayed up.

This team plays hard EVERY night and is proving a lot of doubters wrong. Over the last couple of weeks, they have won some impressive games. Dare I say, PLAYOFF RUN!!!

GO HAWKS!!!!

By Impressive

February 10, 2007 08:56 AM | Link to this

Last night was like watching a completely different team. Could it have been the playoff like environment in Phoenix that inspired our Hawks? Whatever it was, they proved that they are better than they have played most of the year. Now it is up to them to continue playing with that energy & skill.

Joe & Josh were themsleves but finally had a nice supporting cast in Zaza, Wright, Marvin, Chills, Speedy, and even Salim at times. Woody made a good decision to sit Sheldon as he looks completely demoralized when on the court. He came in for only 2 minutes last night(because Zaza was late getting out from halftime) and collected 2 fouls and missed a jumper. I hope I am wrong but it would not surprise me if Sheldon is selling insurance in 3 years.

Nice job guys!

By Hawks are awful

February 10, 2007 09:01 AM | Link to this

You are the moron my boy. Your Hawks are 19-30 and one game out of the cellar in the division. Get real, get a clue and get off the drugs and check out the standings. Also, you need to get a dictionary because your spelling is as bad as the Hawks.

By vdunkndunk

February 10, 2007 09:25 AM | Link to this

It’s amazing to see the Hawks’ young guys developing. I’m still pretty sure that the playoffs is a pipe dream this season…but next season, if we can stay healthy, I’d say we have a legitimate chance.

We still need more help at center, but Lorenzon and Zaza were pretty good last night. And we need more help at point, but I actually have liked the way Chill is playing there…I think he does a very good job of getting the ball moving around and keeping everyone involved.

But Joe Johnson is playing like a legit all-star, and Josh Smith has been incredibly impressive over the last couple of weeks. Childress is playing great too, and Marvin is automatic from the freethrow line lately.

(Over the last 5 games, Josh Smith is averaging 21 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2.6 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game.)

By John B.

February 10, 2007 09:43 AM | Link to this

..Did you really just attack someone’s spelling? I’m sure he’s at home crying right now over that (and by the way, there wasn’t anything wrong with his spelling.) Anyways, good game all around for the Hawks last night. Props to the bigs for crashing the boards, kept us in the game all night. Josh really impressed with the way he paced himself with those 2 fouls he had left in the 4th. Stayed aggressive, but stayed in the game. JJ, nothing more you can ask of him (48min, 32 points). Carried this team from Day 1, he’s got my love. Here’s hoping to more at GS

By JB

February 10, 2007 09:49 AM | Link to this

I loved the three “J”s…Joe had some fuel left at the end because Zaza and the Joshes gave him some help in running the show offensively. I liked the look of it a lot more than the monotony of the ball in Joe’s hand for all 24 seconds of the shot clock.

I thought late in the 4th quarter, Marvin’s drive and dish to Joe for the wide open three was the final nail in the coffin. He’s been struggling, but the thing about these guys is that, even when they’re struggling, they are still on the same page.

Only problem I saw was early in the game when Speedy dished to the post where he thought Zaza was going to be. That would get better if either Speedy or Lue were ever healthy enough long enough to establish a feel and a rhythm—which I don’t think is gonna happen. So I’m definitely ranking a one-guard as our top priority for the off-season. We’re hurting for bigs, for sure, but even more for a driver.

I wish Salim could handle the one. He played some good minutes off the bench after being in the doghou… I’m sorry, on the inactive list, though I don’t know WHAT FOR. With his scoring ability, he’d be a great combo guard IF he had a feel for running the show, but I’m just not getting that from him. So sad.

By JB

February 10, 2007 09:55 AM | Link to this

Gotta agree with vdunkndunk that Chills & even Marvin showed some handles I didn’t know they had. Maybe it’s a PG by committee, as long as the Chairman is Chills, who has to be Atlanta’s version of the Renaissance Man—anything he CAN’T do???

By floze

February 10, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Pheonix was without their starting point guard but the last time I checked Lou was out for Atlanta - our starting point guard. Pheonix had two All-Stars on the court and I didn’t see one on the court for Atlanta.

Watching Boris Diaw look like he was on the 2004 Hawks last night must have been the highlight of the night for BK. He was a throw in for the JJ trade and he looked like it last night.

Zaza played great, Chills had the best game of his career, Marvin couldn’t hit a shot but took it hard to the rim (did I hear he has made 30 FT’s in a row?), Smooth is now the present - not the future. Joe - way to get back at your old team!

By Ken Strickland

February 10, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

When a persons overall assessment of the Hawks is overly negative, especially after an impressive win, it’s more reflective of his/her perspective on life in general, than the team. As our players get healthy, and in playing condition, the team gets measureably better. If we can get Speedy and Lue healthy, we can be a playoff factor in the East.

I’ve been reading your comments for a while, rather than commenting myself, and some things are obvious. Some of you are soooooo negative. You spend so much time and space ranting about what’s wrong with the Hawks, Woody and/or BK. The Hawks beat the Suns, not by focusing on their flaws, but by focusing on, and utilizing, their positive assets. Maybe some of you fans should try and utilize that approach. ANY YES, THEY EVEN MANAGED A BIG WIN WITHOUT ANY OF THE PLAYERS SOME OF YOU ARE STILL OBSESSING OVER, THAT YOU THINK WE SHOULDA, COULDA DRAFTED, OR TRADED FOR, ONCE UPON A TIME. Here we are at the 07 Allstar break, and some of you still can’t accept the Hawks as they are currently constructed. THE GLASS HALF EMPTY SYNDROME.

GOOD WIN HAWKS.

By Anakin Joe

February 10, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

WOW!

Another bold prediction… JJ is about to light up the rest of this road trip. His teammates gave him the prize that he most desired. A road win at Phoenix. And while JJ was huge, there is no doubt that is was the truest “team win” of the year. I’m expecting Joe to play like a proud Papa the next few games, giving his teammates something back for that tremendous win.

And since I usually rail against him, let me throw some love to Woody. He coached a masterful game last night. Deft use of time-outs. Smart use of his bigs. Properly reinserted players in foul trouble. Posted Childress frequently when he played in the backcourt with JJ. Just an extremely well-coached game. (And of course, well executed by the players).

WOW!

By JohnD

February 10, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Phoenix is a good team and maybe a great team but their record against the other good western teams is woeful, something like 1-9. So it is not surprising a team with motivation and talented young players could beat the Suns.

Outstanding effort from all who played and the reason I enjoy watching the Hawks. They, like all in the NBA, have nights when IT just is not there but the effort almost always is present. There are holes to be filled but the opportunity exists and awful they are not.

By reese

February 10, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

mykhalc, the jury is still out on what it takes for the hawks to win. I still think that it takes JJ to score 27 points or more for them to be competitive.

My main points are that it is not healthy for JJ to play that many minutes and produce effectively on both the offensive and defensive end, its better for team moral when all players get to play, its better for player evaluations when all players are involved in real game situations and placed in schemes that allow them to succeed.

Once players have been in successful situations, they are better prepared mentally to take on unfamiliar situations.

Do I like to watch JJ play, Yes.

Do I like to watch JJ play every minute in a game, NO.

By Anakin Joe

February 10, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Don’t look now, but Josh Smith is a legit PF. Not in a traditional Karl Malone way. But what do you call a guy who plays his best ball in the paint on both ends of the floor? And a guy who “through organic growth” has embraced the role? We have a legit PF, and it didn’t take his block of Amare’s dunk for me to realize that (although that was one of the most amazing plays I’ve seen recenty).

Did you all see what Childress was doing last night? Driving, hitting open jumpers, penetrating, beng aggressive. Marvin? The same. Got to every spot of the floor that he wanted to get to. As he has learned to drive for the mid-range shot, his game has looked more and more explosive. They didn’t take a ton of jumpers either. They played teacious defense and beat up the Suns in the paint.

Is this the making of a championship team? HELL NO. But is there evidence to suggest that maybe, just maybe, this team is actually approaching respectable (when healthy)?

They have won 4 straight on the road for the first time since 1999. This after having a winning month for the first time in like 4 years (excluding that shortened April when Stephen Jackson and Bob Sura were playing for contracts). Sorry, but that sounds like a team proceeding toward legitimate respectability to me.

One more thing about last night. Did you sense the “no die” attitude? Down early in the game… came back. Down in the 3rd quarter… came back. They appeared fearless. Smith blocking Amare’s dunk atempt. How brazen. Marvin driving on The Matrix like he’s Ariza. How dare he. Childress dunking over 2-3 Suns like he’s Iggy. Oh no.

With all that said, put your money down on the Warriors tomorrow night. The highs are almost always followed by lows. Tis the nature of the youngest team in te league.

DAMN, LAST NIGHT WAS FUN!!!

By 2 john b

February 10, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

John B, for your information you might go back and read the blog because the correct spelling for until is not utnil. Maybe you need to get a dictionary and do some proof reading before you spout off.

By reese

February 10, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

hawks are awful, the suns are too good of a team for you to be making excuses about missing steve nash. Injuries are part of the game.

Take this butt kicking as a lesson on what your team needs to do to improve their chances of making it to the championship.

They need to stop letting no name big men dominate on the offensive boards because you are playing undersized big men.

They need to understand that playing a lot of little guards and undersized big men together places them in rotations where they are trying to stop bigger players and all they do is foul instead of challenge.

Fouling so much places other teams in the bonus sooner and takes away the agressiveness of your players late in the game because they are afraid of sending players to the foul line or fouling out.

Take it from someone with experience watching their team do the same.

By roan st

February 10, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

Ken, you are the biggest blind homer Atlanta sports fan I have ever seen. If billy had made the right draft decisions this team would already be in the playoff picture. If we drafted paul or deron williams over marvin this team would really be flying high. How about roy over the complete bust shelden williams? If bk had made the right decisions on draft day we wouldn’t be stuck with speedy injury and his lopsided contract. Even joe johnson last summer raved about how wonderful it would have been to play alongside chris paul. Joe will never publicly slam one of his teamates but I will bet you he feels the same way we do about billy passing on a stud point guard.

It will only be a few more weeks until the court proceedings start for the battle over ownership of the hawks. AJ, posted a report that said belkin will seek an injunction to gain control of the teams when the proceedings begin on march 2nd. Ando, doc, aj- do any of you guys think belkin could win this injunction? What would be the ramifications if he wins? Could he actually walk right in and fire billy knight? Or would the courts put some kind of parameters on his ability to act unilaterally without the approval of the rest of the spirit until the case is resolved. This about to get very interesting. I’m actually hoping belkin will win because I believe he is a much smarter business man than the rest of those clowns.

By reese

February 10, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

Ken Strickland, its called a fair and honest assessment of how some of us view the hawks. In other words and analysis.

Too just say something good when things are bad is not impetus for change.

By the way that the hawks are playing now, you would have to think that they are reading these blogs.

Josh Smith has started shooting with both hands, is pushing the pace, is mixing in drives with jumpers and shows no fear of repercussions when doing whatever wants on the floor.

Childress and Marvin have started to block some shots, dribble down the courts themselves to push the pace and occasionally join Josh in having entries in every offensive/defensive category. Josh Childress’ two dunks in traffic definitely shows that he is starting to understand that he must start finishing strong instead of laying up weak shots that get blocked.

Most importantly, these players are reading statements that their coaches should be saying in practice and our comments would just be a reinforcement that their coaches know what they are talking about.

Now, if we can just get the coaches to respond to some of our suggestions then we start seeing a lot more wins.

I’m afraid for BK to respond to some of the suggestions in here because I don’t want to see ridenour, collinson or any other teams players who will not bring this team the complimentary players needed to bring more wins to the hawks.

By John B.

February 10, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

Aww, I’m sorry..he misspelled until. =( I hope he’s ashamed of himself

By 2 reese

February 10, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

When were the last time the Hawks were in the playoffs?

By reese

February 10, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

JB, I too saw speedy make the pass to where he thought zaza should be on the pick and roll. If he was still playing with Tim Duncan and david robinson, then that pass would have been caught.

However, he is playing with zaza who has not shown that he is comfortable catching a pass on the run. He prefers to initiate drives into the lane on his own. Josh Smith made a similiar type pass to zaza that was caught in the lane.

Who to say which player is correct. Its just a situation where the player making the pass has to understand their teammates offensive tendecies.

These are not things that coaches can coach, these are discussions between players that need to take place at practice, during timeouts, while sitting on the air plane, while watching film of prior games, etc.

Yelling at each other on the court is not the place either.

By 2 john b

February 10, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

John B, you are the one who should be ashamed, go stick your nose in your own business and put a ) at the end of your cheesy comment. I’m logging off now so go play with yourself.

By BadgerDawg

February 10, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

IF the Hawks drafter Chris Paul…

IF the Hawks drafted Luol Deng…

IF the Hawks traded up and drafted DWade…

IF the Hawks gave “Nique the fountain of youth so he could play forever…

Hindsight is 20/20. In the Marvin draft, everyone knew the Hawks were going to take Bogut or Marvin, whichever one the Bucks didn’t take. The controversial pick was Shmoove, he was getting blasted for his lack of skills. Is anyone going to knock that pick now? Everyone has selctive memory and loves playing 5th quarter GM.

As for the win over the Suns, if JJ was out would it be a suprise if the Hawks lost. Well, the best player in the NBA wasn’t playing last night, the Hawks did not really beat the Suns, they beat a B-League version of the Suns. That’s because Nash was off the court, but with him off the rest of the team just went down a notch individually as well, because NO ONE makes their team better. If Nash missed ten games, I’d be surprised if the Suns won more than five.

By Volman

February 10, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

Amen, Reese… I’ve seen a couple, well not a couple.. a lot of times this season when Speedy will make a pass on a pick and roll to Zaza but Zaza mishandles it.. The guys have GOT to start talking outside of games and get this down.. Any other big guys would seem to get that pass, but Zaza isn’t for some reason. Get it figured out, guys! Speedy wants to give the ball up to a big guy down low, but he’s definitely not on the same page with Zaza.

By John B.

February 10, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

Question about last time we played Golden State..Were Harrington and Jackson on the team when we beat them in ATL? Just curious, thanks

By Jay

February 10, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

1. With JJ the Hawks struggle to score 80 points. We would have gotten blown out of the building.

2. With Nash playing we would have gotten crushed. You think a wounded Speedy, a lousy Ivey, and a sf (chills) could have stuck him? Come on.

3. Banks had zero assists last night. How many do you think Nash would have had against no real pg’s?

Its a great win, but lets not get it twisted…we lose to them if they are playing Nash.

Anyone notice how often Marvin is getting to the charity stripe? He’s really turned his game up. And he’s starting to rebound too.

By Dan

February 10, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Hawks are awful,

When this thing does get turned around (and I really believe it will), don’t be jumping on the bandwagon. Don’t try going to games and don’t wear the shirts. Just stay away.

I am still pumped over last night. Every one on the team (yes, even Speedy) deserves a pat on the back.

Good test, however, coming up tomorrow. We will see how well this team can handle success. Will they play well, or lay an egg? I am anxious to see.

By Bob

February 10, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

I am not suggesting that Nash isn’t really hurt, because he had already missed a game, but can the Suns really be that upset that they lost to the Hawks while getting their star some extra rest?

It leaves the Hawks with the 7th worst record, which is right in the range where they can expect to be drafting Al Horford or Joakim Noah with the JJ pick.

By mykhalc

February 10, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

REESE, pls know that my blanket statement of PT is more of a ‘this is where it has to start’ statement. and i know you and i differ on this but i’m curious to know how many minutes you think is healthy for pro like JJ to average??? just like you have come to your conclusion (i think you have) that more players have to show themselves in all categories for this team to have a chance, i just feel that WOODSON needs limited rotational choices for him to be effective. and it was proven again last nite since he could not rotate LUE into the mix. and i just think he needs to not think about it soooo much and start with premise of ‘i gotta keep the core 4 on the floor for 30+ mins’. and of course i’ll add, as long as they are producin’ while they’re out there.

By BLOG-Z

February 10, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the love last night Mark. That was definitely a surprise. It had me cracking up the entire night. The reach and power of the people on this blog remains a pleasant surprise for a guy who was told there was no interest in a Hawks blog when I first got to the A.

Did anyone happen to see how awful my favorite NBA official (Robbie Robertson) was last night? That cat blew calls left and right, as did his counterparts Jess Kersey and Mark Wunderlich. The NBA is always trying to fix the players and the game with their dress codes and rules changes. What they need to be doing is finding a new and much better batch of officials.

Those cats almost ruined what turned out to be a pretty interesting game.

By pablo bosque

February 10, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

WHY THE HAWKS WILL WIN THE NEXT 5

1. Golden State: Last GS game was a blowout, this will be no different. GS won’t be able to get the running game going bc they’re tired form the Bulls last night (plus Davis is hurt and Ellis is creaky), Harrington and Jackson will get shut down, and GS will realize that those two have completely taken over the team’s offense with negative consequences. Harrington and Jackson will secretly wish they still played for ATL, although they’ll never admit this to anyone.

2. Utah: In the last five, the Jazz have lost to NOK and NJ, and have won the other 3 by less than 5 points. Boozer’s out (team leader in points and rebounds), and no else has stepped up to dominate the paint. Shut down Okur’s outside game and force Kirelenko to shoulder the scoring load(which he can’t) and the Hawks will walk out with a W.

3. LAC. The Clippers? Gimme a freakin’ break. No way this team should be at .500. Pachulia, Lorenzen, and JS will all foul out trying to guard Elton Brand, Mobley will drop 20+, and Chris Kaman will go on a Viking rampage killing dozens, but ATL will squeak by with a 5-point victory.

4. Chicago: We should have beaten the Bulls (twice) this year. I’ve been in Chicago for a minute and have been watching the games on local TV, and lately the Bulls look terrible. Don’t know if it was the Bears losing or what. The Kings game was a brickhouse, both teams shot like 30% from the floor, and last night they lost in OT to GS, and Ben Gordon airballed a potential game-winner at the buzzer. Hawks, hot + Bulls, cold = ATL wins by 10.

5. F the Spurs. That’s right, I said it. Perfect fundamentals aside, Tim Duncan is the most apathetic superstar I’ve ever seen. Sure, he started toking up (?) and growing out his beard a few years back, which was cool, but that only made his game more laid-back and sleep-inducing. Ginobili is a little b*** who dives for calls more than an Italian soccer player. I wish Kobe had broken his nose instead of just giving him an equally b*** “accidental” backhand slap. Tony Parker can take his a* right back to France, what the hell is he doing in those Nike “second coming” ads with all those other real superstars? Oh yeah, and the Spurs upcoming schedule before the Hawks game: Miami, NJ, Detroit, Denver. Not exactly easy. Bottom line, the Spurs are overrated, and the Hawks will show them up at home.

Record after 6-game win streak: 24-30, right in the playoff hunt in the East. Go Hawks!

PS whoever criticized someone for misspelling “until” is a freakin’ idiot…go back to grade school

By Willie Coyote

February 10, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

When the Hawks play a controlled up tempo type game, they play well. It makes you wonder why this isn’t their permenant style. Solid defensive effort and rebounding coupled with a heavy dose of transition offense is the way this team can be successful. DO IT EVERY GAME!!!

By mo

February 10, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Hey! Are the Hawks a good team? Or, do they have a good shot at the playoffs? (I wasn’t really paying attention until last night…)

By pablo bosque

February 10, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

And as for a recurring topic of convo, I’d be happy if the Hawks made a late-season run at the playoffs and then drafted Joachim Noah with the Indiana pick. Fine. Noah will develop into a decent player in this league, although he is no Greg Oden. Do you really want to be the Celtics right now? Really? How about faking an injury for JJ (a la Paul Pierce “left foot stress reaction”) and putting the youngest bunch of scrubs possible on the floor every night? No thanks. I’d rather see JJ, JS, JC, and MW learn to play together. Oh yeah, and Eddy Curry said he would leave the Knicks if they fired Isaiah Thomas. Man I’d love to see Curry in a red and white jersey…

By mykhalc

February 10, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

JOE, your post made it fun for me and i couldn’t see the game!!LOL thanks for the hilites bro!!! pray that the b’ball gods smile on me when they play GS tomorrow. hopefully, they’ll broadcast!! last time i thought i’d see the CHI home game against the HAWKS and CHI did not broadcast!! hopefully, they’ll take that kinda effort into the game tomorrow!!! GREAT WIN HAWKS!! keep it up!!!

By hawks are awful

February 10, 2007 01:04 PM | Link to this

Dan, there are two things you do not need to concern yourself about. 1. I promise you I will not jump on the bandwagon or wear the T shirts. 2. I promise you I will never come to the games, I have better things to do with my money and time. Here is some advice for you my friend, don’t hold your breath until the Hawks turn this thing around, that might not be healthy or smart. Maybe the Warriors will not have their best player when the Hawks play them and they can fall into another win.

By Brian L.

February 10, 2007 01:14 PM | Link to this

DO NOT TRADE JJ, JSMITH, MW, or JCHILL. Anyone else is fair game, but this is a GREAT nucleus to move forward with. The hawks havent made a miraculous one year turn around but they are without a doubt becoming a solid team. They proved that last night. BK has put all the pieces in place that he needs except point. News flash everybody, he knows that! And I would bet anyone that the next draft pick we make will cover that position.

Imagine the team we’ll have next year if we fill our PG need, pick up another solid big like Lorenzo or ZaZa and still have JJ, MW and the Josh’s. Then we can make a serious run at anybody. Patience everybody…….

By pablo bosque

February 10, 2007 01:15 PM | Link to this

reese: last time the Hawks were in the playoffs was 1999, with Steve Smith, Dikembe Mutombo, Mookie Blaylock, and Al Henderson who had to sit out the playoffs and was badly missed. Anyways they got swept by the Knicks in the second round, I was at the deciding fourth game, it was at like half knicks fans, I remember one dude celebrating on the way out saying something like “it’s like the Garden in here!”… oh yeah and i thought the warriors game was tonight so i guess they won’t be tired, but who cares, we’ll blow ‘em out anyway

By Brian L.

February 10, 2007 01:16 PM | Link to this

Hawks are awful….. Thats just fine…we dont want you around anyway. In fact you must be pretty bored if all you have to do is sit around and bash a team you dont like.

By mykhalc

February 10, 2007 01:19 PM | Link to this

JOE, your point about postin’ CHILLS…THANK YOU WOODSON or whomever!!!LOL that was great to hear. hopefully they will continue to take advantage of their size when JC is at PG. they might have done this last nite, but you would think they could create a 2 man game between JJ and JC with JC in the post takin’ advantage of his size. and if they double him then there is JJ to kick it to. hopefully, i’ll catch the game tomorrow!!??!!

By Brian L.

February 10, 2007 01:21 PM | Link to this

The thing we all need to be concerned with most right now is getting rid of our Mavrick owner….you know, the one that thought Joe Johnson wouldnt be a legit star! I’d hate to see what would happen should he take control of the team! Lets all vote right now here in public:

Belkin - go away or stay?

I say go away!

By tim duncan fan

February 10, 2007 01:24 PM | Link to this

Pablo, you need to go back to Mexico to get you another toke and get some tacos and burritos so you can blow more do do out of your mouth you dumb jack#%&.

By reese

February 10, 2007 01:25 PM | Link to this

2 reese, whoever you are, what point are you trying to make.

Volman, hopefully, the players will start talking to each other about basketball related situations that will improve their chemistry.

John B, yes the sorry harrington and jackson were playing for the Don Nelson led midget team lineups of Golden state.

By hawks are awful

February 10, 2007 01:29 PM | Link to this

Brian L. Does your computer not have the ’ key? Try it it works.

By Brian L.

February 10, 2007 01:41 PM | Link to this

hahaha….thats the best you could come up with? I guess I’d better log off before you catch me with comma splices, run-on sentences, and double negatives…

Go Hawks!

By hawks are awful

February 10, 2007 01:48 PM | Link to this

Brian L. Yea that would be a good idea, and I see the ’ key does work. Nice job Brian

By Brian L.

February 10, 2007 01:52 PM | Link to this

Like I said before….we have a nucleus now ( which is something we haven’t had in many years). We have a star that can be a go to guy at the end of a game. We have 2 very solid forwards (MW has really started playing well since he has been more aggressive) and JChill is the utility/hustle guy that does all of the intangibles. Sheldon is good depth from the bench. We draft a PG, pick up a guard and a big in free agency and next year we will have the team that we all want to see.

By pablo bosque

February 10, 2007 01:53 PM | Link to this

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2343131 “Report: Hawks suspend Stoudamire for bad behavior” Feb 24, 2006

Check out this espn article from last season about salim getting benched for two games for “conduct detrimental to the team.” woodson hushed up the details, but it sounds like he was basically comaplaining about sub rotations, playing time, etc. Apparently he got benched in college for the same kind of thing. That could also be why he’s been inactive lately.

At some point, you have to wonder how egos still come before the game even at the professional level. I personally have no idea who’s to blame, since we don’t know the details, but doesn’t everyone agree that salim stoudamire would help this team if they could find a way to incorporate his skills? He could be a Leandro Barbosa for the Hawks, a quick SG with range who can run the point if he has to. Barbosa scores 16 a game off the bench playing behind Steve Nash and Raja Bell, and we’ve got two hobbled point guards, a 19-30 record, and we still can’t find a way to get minutes for a guy who averaged 20+ points and like 4 threes per game his senior year at Arizona?! You’ve got to be kidding me.

By pablo bosque

February 10, 2007 01:59 PM | Link to this

to tim duncan fan: sounds like you have a lot of issues, i suggest enrolling is some kind of anger management training class, it would probably lower your blood pressure. or maybe you could take a cue from your stoic savior mr. duncan and never change your facial expression no matter how exciting a basketball game is going on around you. i’m not saying that duncan is bad, just that he isn’t fun to watch, i.e., i wonder if he’ll shoot another turnaround bank shot, oh, yep, there it is… to his credit, he uses the glass, which no one else does and which is old school

By Brian L.

February 10, 2007 02:00 PM | Link to this

Pablo….I see what you’re saying but watch Salim when he is trying to run point. He has trouble with close defense, many times he has trouble just getting the ball over half court. Just because he’s small, don’t make the assumption that he’s a good ball handler. He just isn’t.

By hawks are awful

February 10, 2007 02:07 PM | Link to this

Brian, honestly I could not agree with you more. I can only imagine what the Hawks would be like if they had drafted Chris Paul or Deron Williams. Please, don’t get me wrong, I like Woodson and most of the players but for Billy Knight to have passed on those two guards has set the Atlanta organization back. You put either one of those point guards in there and the Hawks are for real. I guess my gripe is that I think Billy Knight is a poor excuse for a GM.

By tim duncan fan

February 10, 2007 02:12 PM | Link to this

Pablo alias Taco Boy… Tim Duncan has more championship rings on his hand than you have brain cells in that stupid head of yours. See you at Del Taco as you serve up the tacos.

By pablo bosque

February 10, 2007 02:12 PM | Link to this

yeah, i guess if he can’t handle the ball (he seemed average to me but i haven’t seen all the games) it’s hard to get him in the game with JJ playing all 48 minutes at SG. it’s still too bad though, he was our second pick after marvin williams two years ago…

By Jay

February 10, 2007 02:14 PM | Link to this

Salim would be better if he had a chance at playing time, just like our rookies. Woodson is going to have to play more players. Even if we snuck into the playoffs…do you honestly think JJ will have anything left? No. I mean, we had to play our best player for 48 minutes so we could beat a team missing the two-time mvp. We cant run JJ out there for those kind of minutes (along with Josh Smith who has been playing 40+ a lot lately) and expect to survive in March and April…much less the playoffs.

Noah could be cool on this team, but is he big enough to play center without getting pushed around…and does he really want to or even care about playing basketball to begin with?

By Brian L.

February 10, 2007 02:18 PM | Link to this

Point taken…I would take Paul or Williams over JChill any day. But I really like the young combo of MW and JSmith. If they continue to improve (which I think they continue to do, and be more aggressive) our forwards will be tough to defend in the coming years.

By hawks are awful

February 10, 2007 02:31 PM | Link to this

Brian, maybe we can get the Hawks to make us GM. I like your thoughts on MW and JSmith, young and very talented and will probably only improve. I really wonder if Knight knows what a point guard is. When he drafted Boris Diaw he stated that he was a 6’8” point guard. He is not even a shooting guard, he is a small forward or power forward. Then when he got JJ he said that the point guard position was now solid. Come on, JJ played the 2 guard beside Nash at Phoenix. I will take half of BK salary and you can have the other half and I bet we can find a point guard.

By mavid

February 10, 2007 02:38 PM | Link to this

haha, one good win over a top team, and look at the influx of new people

Like I said late last blog, after seeing the game last night, I have pretty much changed my mind:

I don’t want to trade away the core 4 anytime soon (unless its for something ridiculous)

they are fun to watch and damn exciting when they play well. Id rather have them finish off this season improving. AND SHOW THE LEAGUE THAT THEY ARE GONNA BE SCARY COMPETITIVE IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

Hopefully then, we can get the right 5 in FA or the draft (Aaron Gray could fall to Indy’s pick maybe?)

One last thing:

2 of our best games this season were against PHX and GS where we played their up-tempo style game. IT REALLY SUITS US. Hopefully Woodson sees that this is the direction to go in.

By Ken Strickland

February 10, 2007 02:50 PM | Link to this

I commented months ago that JSmith should be moved to PF because he is left handed, and isn’t proficient with his R hand. Now that he is playing PF, he is on the side of the court that allows him to use his natural L hand to dribble, drive and shoot. That’s why he was shooting so many jump shots, especially 3’s, when he was playing SF. He just wasn’t comfortable driving, dribbling and shooting with his R hand from the SF position. Also, he is able to be more of an inside DEF presence from the PF position. Most PF’s don’t stray too far from the basket, which allows Josh to cover more of the lane.

I wasn’t being critical of anyone for commenting on the Hawks shortcomings. I was targeting those who seem to focus excessively on those perceived shortcomings. By comparison, when last yrs NBA champs, and the NBA’s most veteran team, lost one player to injury, Shaq, they immediately started losing. People seem to understand the impact that injury had on the team. When the youngest and least experienced NBA team loses two starters, Speedy and Marvin, to injuries, before the season, some Hawks fans couldn’t seem to comprehend its impact. When you add to the list JJ, our best player and leading scorer, plus one of the NBA’s best 6th men, Chills, you have a recipe for disaster. Yet, this team, nor any of its players, has given up or mailed it in. ALL I AM TRYING TO SAY IS IT’S A DAMN GOOD THING NONE OF THE HAWKS PLAYERS AND COACHES HAVE THE SAME NEGATIVE, DEFEATIST ATTITUDES SOME OF YOU FANS SEEM TO POSSESS.

Continuing to cry and/or lament over whether BK made the right draft choices or not(in some cases some are still crying over who wasn’t drafted 3yrs ago)is nothing more than an effort in futility. This team has to go into battle with the weapons it has now, not what it coulda, shoulda had. BE CAREFUL THAT YOU DON’T GET RUN OVER JUMPING ON AND OFF OF THE BANDWAGON.

By roan st

February 10, 2007 03:01 PM | Link to this

I haven’t changed my mind about this imbalanced roster. The only players that I would absolutely not trade are jj and jsmoove. Even though I like childress game very much I would not deem him untouchable if the right trade package came along. The rest of the players should all be fair trade bait if we could get something in return that would help. The win was great last night but our deficiences will lead to more disappointments than gratifying wins. I wouldn’t be surprised if this team stinks it for the rest of this road trip. This has pretty much been their MO all season, win a big game and get everyone excited and then its back to sorry inconsistent play.

By Brian L.

February 10, 2007 03:07 PM | Link to this

I’d love to be GM for a while! (or at least make his $$$) But lets all not get to hard on BK… He is the one who has brought us JJ, JSmith and Marvin!! And ZaZa is no superstar but he is one heck of a bargain for his salary!

I also agree very much that the up tempo style seems to suit us. We just need a little more depth because if we run all the time now, we’ll wear JJ out completely and he won’t be able to even make a free throw by the end of the season.

By ray

February 10, 2007 03:18 PM | Link to this

This is the enjoyable side of the up/down Hawks team. While it may or may not have been a win with Nash in there, you can’t ignore 120 points from our team. That means that things were clicking on offense and from the sideline (Woody). Since we can’t play good enough defense to win a game, then certainly we should try outscoring opponents. And no, I am not by far the first to suggest this on these blogs.

Let me clarify one thing before the inevitable bashing begins on positive comments. Even though we need a top draft pick, even though we are inconsistent as hell, and even though this doesn’t mean we make the playoffs…wins like this are exciting to watch. That’s all. I’m not changing my stance on what I think the team will do. I just enjoy it when things DO come together, even if for just one night. The team has proven that we can’t expect that for more than two or maybe three games in a row. I still hate a lot about what is going on with this organization. But the victories like this, no matter how small, are fun. Fun without losing perspective.

Anakin Joe, I agree with what you’re saying in regard to Josh Smith, if by different words. I really like to call him a combo forward, if you know what I mean. Either way, night in and out he is showing us why he should be kept here if we can at all help it. One thing that excites me more than most is how he blocks shots. Remember what he did to Mikki Moore? Yeah, Moore hurt us bad in the paint with exception of Smith facing him up alone. Absolutely text book. And the block on Stoudamire…Smoove is showing he’s not afraid to attempt a block on ANY kind of shot. And although his fouls have been a bit up lately, he’s still producing across the board. And everytime I get mad about him jacking threes, he goes and hits a decent percentage the next game. Glad he’s developing pretty good. At one point in time, there was talk about his basketball IQ. I know, I wondered aloud about it myself (though I was not nearly the main one). His stats alone are telling a bit of a different story.

Ando, I’ll say it again, since you seem to like repeating things so much. 900 paragraphs of the same theories every single time ONLY works if you have the right people in the right places to make the right decisions at the right times. Right now, we don’t seem to have any of those, nor are we absolutely guaranteed any of those people in the very near future. And why is that you go after people when they make vague, general comparisons or analogies from one player to another? I mean, I understand what Mykhalc was getting at in his ideas about Solomon Jones. No two players are just alike. Where was the harm and foul in a simple idea/comment?

One other thing: Nobody likes their words twisted. But is that not what happens when anybody here either takes another’s words out of context or simply misunderstands what may seem to be implied? One person’s definition of twisted words is another man’s definition of misunderstanding. I seem to remember a comment about the sensitivity level of 5th graders. I think it applies here as well.

By gene

February 10, 2007 03:23 PM | Link to this

Hey Ken, it is not shoulda, coulda woulda, it is fact, BK is awful. Decisions made two or three years ago are now why we are 19-30 and next to last in the division. Dude, SF or PF has nothing to do with which side of the floor you are on. That dictates if you are on the wing or in the high post or low post and if you defend on the perimeter or in the lane. I like JSmith but hey it is time to develop the other hand and a jump shot, after all he is in the NBA now and not playing high school ball where he could out talent his opponent.

By hawks are awful

February 10, 2007 03:27 PM | Link to this

Brian, are you a coach? You make some great points and sorry for the bashing earlier. I agree with that 100%

By Dan

February 10, 2007 03:46 PM | Link to this

hawks are awful,

You’re still here? Also, you said that maybe the Warriors would be without their best player so the Hawks might win. Well, that would not even come close to the number of times the Hawks have been short handed this year. I wouldn’t feel sorry for the Warriors if that were to happen. Although, as a Spartan, I love J-Rich.

Some of you have been talking about trades. I don’t see one happening. Why make a trade now? They (owners and BK) have committed themselves to the core of this team (Joe, Chills, Smooth, MW. Makes no sense to trade now.

Also, I think the up tempo style suits the Hawks, too. Mainly because the up tempo teams (Suns, Mavs, etc) seem to also be weak on defense. This team has not responded well over the years to teams that get up in their grill and D-up. The teams that want a track meet are not known to do that.

I don’t know what happens tomorrow night. I do know, however, that I am still p*ed about the first Utah game. I would love to see the Hawks pay them back. I still can’t believe they lost that 21 pt lead. I about burned my season ticket book after that one.

By reese

February 10, 2007 03:50 PM | Link to this

mykhalc, to tell the truth, I expect woodson to grow as a coach just as much as I expect the hawks players to grow.

The fact that woodson has a hard time utilizing players in his rotations of minutes is something that he has to improve on as a coach.

Playing all 12 players gives him the opportunity to evaluate players in a real game situation. Plus, it gives us fans an opportunity to see different players.

I for one don’t like it when a situation calls for solomon jones, zaza, wright or medvenko to be in the game and woodson places shelden or josh smith in the center position.

Then woodson cries that his players didn’t make the key stop.

You ask how long a player like Josh should play, if I knew the answer to that question then I would bottle it up and sell it to the coaching staff.

My main concern is that woodson is playing JJ too much and other too little. He has players that can be utilized is situations that may have brought upon different results.

Chemistry is a funny thing and can the correct mixture of ingredients can bring about results that are oh so splendid. Doing the same thing over and over and getting negative results makes me offer my advice for a change in the ingredients.

By ray

February 10, 2007 03:54 PM | Link to this

Ken, it’s nice to see you around. Evidently you feel the same way now as you did at the beginning of the season. That’s okay. I don’t, for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons is that the team will show up and play like the team I hoped to see this year. And then it won’t. This is not as much of an improvement as I’d hoped for, although we are only 7 wins away from last season’s record with 33 games left to play.

Well doesn’t this paint a “can’t lose” picture for Ando. If we only win 12-15 more games the whole rest of the season, then his prediction is on the money. Which means two things: 1. virtually nothing for fans and fellow bloggers except: 2. We’ll get to hear about it all summer. Yahoo. But, if we win more than that it means at least two more things: 1. Not much will be said about the win prediction. and 2. We’ll likely only get anywhere from one to 5 more wins than said predicted total and STILL not make the playoffs, plus lose good draft position. Which brings me to 4. Ando’s dominant arm will be much larger than than his other because his “patting self on back” exercise is perfectly practiced, so he won’t hurt himself in the act. Meanwhile, guys like Anakin Joe may actually hurt themselves in such an act because they just don’t do it as often, so they’re out of practice. They are much better off going to Ando’s class, “Patting one’s self on the back properly” to learn better form. And 5. no matter what, unless there is a miracle playoff appearance in conjunction with a good draft slot (and a good player is drafted)there will still be plenty of listening to Ando all summer about how right he was about anything and everything. To be continued deep into the following season…with Anakin Joe playing the part of underrated and underappreciated foil to Ando’s “bold and bossy” routine.

The latter part of this post is in no way an intentional insult to those who have been mentioned in it. Rather, it is a humorous tribute to two guys who have entertained us (me, at least) with their sparring. ANDRO, ANAKIN JOE, many happy returns.

By reese

February 10, 2007 04:03 PM | Link to this

pablo bosque, I too know when the hawks were in the playoffs and I was at those games as well.

I also want to see the days of the hawks going to the playoffs.

But when non hawks fans come to this blog and speak bad about the hawks they need to come in here strong and not whine about losing because they are missing steve nash.

I got on woodson and others for using injuries as an excuse. I’m not gonna hold back when some Phoenix fan or any other teams fans do the same. They need to take their butt kicking like a man and move on to the next game.

We hawks bloggers may want changes to be made, but we say things because we want the hawks to win. When other team’s bloggers come into our house, come strong or be prepared for the wrath any of us regulars who have discussed their weak points for close to 2 years.

By the way, this wanna be contender phoenix team just lost to a team that hasn’t been to the playoffs in 9 years, has no all stars and beat them with their ex 4th best player joe johnson.

Thats sort of like the martial arts student beating the master.

By Anakin Joe

February 10, 2007 04:15 PM | Link to this

roan st, I have no idea what will happen with the court proceedins. But I would guess that if Belkin does end up with “control” that there may be some injunctions about what he can do independently while the appeals are being settled. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them negotiate a split of the properties, with the Spirit keeping the Thrashers and maybe Philips Arena and Belkin getting the Hawks. You certainly don’t want Belkin derailing the Thrashers from their playoff quest just because his guys are not in-charge. And we know that Belkin wants the Hawks (after many attempts to land an NBA franchise). I guess either party could bet “all or nothing”, but I am guessing they will eventually split up the sandbox. From there, I would expect Belkin to bring in a few local partners.

John B, yes, GS did have Harrington and Jackson with them when there were in Atlanta.

mychalc*, good luck with the broadcast of the game. I’m telling you, it was a sight to see that team execute such a well-designed game plan last night. In the first half, the Hawks forced them into a half-court game. Phoenix only scored like 45 points and Hawks led by 4. Second half comes around and Phoenix begins to take over. Hawks say, “fne, let’s play it your way” and beats them down in the second half while scoring over 70 points. It was like they had an answer for whatever Phoenix tried. Now that come have been the “Villanova vs. Georgetown” fluke of the century. But hopefully, they will all (players AND coaches) build off of that incredible game.

Blog Z, I see I wasn’t the only one buzzed by last night’s victory. When was the last time we had a fresh blog posted on an early, early Saturday morning? I don’t blame you, I bounced around the house last night like we had just won the Eastern Conference Finals. Will you hit San Francisco or stay on the Oakland side of the bay? Seafood or Soul Food?

By Clyde

February 10, 2007 04:20 PM | Link to this

One win and everyone thinks were going to make the playoffs. Get real.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Wedgie Evans

February 10, 2007 04:26 PM | Link to this

Yesterday’s win was great. On a team whose roster is as flawed as the Hawks, it takes 100% effort from all the main rotation guys to have a chance to beat elite teams. Would the Hawks have won if Nash was playing? Maybe, maybe not, but that’s not the point. Just four days before, the Suns rallied on the road and beat the Nuggets after Nash got injured, and I think everyone here would agree that the Nuggets are a better team than Atlanta. Any given game, any team can beat any team — the Suns are a playoff team even without Nash, and the Hawks deserve credit for a big win.

It’s great to see Marvin coming into his own as a player, because I still think his greatest value on this team is as trade bait. If his jumper starts going down, he’s looking like a legit 20-ppg scorer at the SF position — which makes him very attractive trade bait in a potential trade for a true post player. Josh Smith is certainly capable of playing the 4, but it’s in the best interest of his body to keep him at the 3 so that his body doesn’t get abused night in and night out by guys like Amare. The Hawks’ best option is still to keep Josh Smith at the 3 and try to package Marvin, one of our point guards, a future draft pick, and maybe Zaza in a trade for a reliable post player like Pau Gasol. A true post player would still make the game so much easier for Joe Johnson and Josh Smith. Maybe a trade can’t go down during the season because of the ownership issues, but hopefully if those issues are sorted out by the offseason Billy (or whoever replaces him) will be able to swing a deal.

By ray

February 10, 2007 04:49 PM | Link to this

Also, Ken, don’t let the negativity disgust you. Some of it is overboard, but a lot is very much justified. Many of us are disappointed in the current outcome. Do we not have the right to be? After getting a better grasp of what is wrong with the organization, I’d say it’s not a matter of bandwagon, but rather a matter of being a fan. I for one will boldly state that I’m a fan of the team. The typical “bandwagon” is really all about who’s around when the team is winning and who isn’t when it’s not. I’m not a part of that. Win 20 or win 50, I’m still a fan. THAT’S the bandwagon that I’M on.

By Chris D'

February 10, 2007 04:53 PM | Link to this

Lets talk about the JOSHS:

It is interesting that most of the time Josh Childress is on the floor he has more hair on his head than the other 9 players combined. I just started to notice that last night.

I think that Josh Smith is the one player on this team that has the potential to be a superstar. A legit 20pts 10reb a night guy that could throw in 5 blocks and/or 5 assists. That is the makings of a very special player.

By ray

February 10, 2007 04:53 PM | Link to this

You see Clyde, that’s just the kind of foolishness I was trying to avoid. Who the hell mentioned playoffs? You gotta love a game like the one we had against Phoenix. It’s the simple, down to earth enjoyment of a WIN. NOT an indication of what the future will be. After all, so far this season a good win has meant one of two things: either an unexplainable loss or a couple more wins followed by yet another losing streak. Isn’t that how it has gone?

By Chris D'

February 10, 2007 04:59 PM | Link to this

A thought on Solomon Jones:

Hey Woody while you are out West can you drop Solomon Jones off at Nene’s house in Denver. Nene’s new wife is feeding him very well. Solomon could really use a few pounds on that frame of his. If he can add on 20 pounds we have our own Amare Stoudemire. If you won’t play Solomon and you won’t send him to the NBDL to get some playing time at least let the man get his eat on.

By Chris D'

February 10, 2007 05:07 PM | Link to this

My Hawks thoughts and Mr Wright:

Nice win last night. Unfortunately we are still a lottery team. I would be very curious to see where this team would be if we had a starting NBA point guard. I still can’t figure out the roster configuration and the use of resources. But some wins can bring tears of pleasure in a sea often flooded with lots of Hawks sorrow.

To anyone out there that wants to criticize Lorenzen Wright. Keep in mind that he replaced Edwards. Analysis not in that context is not very plausible.

By HB Ando

February 10, 2007 05:09 PM | Link to this

Ray, what’s up brother? I think you’ve got it pretty well narrowed down. And my conversation regarding Jones was with Joe and doc, and not intended to take any shots at myc. And Ray, the one outcome I said, a year and a half ago, that we just couldn’t stomach, was Billy putting together a team that wasn’t good enough to compete for a playoff spot, but wasn’t bad enough to keep that treasured top-3 pick. It’s less about our situation painting a “can’t lose” picture for me, and far more about Billy painting a “can’t win” picture for the fans. If I knew this was the exact spot we couldn’t afford to be in, a year and a half ago, why didn’t Billy? It’s simply unacceptable to me.

A couple of days ago, Sekou pointed out the history of these types of Jekyll and Hyde performances. The Hawks looked great last night. But you know what’s coming, with some head scratching losses to follow. Joe did his thing, and that was cool. Smith is emerging as legitimate. I’m not ready to call what he does a power forward, but there is some evidence that he and Marvin can hold down the forwards, in tandem (but I fear that trading Marvin is the only legitimate chance we have, in lieu of keeping that pick). But, honestly, there wasn’t a ton of doubt about that being the desired direction. Even before the season it was clear that’s where we were headed. So if they play the 3-4, regardless of which one holds the tag of “4”, they need a legitimate anchor at the five. This is an old conversation. So why the Shelden pick? He’s a four. Period. But Billy and everyone else knew we were going to play Josh and Marvin at the 3-4. There’s an inexcusable conflict in planning there.

Childress was simply awesome. I’ve given Billy alot of grief about taking Childress. I’ll always like the two guys he passed on better, as will most of the league. But if he plays in that attack mode, he’s so much more dangerous. If anything should be bottled up, it’s what Childress brought to the court.

Didn’t someone say a couple of days ago that it’s funny how quiet Ken Strickland gets when things are rocky? And that he only seems to show up when the rare positive event occurs? So here’s a not-to-surprising “welcome back”, Ken.

And Ken, I’m going to try and be gentle with this, but small and power forward positions do not have a fixed side of the court. So Smith didn’t move to the left side because he’s playing the four. I’ve been playing, following and watching basketball for over 30 years, and I’ve never seen or heard of such a thing. Offensive sets, and player preferences/strengths, dictate what side of the floor they are on. They move from side to side on a play-by-play basis. Josh is just getting his hands a little dirtier now, and not launching 5 three’s a game. He’s looking more and more like Marion every game. That’s all we ever asked of him.

To the dude who said we could draft Noah with Indy’s pick: between 15 and 20? That’s a dumbass thing to say. He’ll be a top-4 pick. If anybody thought we could get a Noah caliber player at 15-20, we wouldn’t be sweating giving up a lottery pick to the Suns.

And, finally, on the subject of the Suns, beating a great team, without the 2-time reigning MVP just isn’t that special. Imagine beating the Colts without Peyton Manning. You know you just got lucky he was out. The Texans beat the Colts WITH Peyton Manning this year. Colts still won the Super Bowl. Texans still suck.

The Hawks are good for 3 or 4 surprising victories, over top-rated squads, every year. Most teams upset better teams a handful of times, so it’s not indicative that we’ve turned a corner. As Ray said, IT IS FUN TO WATCH (watched till the final buzzer).

But with no lottery pick, no brains in the front office, and no money to spend on a free agent big man (and no quality free agent likely to choose the ATL next summer), how do we add the obvious, necessary center, to take this team to another level? With no other route (top pick/free agent), we’re almost FORCED to use Marvin as the center piece to a trade. JJ and J. Smith are the foundation for the future, however hazy that future may be. Childress’ emergence strengthens the necessary flexibility to trade Marvin. Solid swing men are a dime a dozen in the NBA. So seeking out a legit big man, to share the front court with Childress and Smith, with JJ at the 2, means we just go find a reasonably priced sixth man to fill Childress’ slot when he takes over the 3, in Marvin’s future absence.

I can’t get past the conclusion that this teams’ upside is scrapping for the eighth seed. And I don’t just mean this year. We need better pieces at the 1 and 5, which is exactly what we were saying at the end of last season. We took retreads, in Speedy and Wright, and a horrible reach, in Shelden, and we did not improve our situation at either position. The improvement we have seen is based on what Joe calls “organic improvement”. But that improvement, of our young wing players, won’t go past being a .500 ball club.

So where do we go from here, if we want more from our future Hawks? I’ve always said that the basis for my criticisms is that I idealize building a championship caliber franchise. I have no interest in a roster who’s potential caps out at, or around, the cut off for the Eastern playoffs. I don’t see how you can look at this roster and predict that it will soon compete for conference championships. And I don’t see the management infrastructure to add the necessary pieces. And Billy likely gave away the one asset we had that would realistically address the need for a legitimate big man.

So, I ask again, how does this team, which fights nightly merely to eclipse NBA mediocrity, realistically get what it needs to get to a truly competitive level?

If someone would just give me a straight, realistic scenario, taking all the actual factors into account, I would appreciate it.

By ray

February 10, 2007 05:52 PM | Link to this

Ando, you really are pretty good at repeating yourself with a different set of words. No, I’m not being sarcastic either. It’s just that I know precisely what you are saying even when you change the words. As for your question: here’s my answer from the darkest of the dark side.

WE DON’T. We don’t get what we need, we don’t win, we don’t improve. Let me follow that up with we don’t get those things with the current ownership and/or management. I’m not stating this as fact, I’m basing this on what the past has shown us. People can talk all they want about what Billy did in Memphis and what Jerry West did after that. This is Atlanta, and we are concerned only about the Hawks. So Billy drafted Gasol and others. So? Am I mistaken, or did Jerry Krause draft MJ and Pippen? The rest of his moves really sucked, for the most part. Not until Paxson assumed the chair did things improve. Back to Billy…very little of anything he has done, along with the Spririt Group suggests that it will get better in the future if we find them still being the owners and him still being the gm.

Note that I said “SUGGESTS.” I agree on the #5 pick. People keep saying that this was a draft for need situation. It was. But if you can’t reasonably, reliably draft for that need, then you simply draft for whatever will help your team now and help you fill the aforementioned need in the future. Hence the constant references to Roy, Foye, Ellis, and so forth. Speaking of Ellis, I watched what he did against Chicago last night. Damn, another one that was missed by Billy. I know you and others have been saying what I just said. I’m merely confirming it. Once again, I say nothing improves with the current ownership and gm. What reason does any sane person have to actually think it will? On top of that, we have a coach who may not be the best guy for a team like ours. So, there it is, the answer: we DON’T improve.

Now for the flip side of the coin. If we end up with different ownership (and I sincerely hope we do, ours is lacking severely) we will most likely end up with different management as well. The only question will be whether we get a better gm. And the answer would likely not be immediate, it would be confirmed over time.I’m tired of debating just how much of Billy’s decisions were affected soley by ownership. You still CANNOT EXPLAIN his draft moves at the very least, not to my satisfaction. Not to the satisfaction of many others. But with new ownership and new gm, possibly new coach as well…we have a chance.

Why do I say this? Because we need ALL of those pieces in place before we can even start talking about players. We need an ownership group that is committed to the organization, committed to winning. Said ownership needs to scrutinize closely and choose a gm who can and will make solid, sound decisions. And fire him if he doesn’t. Likewise, said GM needs to find the right kind of coach who can work with the players we do have and maximize the talent they have, thereby creating competitiveness…and subsequently wins. Sorry, but win two, lose 5 is not competitive. It’s inconsistent. Right now, we are not competitive. We are inconsistent.

This GM also needs to be able to determine the right coach for the job. And the right players. The GM needs to know the formula for success, develop a solid plan and follow through.

The Coach. The coach has to be a leader. Lead by example, sure, but the players play the game. This coach needs to be able to make solid game-time decisions and determine what works and what doesn’t (again, matchups are the key). He needs to be able to help motivate (not be the sole motivator) his players. Needs to command respect and effort, not merely demand it. Of course, a lot of this does go right back to the GM. It is his responsibility to put the right players in place and the right coach. When one or the other evidently is not working, then he has to make the right moves.

Perhaps the Spirit and Billy could actually prove all of us doubters wrong. But, for the last time: with our current ownership and managment, I have seen NO EVIDENCE that we can expect any such improvement.

That’s MY answer.

By ray

February 10, 2007 05:56 PM | Link to this

And ANDO, you already knew this, brother. Because if the realistic scenario were to be even remotely obvious, you would have come up with at least one spin on it. Realistic has just not been the name of the game in this organization recently. And neither was my hope before this season began, unfortunately.

By mykhalc

February 10, 2007 05:56 PM | Link to this

JOE, the game is on local tv tomorrow. finally, get to check out the YOUNG GUNS again this season. hope i’ll be treated to what most of you witnessed last nite!!!

BIG RAY, totally know you (you too ROAN ST) get what i’m sayin’ about SOLOMON and always appreciate your take on things bro!! and you’re right, ANDO sparrin’ with ASTRO or ANDRO sparrin’ with ANAKIN is always a good one to witness!!!LOL gotta luv it!!!! on point to CLYDE too!!! CLYDE show a little luv for the ‘W’ bro!!! i know you got it in ya??!!!

REESE, man i do get what you’re sayin’. i think you just have more confidence in WOODSON than i do. in fact, i know you do!!! a fact is that the consistent minutes for the CORE 4 has been an essential ingredient in ALL the wins since the beginnin’ of the year!! as much as i would like to see the optimal scenario, all players bein’ able to contribute, we just don’t have that kinda roster yet, IMHO. so for me, i ask what does this team need more than anythin’, with the current assembled roster??? and my answer is WINS!! and i just see the BEST CHANCE to get those wins is to play the CORE 4 30+ mins/game. now i’m not foolish enough to think that formula is the secret to all wins, nite in nite out, ‘cause it’s not!! but is it a startin’ point?? my answer is YES!!! and i’m clued in enough to know that in order for WOODSON to get better as a coach and his rotations then he has to employ and implement rotations!! BUT as THE COACH i EXPECT WOODSON to be smart enough to go with what works currently and what gives the team the BEST chance for the immediate ‘W’!!! it can’t be about ALL THINGS right now, IMHO, especially since the CORE 4 is still a work in progress!! if they were solid at this point then i’d be more for the development of others. but with them bein’ a work in progress, WOODSON bein’ a work in progress, and wins hard to come by, i just think the focus has to have some ‘startin’ point tunnel vision’ of some sort than has already provided positive results!!! and i can’t worry about JJ bein’ worn out either!! he will either be able to handle it physically and mentally, or he won’t!! and IF he can’t then he can sit and rest!! and if i’m WOODSON, i just don’t think expectin’ my star player to play 35+ mins a nite is askin’ too much!! and i expect the same from JSMITH at this point too. to me, they are the ONLY players that have proven they are READY to bring it nite in, nite out!! and again, this is JUST how I see it!!! ‘cause no matter how we view things, i think we all know, this team HAS NO LUXURIES (other than cap space). so for me it’s all about the tryin’ to secure the IMMEDIATE W!!!

By Anakin Joe

February 10, 2007 06:15 PM | Link to this

Ando, realistically, nothing substantial happens until the ownership mess is squashed. Until then, we have to get excited about games like last night. (By the way, I won’t apologize for beating any team that is missing a key player after our December).

So, in my opinion, that leaves us to evaluate the existing players and coaches. And to determine if this team is closer to the November and January versions or the Decembr version. The later point is what intrigues me the most.

By mykhalc

February 10, 2007 06:20 PM | Link to this

REESE, as RILEY says, “PLAY 7, TRUST 6”. this might be a good mantra for WOODSON!!LOL

By mavid

February 10, 2007 06:27 PM | Link to this

*mykhalc

why not go to the game and cheer them on in person?? c’mon man!

By mykhalc

February 10, 2007 06:31 PM | Link to this

BTW, THRASHERS still makin’ some moves!! could our lowly HAWKS be next???? well, we can dream!! in fact, HAWKS’ fans know that practice very well!!!

By mykhalc

February 10, 2007 06:36 PM | Link to this

MAVID, not totally ruled out yet!! but rainy weather and sucky, rainy, weekend bay bridge traffic might make me punk out!!LOL

By Ken Strickland

February 10, 2007 07:10 PM | Link to this

REESE & RAY, ANDO, what’s going on. I do not have the same attitude, or expectations, for the team I had at the beginning of the season. I have been disappointed with the overall way Woodson has managed the team. Although I do like the way he has developed some of our young players. We don’t have the overall talent, nor experience, to consistently and successfully run a half court OFF. First, I would pressure teams at three quarter court. This would disrupt setting up their OFF by making their front court players help getting the ball over half court. It would also shorten the time they’d have to run their OFF.

Secondly, I’d run at every opportunity, and put pressure on teams transition DEF. The Suns have been very successful with this philosophy. Every top team in the NBA has trouble with transition DEF. Eight second violations, steals, etc., leads to easy baskets and/or extra scoring opportunities. The more we run, and pressure teams defensively, the less our overall lack of size, and outside shooting, is an issue. Just look at Phoenix. JJ is as tall, or taller, than all but one of their starters. It would also prevent teams from double and triple teaming him.

No, we’re not as good as I’d like us to be, but we are’nt a bad as some claim either. We have 3 players, JJ, and the 2 Joshes, that are consistent game in and game out. And now Marvin seems to have learned how to score, even though his jumper appears to have deserted him. I’LL TAKE THIS TEAMS TALENT AND CONSISTENT PROGRESS, OVER THE LAST 3YRS, OVER WHAT WE HAD UNDER STAN KASTEN ANYDAY.

By pb

February 10, 2007 07:25 PM | Link to this

Ando, you’re right about Noah going top 4, I think I read someone’s post suggesting we take Noah with the Indy pick and didn’t think it through…dumb.. That said, assuming we lose the pick to Phoenix, which seems likely, anyone know college ball well enough to suggest a good #15-20 pick? Some underrated pg?

Monta Ellis is from Atlanta and would’ve been a nice pickup for the Hawks. GS has a bunch of guards…Maybe a trade straight up for Shelden Williams?…oh wait GS would never do that…

By mavid

February 10, 2007 07:37 PM | Link to this

acey law or the kid at arizona are possible pg’s (or if UNC wins a title this year, lawson could go)

aaron gray looks like the best possible center available at 15-20… he doesnt have much upside and wont solve our problems there tho

By Anakin Joe

February 10, 2007 08:16 PM | Link to this

I Acie Law is available with that Indy pick, grab him. Or trade down and gamble on some lesser known PGs like Jared Jordan or Ramon Sessions. Shakur may also be a viable option, as mavid suggests.

I’d also be willing to draft the best available European player and leave him over there for a few seasons. As much as we need an influx of talent at key positions, its hard to imagine any rookie drafted from 15-20 being able to crack our current player rotation. All of our top 10 players are signed through next year. So unless we make a trade or actually spend some money in free agency, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the same 10 on opening night in November.

By Chris D'

February 10, 2007 09:23 PM | Link to this

Speaking of PG’s and Europeans. When is the Turkish PG we drafted a couple of years ago getting on the boat and getting his a** over here. He can bring some good hash over for Speedy to smoke so his knees won’t hurt so much.

Bring on the YOUNG TURK PG…Hell to the YAH…

By Chris D'

February 10, 2007 09:28 PM | Link to this

It looks like the YOUNG TURK is still under construction. If he brings that Hash over for Speedy I hope he doesn’t let Billy Knight smoke any because that guy has got to be smoking something the way he is putting this roster together. If he smokes anymore he might start drafting guys 5’8” instead of 6’8” every year and we would be even worse off.

http://www.cenkakyol.net/english/englishunder/index.html

By Clyde

February 10, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

We need Acie Law.

FIRE BILLY AND WOODY

By Steve T

February 10, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

I think Billy has done a fine job of building a team that will compete over the years. People keep crying about a point guard. When the Bulls started their rebuilding a few years back, they drafted some big men.

I have not seen any point guard that has won a NBA championship by himself. Billy is looking for a 6-5 or better point guard. I want all the people who cry point guard explain to me how a point guard will make the hawks a play off team.

When I watch the hawks, the problem they have is someone take over the paint. When Josh Smith was out, they lost a lot of game. When he returned, he controlled the paint and they started winning. May be it is me, but it seems that a good post player will do more for this team than a point guard. A point guard can not control the paint. The hawks problems are more about controlling the paint.

BOOT BELKINS BOOT BELKINS BOOT BELKINS BOOT BELKINS

By Woodson is retarded

February 11, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this

YES…RIGHT NOW EVERYTHING IS AMAZING…WAIT UNTIL WE LOOSE 2 GAMES…LOL

By Woodson is retarded

February 11, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

HAHAHA…WE ARE SO EXCITED BECAUSE WE WON 1 GAME…DON’T FORGET…WE SUCK UNTIL WE DRAFT ODEN, DURANT.

By reese

February 11, 2007 01:03 AM | Link to this

mykhalc, I’m not sure which one of my post indicated that I trust woodson more than you.

I’m just tired of seeing wright get so many minutes. I want solomon jones to get some minutes. But, I want to see him in the game with another big man. I don’t think that he is ready to man the post by himself.

Also, the core 4 don’t have to play a lot of minutes together because they are not complimentary to each other. However, it is a nice gimic for a change of pace.

I just want to see woodson place some other combinations on the floor that include his big men and not just make the assumption that they won’t compliment joe and j smith.

By mykhalc

February 11, 2007 01:48 AM | Link to this

REESE, totally with you on the WRIGHT’s mins. and you might be right about SJONES. but how many people were/are screamin’ about JS NOT bein’ a 4, not bein’ big enough!! yet, whatever he is 3 or 4 or both, he’s bringin’ 14.4pts/8.1rebs per game. NOT BAD for a guy who only has a 3’s body!!!?? personally, i would like to see what he and JS do together on the court. so for whatever reason, i believe that SOLOMON would be the player to really attack the boards.

but i don’t understand your statement about the CORE 4 not complimentin’ each other?!!!? to me, that’s EXACTLY what they are developin’ right now…CHEMISTRY and how to compliment each other. again, i point back to the wins since JAN as proof that them bein’ on court together, for 30+ mins, brings good things…WINS!! i think it’s anythin’ but a gimmic!!

and i guess it’s easy for ANYBODY to trust WOODSON more than me…’cause i DO NOT trust his coachin’ AT ALL!!! but i do give hope that by the end of the season, i will feel differently!!??

By mark

February 11, 2007 07:55 AM | Link to this

Ken Strickland, what is an eight second violation?

By doc

February 11, 2007 08:10 AM | Link to this

mark, in the nba you are only allowed 8 seconds to bring the ball across mid-court not ten as in the college ranks. the hawks forced the suns into a violation of this in their last game with them.

By cody

February 11, 2007 08:14 AM | Link to this

Steve T, A point guard is like a quarterback on a football team. He gets the ball up the floor and gets it to the players that can score. He recognizes defenses and mismatches and is the coach on the floor. I guess you would not know since the Hawks have not had a point guard in a long, long time. A point guard does not have to be 6’5”. Look at Steve Nash, Chris Paul, Jason Williams, Allen Iverson just to name a few. You are right that no point guard has won an NBA championship by himself, but no big man has won one by himself either. It takes a complete team to win a championship and right now the Hawks are not in that group. Bottom line is that the Hawks need a good point guard and then they might become contenders. Also, the Hawks are not and have not been a playoff (19-30 next to last in the division) team the way they are so lets try a point guard and see if that helps.

By mark

February 11, 2007 08:21 AM | Link to this

Doc, Thanks, did not know that rule. I watch more college than pro and was not aware of that rule. Thanks.

By doc

February 11, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

one of the best arguments against the point guard as the answer is the example that the great jerry west and elgin baylor couldnt do it all and take a ring until they got a really big guy in chamberlin. another example is that of the greatest of them all the big o didnt get his ring until a guy came out of ucla by the name of lew alcinder and won with the bucks. the big is the most vital part of the mix in all except the phenomenon of the best of all time mr. jordan, even he isnt a point guard nor was there areat one along side of him. need a good point not a great one to win it all, proven most recently by the heat and the pistons. i hope that nash gets his shot at it healthy this year and with a healthy team around him but there may not be enough flesh on that bench to pull it off.

By MBATL

February 11, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

Anyone know the Hawks’ record when JJ, JC, and JS are all healthy?

By michael m.

February 11, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

ando, trading marvin at this point would be a mistake unless he brings back a gasol or perhaps a bynum. those that suggest including mw in a trade for ridnour/collison are not thinking it through. marvin didn’t get too play and grow as much last year as smith and chill did in their first years, plus he was out the first 6 weeks with injury. let him grow and develop, he’s learning to at least draw the foul when he takes it to the rack, rather than getting blocked outright. it’s a start and is reminiscent of what he did in summer league to take the mvp title there.

funny how if the hawks are able to get lucky just this once and win the lottery, oden would be the perfect center complement to the jsmoove/mw forward combo. and that texas freshman point dj augustin (or unc’s ty lawson, or dom james or conley, etc.) would be a nice pickup with indy’s mid-1st pick. just saying, a bit of luck there and we are probably challengers for the eastern crown starting as soon as next year.

jsmoove might make it to the all star game quicker than joe if he keeps this up, he’s studly. those two alongside mw and jchill definitely play nice together on the court, especially when they play more uptempo.

By HB Ando

February 11, 2007 01:52 PM | Link to this

MM, completely agree with you. I don’t trade Marvin unless I’m getting a legitimate big man, a franchise-type player. And I’m not talking trade him this season. And I’m not talking fire sale. I’m saying, given the emergence of Smith and Childress, and the redundancy of our wing depth, that Marvin is the ONLY thing we have to build a compelling package for the desperately needed big man. Improving the PG position can happen over time. Billy has passed on about 10 of them over the last few years, that would all be a significant improvement over Speedy. On one hand, it’s maddening that he could be so blind as to miss repeated opportunities to easily fill that role. But, on the other hand, it does underscore that there are actually quite a lot of solid PG’s in the league right now. We just don’t have any of them.

As far as the draft options go, DraftExpress currently has us taking Acie Law, at around 18. There’s not a legitimate answer to the big man problem, projected anywhere after that pick, so we aren’t be able to answer that huge deficit with Indy’s pick (unless it’s part of a package, with Marvin, to go after Gasol). Law is 23, so, even though he’d be a rookie, he’s older than most.

Second round they’ve got us passing on Big Baby, who I like, and Sean Williams, late of BC, who clearly has some issues with rules, but is also about the best shot blocker coming out of college. With the 2 and 3 locked up, I’d just keep drafting raw big men with those second rounders, and hope that, out of Jones, or a Williams, a legitimate shot blocker emerges, to anchor behind Marvin and Josh.

But, ultimately, to take what we do have, and add parts to make this team legitimate, it’s going to take trading Marvin. I just don’t see any way that Josh Smith would be made available, given the unique things he can do on the floor. But I also don’t believe that any one on this team is truly untouchable. With the most notable exception being Jordan, almost all of the great players have been traded at some point. If it made sense to trade Joe Johnson, I’d do it.

Most of the other, college names, being discussed, at the PG position, are either unlikely to come out, or no where near ready to play in the NBA. Lawson, Conley, Augustin, and Crittenton are all good prospects, but they’re all a couple of years away from being able to play at the NBA level.

You never know if the kid from UConn, Thabeet, might come out. At 7’3, he’s still really raw, which might see him fall to the mid-first round. I think you’d have to seriously consider rolling the dice on him, even though it would take a few years to see if he could develop. Billy’s misfired so many times, at some point he needs/needed to take a shot at legitimate size.

Obviously, I’d love to see the Hawks make a concerted push to sign Randolph Morris. With Josh here, Atlanta his home town, and the obvious opportunity to emerge as the franchise center over the next few years, I’d have to believe Atlanta would be a compelling place for him to sign as an unrestricted free agent. I can’t believe that Josh Smith isn’t staying in touch with him, pitching the idea of playing in the NBA together. And signing him would make up for the folly of not drafting him with that 59th pick a few years ago, where we could have signed him cheap, and locked down his rights in the D-League to let him develop, which it appears he has done, while at Kentucky.

Finally, I think those who are calling for Woodson to become a “running” coach aren’t quite clear that coaches don’t just change their fundamental approach to the game. Coaching a team to run means you have the background and philosophy to install such a plan. I don’t see anything in Woody, given his time here, his reputation as a defensive coach, or his tutelage under Knight, that suggests that he’s the guy to lead a running team. It’s more likely that he would need to be replaced, if the Hawks were going to succeed as a transition team.

It still underscores the lack of original logic, in Billy hiring a defensive/half-court coach, and then building a roster designed to play completely contrary to his coach’s strength and philosophy. I’ve still never seen much of a consistent, viable plan from Billy Knight. And I still can’t wait until the day he’s fired.

By HB Ando

February 11, 2007 01:58 PM | Link to this

Well, the Thrashers just made a trade. Swapped salaries, so I can’t see why Billy can’t do the same thing. Apparently, the Spirit will make a move to improve their teams if it doesn’t cost them any extra money.

So, what ‘cha gonna do, Billy? I don’t see a financial excuse to not change the roster mix, as long as the salaries match.

By reese

February 11, 2007 02:08 PM | Link to this

mykhalc, yes you are seeing the 4 on the court together and yes it is working some of the time. Thats why I say that it is a gimic to change the pace of the game.

In order to accomplish playing all 4 on the floor, woodson is placing players in positions that is not their natural position.

To accomadate the desire to place the core 4 on the floor, Childress or JJ plays the point, Childress, Marvin or smith play the Center, smith or marvin play the 4.

Guess what this will work against some teams. However, if those are lineups that you belief should be the stable of the hawks lineup, then my friend you and anyone else that wants to see those lineups are subscribing to the BK philosophy and need to stop criticizing him.

However, in the grand scheme I feel that the need to balance out the roster and acquire players to compliment jj and J smith is a greater need in the long run.

If we are able to keep Marvin and Josh childress in the process then that is a bonus. However, I feel that they should be the sixth and 7th men off the bench and used in the gimic lineup occasionally.

By mykhalc

February 11, 2007 02:19 PM | Link to this

MM, totally agree with you. a GASOL definitely can’t be ignored if MARVIN could help bring him to the HAWKS. but personally, i would like to see the CORE 4 have at least another year together, with WOODSON (or whomever) committed to playin’ an uptempo game.

and i know this is REALLY stretchin’ it but i’d tell JCHILLS, you’re my startin’ PG next year. do all you gotta do to be FULLY READY to play that position. (yeah i know VOLMAN, i’m obsessed LOL) i like his smarts, the size he brings to the backcourt, and he’s got the perfect unselfish attitude to retool any part of his game that would help the team. plus, it puts him on the court to start the games, which until recently, was a contributin’ part of the HAWKS diggin’ a hole for themselves!!

SPEEDY is locked up for another ‘how many?’ years and i doubt they can move him anytime soon. i don’t think teams are that dumb or desperate. so knowin’ SPEEDY will probably be around, i’d keep him comin’ off the bench and use him in a supportive role that his body can tolerate??!!

yep, just not worried about the 1 as much as the 5!! when the right 5 shows himself, it’ll be then that this team REALLY begins to know who it is!!

By roan st

February 11, 2007 02:37 PM | Link to this

I agree with all about the 5 being the most important. However, I wouldn’t pass on a another good pg to go after a raw project at 5. Go ahead and take the 1 and try and get a project big in the 2nd and/or free agency. I don’t think I can stomach seeing another great guard in the league that we passed on for another player of lesser value. (e.g. - paul, williams, roy). I have to agree with ando that our indy pick will not yield a sure thing at the 5 but very well could fetch us a good point guard. Unless, maybe marvin turns it on in the second half and we could package him with indys pick and move up enough to get a solid big in the draft. Otherwise take the good point guard and go from there.

By mykhalc

February 11, 2007 02:54 PM | Link to this

REESE, if one was to look back at all my posts for 1.5yrs, you will not find much criticism of BK from me. the occasional rant when i’m fed up with EVERYTHING, yes. but i’m definitely no ANDO when it comes to BK. LOL for me, i’ve mostly been ‘observation mode’ with him. now, WOODSON is a different story!!!

the difference for me is i like the big backcourt as long as they bring the speed, athleticism, and smarts…ie KIDD, PAYTON!!! i like the mismatches they create!! and at NO TIME have i ever thought havin’ two 6’9” in the 230lb range forwards as bein’ a small front court. they might play/have played small at times tho. i think we are small at the 5 but not the 3 or 4.

so for the most part you won’t hear too much critcism of BK from me. at least not up to this point. i was not of the opinion that MARVIN the wrong choice, nor was the SPEEDY signin’ bad. we ALL can offer 20/20 opinions now that we’ve seen some things play out. but i won’t!!! i’ll stand where i’ve stood!!!!

By Ken Strickland

February 11, 2007 03:06 PM | Link to this

MARK, a team has eight seconds, from the time the ball is inbounded, to get the ball accross half court. Failing to do so will result in an eight second backcourt violation, and the ball changes hands. Putting three quarter court pressure will also create some deflections, which takes time off the clock. This forces teams to inbound the ball again, which creates additional opportunities for steals. This style of ball will also allow Woodson to involve all of his players. This situation would be much better than the current one where players are sitting on the bench being nonproductive and getting little to no experience.

By mykhalc

February 11, 2007 03:26 PM | Link to this

REESE, i guess you can sum up my position as this…knowin’ that money is of the utmost concern with this franchise and moves will only be done if all the stars and moons line up, along with the owners, judges, court rulings, etc…then i believe this is the roster i’m stuck with. so the ONLY position i’m REALLY gonna try/have to address is the 5!! and maybe a scorer as a 6th man since in my scenario i’ll move JC to startin’ PG.

the backups are mostly in place if nothin’ else. LW, ZAZA, SHELDEN, SPEEDY, SJONES, LUE (if i can/want to resign him), RICHARDSON (would be my 2), SALIM is outta here, BASTISTA (gone).

so i know tweaks would have to be done. but essentially, i’d be goin’ with the premise, ‘what i got is what i’m gonna have’!! so that leaves me concerned about 1 position…..the startin’ 5!!! and somehow, no matter where our pick turns out, i think i’ll be able to upgrade the 5 regardless!!! yep, a poor man’s team and budget!!LOL

By MBATL

February 11, 2007 03:36 PM | Link to this

Okay, did my own research since no one stepped up to do it for me.

Unofficially, the Hawks are 8-20 when either JJ, JChills or JSmoove does not play. When all three play, they are 11-10.

Now this is not to say that we’re a .500 team - everybody has to deal with injuries and that’s part of becoming a good team. What it tells me is that despite the lack of a bruiser inside or a quality pg, the “core” is indeed rounding into shape.

I think we need (at minimum) a Jeff Foster type in the middle, move Childress to point - pray for good health and that Shelden and Marvin develop off the bench - and we’re a playoff team next year in the East.

By mykhalc

February 11, 2007 04:24 PM | Link to this

ANDO, i think your on point about WOODSON (coaches) and their styles not bein’ so changeable. but one would hope, especially in WOODSON’s case, tryin’ to keep his FIRST HC job that he’d be smart enough to recognize what’s workin’ for him and what’s not, where the teams strengths are, and how to best utilize the players he has. we would hope!!!!!

By mavid

February 11, 2007 05:23 PM | Link to this

just to make it clear, i no longer endorse the collison/ridnour trade

it was just an idea i was throwing out there anyways ;)

im too enthralled with the potential that the core 4 has. after seeing how well they played (and the chemistry they had) against phoenix, we could be a very good team in a couple seasons when they start approaching their mid 20s (i.e. their prime)

i think it would be ridiculous if morris doesnt sign here. home-town, AAU teammate, he fills a position we badly need, etc etc etc

By Dan

February 11, 2007 06:28 PM | Link to this

mykhalc,

I agree. I am not worried about the PG position as much as I am the 5 position. I think the whole PG thing in the NBA is overrated. Look how many teams do not use their PG in the clutch situations. I just finished watching the Lakers/Cavs game. Kobe and LeBron both ran the show down the stretch for their teams. Neither one is a PG. Joe Johnson can do the same thing for the Hawks. The thing he can’t do is grow 7 inches.

I guess we have to live with Speedy, since no one in their right mind would take him. I like BK, but he should be reminded everyday what a stupid move it was signing that guy. We are paying huge $$$ for a guy who will fall apart if he plays more than 20 minutes a night. I’m going to stop writing about it, for now. It just p*sses me off too much.

There has to be some size out there somewhere. I still say Slava would be a good bandaid solution for right now. He needs to see the floor more often.

I don’t think the 5 can be addressed with a trade. Probably have to wait until the offseason. Time to see that cap space BK is always bragging about go to work.

By mavid

February 11, 2007 07:22 PM | Link to this

ando

i agree with your assessment, right now id like the hawks to draft law, shawn williams (who before he got cut, was BEASTING) and then sign randolph morris

but, this could (and probably will) all change in the next couple months

By Floze

February 11, 2007 07:32 PM | Link to this

I have always liked BK, so I wonder why he has moved away from the BK of old. Remember the free wheeling Billy Knight who would throw around names like Jason Terry, Antione Walker, and Rasheed Wallace at the drop of the hat? I think the Spirit group has him hand cuffed with the ownership issue still in question. Why else wouldn’t he bring in the piece we glarringly need? Maybe Anthony Grundy can be brought back from the D-Leauge.

By mykhalc

February 11, 2007 08:16 PM | Link to this

Dan, the thing that gets me more than anything right now is feelin’ that the 5 that could do the job MIGHT be sittin’ on the bench??!! it will NOT take a scorin’ 5 to compliment the CORE 4!! he need only be dedicated to notoriously reboundin’, swattin’ some shots, and patrollin’ the paint!! scorin’ is not a prereq!!! we get points at the 5 from ZAZA (and he seems to be cool with his role now). give SJONES and/or SLAVA at least a shot, and i’ll shut the F up about ‘em!!!LOL

man, i get to watch a game tonite!!!! i’m prayin’ the ‘A’ team shows up too!!LOL GO HAWKS!!!!

By mavid

February 11, 2007 08:45 PM | Link to this

^^^ thats why shawn williams would be perfect (dude got kicked out of BC for repeated marijuana violations… id like to give him a shot… sooo much upside)

By mykhalc

February 11, 2007 09:08 PM | Link to this

man, i got the game on and GS only has 9 dressed and i ain’t feelin’ the least bit sorry for ‘em!! bay area announcers are cryin’ the blues ALREADY and the game hasn’t even started!!!!LOL GO HAWKS!!!

By Chris D'

February 11, 2007 09:11 PM | Link to this

No Point Guard ever won the championship on there own but no player ever won a championship on there own. A great point guard can be a great catalyst to a team and I had to take one player in NBA history to start building a team with and surround him with talent at other positions it would be Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Jr.

The point guard can make everyone on his team better and raise the level of their game.

Think about the numbers Joe and Josh Smith would put up if someone was creating them shots on a nightly basis with dribble penetration. Joe would have so many open threes. Josh Smith would have 3 to 5 easy dunks a night.

The break with a point guard handling the ball and Josh Smith running the lane with JJ spotting up at the three point line would be unstoppable.

Josh Smith is a premier shot blocker in the NBA yes a dominant low post threat center would help but I think most teams in the NBA would like one of those. But they most already have NBA point guards of some quality.

By mykhalc

February 11, 2007 09:27 PM | Link to this

man, JS…WHEW!!!!!

By mykhalc

February 11, 2007 09:39 PM | Link to this

JJ is just smooth!! JS and MW definitely got a thing growin’!! JS was lookin’ for him a couple of times when MW was not quite there!! MARVIN needed to come outta the gate a little quicker than he did!! the YOUNG GUNS are growin’ up!!! YEAH BABY!!! i know, i know, it’s just the 1st qtr!!!LOL

By mykhalc

February 11, 2007 09:56 PM | Link to this

get SALIM outta the game!!!

By mavid

February 11, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

^^^ ahahah, whatever happened to playing salim, royal, solomon more???

(i hope for your sake solomon gets some tick tonight, lol)

Seriously tho, what has gotten into j-smoove??

DUDE is getting ridiculous (can you say Caron Butler-like?)

And what about speedy! dude is playing pretty well too. (maybe he wont get so much hate on here for a few days ha)

By mykhalc

February 11, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

MAVID, i been hatin’ on SALIM’s game since day one!!!! that’s ANDO’s tank lineup you posted!!!LOL

that 1 yr difference between JS and MW bein’ in the league REALLY shows!!

hate that MW got into foul trouble so early. haven’t gotten to see the CORE 4 on the court together yet!!

SALIM got waaaaaaaaaay too much burn already tonite. i’d inactivate him at the half!!!

By mykhalc

February 11, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

imagine BIEDRINS as our 5!!!

By mykhalc

February 11, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

DOC, you’re right. SPEEDY’s got some hands!!

By mykhalc

February 11, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

is it a SOLOMON sightin’!!!?????LOL

By bosque

February 11, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

whoever likes the core 4 (JJ, JC, JS, and MW) they just went on a 6-0 run with 2 blocks and 2 offensive rebounds within like a minute of getting on the floor together…looks like there’s something there after all

By mykhalc

February 11, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

nah, my bad!! it was RICHARDSON.

JSMITH is RIDICULOUS!!!

JJ’s 1st step is a killa!!!!!

ok, i get to see it now…CORE 4 and ZAZA!!! let’s see if they can close it out???!!!

By mykhalc

February 11, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

JC at PG all day looooooong!!! they swung the ball nicely!!! SWEET!!!!

By Q

February 11, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

Y? R THE HAWKS NOT STARTING THERE BEST FIVE PLAYERS.JJ/JCHILDRESS/JSMITH/MWILLIAMS/PACHAULIA

By mykhalc

February 11, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

as good as SPEEDY has been this game, the offense looks better and the ball movement is soooooooo much better with the CORE 4, IMHO!!! but SPEEDY has had a real good game tho!!!

By mykhalc

February 11, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this

get SPEEDY outta the game and JS back in the game for the last minute!!

what the hell is WOODSON thinkin’ about sittin’ JS that long????

By mavid

February 11, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

speedy almost lost it for us with horrendous foul shooting

still, a win is a win!

By pablo bosque

February 11, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

lucky as hell…

speedy almost cost us the game goin’ 0 for 5 at the line

By Volman

February 11, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

Great game Speedy (except for the free throws).

JOSH SMITH IS A MONSTER! No questions asked.

How about that, Marvin knocked down some shots in the 4th quarter (his shot looked SWEET tonight)

Childress continues to play really really big for us.

Can we make this three straight with a victory tomorrow at Utah? I sure hope so.

Go Hawks!

By mykhalc

February 12, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

we got lucky but i’ll take it!! gotta learn to win the close ones some kinda way!!

good pass by SALIM to JC at the end…JC’s just gotta finish stronger and not look for a foul…not gonna get it…notice he did that a couple of times

the main thing i take away from this game is that the CORE 4 with ZAZA had the smoothest lookin’ offense of the nite. the ball just does not move enough when the ball is in SPEEDY’s hands. and i know he had 10 dimes but the way he ran the offense in the last 2 minutes sucked. and him not hittin’ the FT’s at the end almost cost a win!! the lineup at the end, after ZAZA fouled out, should have been the CORE 4 and LW!! that was the lineup that built the lead in the 4th.

yeah REESE my opinion of the CORE 4 is ONLY strengthen after gettin’ to see them play!!

WOODSON’s rotations coulda been a lot better. SALIM…’fraid not my brotha…just ain’t ready!!

ANDO, gotta agree with ya. SHELDEN at the 5th pick, i don’t get. probably will be a solid role player but don’t see much else.

MARVIN stepped up in the 2nd half. hit some big shots. i think MARVIN’s gonna be a player!! give him the same time to develop as JS has had and i think he steps in up quite a few levels!!!

JSMITH IS A PLAYER!! man, the cat really brings it!! if we ONLY had a 5 that brought him some help on defense and reboundin’!!!

and JJ…as unselfish, smart, and all-around as they come. he really is the J-SMOOTH!! he is a LOT quicker than i knew…first step is killa!!!

totally enjoyed watchin’ the YOUNG GUNS!! they’ve come a long way!!! GO HAWKS!!

By reese

February 12, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this

first of all, great win hawks. Childress and Wright were the players with entries in in every positive offensive/defensive category.

Congrats to Joe and Speedy for each having double figure assist and points. Congrats to Josh smith for another double double for points and rebounds.

Mykhalc, woodson was able to incorporate 11 players into the rotation again and they still won the game.

Wright is able to get 2 blocks while playing less than 20 minutes. Josh Smith is able to throw down those dunks and make his free throws in the 4th quarter while only playing 32 minutes.

Speedy scores in double digits and assists in 27 minutes. Probably a few too many minutes.

JJ doesn’t attempt a shot, doesn’t go for inbound passes agressively and passes to Marvin williams down the stretch because he is tired while playing 46 minutes.

Mykhalc, What did you think about shelden williams playing the center position. Also, if you were Solomon Jones would you go have a talk with woodson to see why your not getting any playing time and what can you do to get more playing time.

By Ken Strickland

February 12, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this

MAVID, in one of your last posts, you asked what has gotten into JSmooth. Despite opinions to the contrary, JSmith is better suited for the PF position. The latest surge in his performance directly coinsides with his switch to the PF position. He is now being defended by PF’s that are slower and less athletic. The switch also places him on the side of the OFF that allows him to utilize his dominate L hand when driving and shooting.

How else can you explain his recent surge in blocked shots and rebounds, if not for the switch? How else can you explain his newfound confidence, and willingness to drive to the basket, if not for the switch? If you can give a different reason, please let me know.

By mavid

February 12, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

hasnt smoove been playing the 4 ever since marvin came back in early december??

I was talking more about his surge in the last 5-10 games where he has been CONSISTENTLY throwing down (and emerging as a player who is as important to us as joe)

it was more a rhetorical question than anything. i tihnk the guy is getting more confident, smarter, and most imporantly, is ATTACKING the basket which opens up the game for himself and his teammates

By mykhalc

February 12, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

REESE, it’s not like i don’t want ANYBODY ELSE to play bro!!!LOL

ok…SALIM should not be playin’…PERIOD!!! SHELDEN would not see much time based on what i saw tonite either and i did not like him at the 5. and yep REESE if i was SJONES i’d be talkin’ to WOODSON!!!

and REESE had WOODSON left the CORE 4 in, instead of SPEEDY at the end, then the ball movement would have been there. so it would NOT have to fall all on JJ!! that was my biggest complaint about WOODSON’s rotations tonite. and i really think had MARVIN NOT gotten into foul trouble early in the game, 11 players would NOT have seen the court!!

By mykhalc

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

MAVID, KEN, i really don’t think either one is assigned as a 3 or 4 after gettin’ a chance to watch ‘em?!! i noticed MARVIN posted on the right block at times. and JS setup on the right block which allowed him to use the entire left side while drivin’. MARVIN’s posts were more of a conventional 4 tho. whereas, JS’s were more catches on the right block than posts!!

but KEN you’re right in that, if 4 tries to check JS away from the post then he’s gonna be in BIG trouble!!!

By mykhalc

February 12, 2007 01:07 AM | Link to this

REESE, now don’t forget i said…JC, JS, MW need to get 30-40 mins a game and JJ 35-45 mins to consistently compete. so had MW not gotten into foul trouble the minutes would have still been there as i’ve said.

and you’re right, it would be nice if JJ did not have to play as many minutes. but he IS NEEDED just that much right now!!

By mavid

February 12, 2007 01:25 AM | Link to this

smoove is definately the 4 on defense

not sure if they play explicit 3 and 4 on offense

By True ATL fan (non-transplant)

February 12, 2007 01:31 AM | Link to this

THE HAWKS NEED TO MOVE TO THE WESTERN CONFERENCE…..DOESN’T IT SEEM LIKE THEY PLAY BETTER WHEN THEY GET UP AND DOWN THE COURT WITH THOSE SO-CALLED RUNNING TEAMS OUT IN THE WEST?

P.S. LORENZEN IS LOBBYING FOR MORE PLAYING TIME!

By Volman

February 12, 2007 01:48 AM | Link to this

The Hawks would be great in the West, period.

We don’t have a type of playing style where we can “pound it out” like the Detroits, and Miamis.

Times are changing though, and the Hawks are getting better.

By mykhalc

February 12, 2007 01:50 AM | Link to this

MAVID, i didn’t even pay attention to who was checkin’ who on the defensive end. i did notice BIEDRINS wearin’ out whoever was on him tho!!!! man, we could use him….BAD!!!!

By mykhalc

February 12, 2007 03:45 AM | Link to this

BK needs to be on the phone findin’ out what it would take to get BIEDRINS!!!!! man, i like his game!!!

By Ken Strickland

February 12, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

Anyone notice how our current stretch of good basketball started with the insertion on LWright as the starting C? He has played tremendous DEF against C’s that play close to the basket, like DHoward for example. He, and the team has had trouble with C’s that play away from the basket, like CBosh. He also sets much better picks than Zaza, which has definitely benefited JJ.

With the switch, Wright’s contribution and impact has increased dramatically. At the same time, Zaza’s contribution seems to have remained about the same. This is especially evident in the area’s of scoring and rebounding, which is about the extent of his contribution anyway. I mentioned in an earlier post my dissatisfaction with the way Woodson has handled the team from an OFF perspective. With the athletes we have playing forward(the 2 Joshes and Marvin), why don’t we use the lob pass as an OFF weapon? With JJ being double/triple teamed, it would be a very effective high percentage play. When teams double/triple team JJ, we run a back pick and send one of them to the basket. Imagine any one player trying to stop JSmooth on a lob pass. We need to take pressure off JJ, and our half court OFF overall, by creating easy scoring opportunities. THE OVERALL IDENTITY OF THE HAWKS SHOULD BE THAT OF A YOUNG, ATHLETIC, HIGH FLYING, FAST BREAKING, THREE QUARTER COURT PRESSING TEAM.